Voices of Resistance
Iranian Women’s Institute for Life and Liberty (I-WILL)
Empower Women. Change Lives. Act Today!
About Us
Inspired by the “Woman Life Freedom” uprising which started in Iran against the Islamic Republic regime in September of 2022 following the brutal killing of an innocent Kurdish Iranian girl, Mahsa Jina Amini by government agents, the Iranian Women Institute for Life and Liberty (I-WILL) seeks to provide a platform to raise awareness about, and support, women who have been victims of gender apartheid and discrimination. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, we aspire to foster a society where immigrant women are empowered to contribute fully, enriching the fabric of our global community with their strength and resilience.
At I-WILL, our mission is to empower immigrant women by raising awareness of their unique challenges and fostering opportunities for community engagement through advocacy and education. We are dedicated to supporting their journey as they transition to new societies, ensuring their voices are heard, their contributions are valued, and their resilience is celebrated.
Our vision is to create a world where the struggles of immigrant women are acknowledged and addressed. We aspire to empower immigrant women and those who have endured years of discrimination and gender apartheid, fostering a more inclusive and equitable future.
By @shabillustre
Events
25
Nov
Her Stories: Breaking Silence on Violence Against Women
4:00 pm - 7:30 pm
A Collaborative Celebration of Resilience and Voices of Immigrant Women HerStories: Breaking Silence on Violence Against Women…
Events' Photos
Conferences & Art Exhibits
Photo Gallery
Shuttered Eyes
Documenting Courage and Resilience in Women Struggling Against Oppression in the Woman Life Freedom Movement
This photo gallery captures the powerful stories of women who have shown immense bravery and resilience in the face of oppression. Through these meaningful images, their struggle, courage, and unyielding spirit are documented as part of the Woman Life Freedom Movement. Each photograph tells a story of strength and defiance, highlighting the ongoing fight for justice and equality.
Lost Lives
A Tribute to Courageous Souls Remembering Those Who Sacrificed in the Woman Life Freedom Movement
According to activists focused on human rights (Iranwire), the protests lasting five months in duration claimed the lives of more than 520 individuals in 26 provinces, including 60 women.
Art Gallery
Artistic Expressions for Women's Rights
Raaz Iravani
Artist
Raaz Iravanipour is an Iranian interdisciplinary artist and realism painter based in New Jersey. Born in Iran, she moved to the United States with her family in 2011 at the age of ten, but her connection to Iran and its people has never faded. In 2021, she began training at the Ridgewood Art Institute and is currently a fine arts student pursuing a BFA at William Paterson University. When the Woman, Life, Freedom movement erupted in 2022, her artistic purpose became clear—she would use her work to amplify the voices of the Iranian people and preserve the stories of their struggle.
Samaneh Sarchami
Artist
Samaneh Sarchami is a multidisciplinary artist, editor, instructor, and educator with a background in fine arts and a master’s degree. Her artistic practice explores the collective unconscious of people from the Middle East, particularly her homeland, Iran, who have been affected by war and conflict. Using textiles, needlework, printmaking, and installation, she documents trauma, resilience, and memory. Her exhibitions, including shows on Human Rights Day and the Woman-Life-Freedom movement anniversary, reflect her commitment to social justice and integrate historical narratives. Currently based in the U.S., she has participated in multiple group exhibitions and is furthering her artistic career through academic pursuits and professional engagements.
Shab
Artist
Shab is a Franco-Iranian illustrator and artist born and living in France. With her drawings she supports the Women Life Freedom movement. Since the death of Jina Mahsa Amini in September 22nd of 2022 she has been sharing information on social media and drawing inspiration from those who are fighting at the peril of their lives for freedom. She supports collectives, activists, and organizations in illustrating the mission on behalf of women’s rights and freedom for Iran.
Resources
Human Rights Allies
Abdorrahman Boroumand Center
Non-profit Human rights Organization
The Abdorrahman Boroumand Center (ABC) is a non-governmental non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of human rights and democracy in Iran.
IRANHRDC
Human Rights Documentation Center
The Iran Human Rights Documentation Center is a non-profit documenting human rights abuses in Iran to promote justice and fairness.
United for Iran
Human Rights and Democracy NGO
Iranian activists and former political prisoners, dedicated to empowering Iranians and championing freedom in Iran.
Amnesty Iran
Global Human Rights NGO
Amnesty Iran is a global movement consisting of ten million people spread across more than 150 countries and regions, working to end human rights violations.
Justice for Iran
Non-Profit Promoting Human Rights
Established in July 2010, Justice for Iran (JFI) is a London-based human rights NGO which seeks freedom from impunity.
Iran Human Rights
Non-Profit Human Rights Organization
Non-profit, human rights organization with members inside and outside Iran. It is a non partisan and politically independent organization with its base in Oslo, Norway.
United Against Nuclear Iran
Non-partisan Policy Organization
United Against Nuclear Iran is a non-profit addressing threats from the Islamic Republic of Iran to promote security and stability.
Women Rights Activists
Afshin-Jam Mackay, Nazanin
Human Rights Advocate, Author
Nazanin Afshin-Jam Mackay is a prominent human rights advocate known for her extensive work in the areas of child rights and Iranian justice. She has played a significant role in raising awareness and advocating for policy changes.
Mojtahedi, Negar
Award-Winning Journalist and Filmmaker
Negar Mojtahedi is a seasoned journalist and award-winning filmmaker with experience at Iran International English, Global BC, CTV, and CBC, passionate about storytelling, aviation, news, and food.
Sharmahd, Gazelle
Human Rights Activist
Gazelle Sharmahd is a dedicated Iranian human rights activist and the daughter of imprisoned journalist Jamshid Sharmahd. She advocates for freedom of expression and the rights of political prisoners.
Alinejad, Masih
Journalist, Author, Women's Rights Activist
Masih Alinejad is an influential Iranian-American journalist and women's rights activist. She has made significant contributions through her roles at VOA Persian Service, highlighting critical human rights issues and advocating for women's empowerment.
Nia, Gissou
International Criminal and Human Rights Lawyer
Gissou Nia is a distinguished attorney specializing in international criminal and human rights law. Her work focuses on promoting justice and accountability for human rights violations on a global scale.
Boniadi, Nazanin
Actor, Human Rights Advocate
Nazanin Boniadi is an acclaimed actor and dedicated human rights advocate. She uses her platform to support various causes related to women's rights and social justice, making significant contributions both in entertainment and activism.
Revealing the Hidden Agony: Sexual Assault in Iran’s Crackdown on Protesters
How Iran's security forces exploit sexual violence to suppress protests by CNN
Haje Omeran, Iraq (CNN) — A trickle of people passes through a normally busy border crossing in the mountains of northern Iraq. “It’s a big prison over there,” one Iranian woman says, gesturing to the hulking gate that marks the border with Iran’s Islamic Republic, which has been convulsed by protest for over two months