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Woman Life Freedom Uprising Main MenuWoman, Life, FreedomIran, Islam & the InevitableContextualizing the Islamization of IranThe Making of the Modern WomanIcons & Personas of Woman Life FreedomOrigins of the UprisingFreedom through the FemaleThe Writing in the MarginsNasleh Zed's Youthful UprisingSoundtracking Woman Life FreedomUrban Canvases of the UprisingFeminist Placemaking of a Digital UprisingAfterlives of Woman, Life, FreedomWLF ResourcesHere you will find our sources all compiled in one placeNahid Siamdoust - UT Austin Iran Collab Networka897e5b6082169b816946b1032f8b3c01e62c1ee
Singing for Change
1media/Screen Shot 2024-10-27 at 6.46.09 PM.png2024-10-27T14:37:35-07:00Asal Khers 8fe2adde84e1fbd5622a773ff45de6e34c901d404587115How Music Amplifies Iran’s Fight for Justiceimage_header2024-12-08T17:15:23-08:00Asal Khers 8fe2adde84e1fbd5622a773ff45de6e34c901d40In the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement, music has played a powerful role. It has served as a tool to spread awareness, with catchy tunes that resonate deeply and encourage people to share them widely. These songs have gained such prominence that they’ve even caught the attention of figures like Jill Biden, symbolizing their global impact. Beyond spreading awareness, music has highlighted the resilience of Iranian women. Despite the Islamic Republic's denial of public performance opportunities for women, they continue to train their voices, using music not only to embrace their artistic expression but also to fight for their rights. “The Islamic Republic never gave them that chance, but women created that space for themselves online.” Many women have used their voices to contribute to the uprising. Bella Ciao, a widely known protest song, was sung by two Iranian sisters and “embraced by Iranians as well as others who sought to express international solidarity with the movement.” Their version includes lines that reflect both the struggle and hope for change (Siamdoust, 2023). Translation from "Iranian sisters' soulful rendition of Bella Ciao" “The soil of this wheat is on the streets The cluster of our anger is thirsty for rain ... A new world, this is to a new beginning The window is open all the way to the dream ... Bella ciao, bella ciao Bella ciao, ciao, ciao We will stir from sleep one moonlit night We will be awake until tomorrow In the end, this chain, this world-swallowing oppression Will be broken by our own hands.”
Lines like "this chain, this world-swallowing oppression will be broken by our own hands" highlights the strength and determination of the people. Their version links Iran’s fight for freedom to global movements.
Additionally, Shervin Hajipour’s song "Baraye" became the anthem of the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement, as it captured the hopes and struggles of Iranians under the Islamic regime. The song’s lyrics list personal reasons for protesting, from wanting freedom for women to cleaner air. This relatable and emotional message helped people worldwide understand the challenges faced by Iranians and brought attention to their fight for basic rights.
Songs like Bella Ciao and Baraye capture the struggle and hope of Iranians, linking their fight to global calls for freedom. Music in this movement is more than art, it’s a symbol of resilience, solidarity, and the fight for justice.
