On International Women’s Day, 2026, we honor millions of Iranian women fighting repression, sexism and tyranny in the endless revolutions in Iran of the past 100 years. The “Woman, Life, Freedom” revolution grew in response to the beating death of Mahsa Jina Amini in Saqqez, Kurdistan, on Sept. 15, 2022. Her murder was punishment by the Iranian “morality police” for wearing her hijab improperly, and, Marjane Satrapi writes: it sparked “a nationwide outcry, evolving into a feminist revolution that gained the support of men—a truly unprecedented development…” and was brutally repressed by Ayatollah Khamenei’s Revolutionary Guards. Since December 2025, Iran has been trying to repress another mass, nationwide protest. We mourn the thousands who were murdered. But despite the recent massacre, Woman, Life, Freedom (Jin, Jiyan, Azadi) continues to reverberate worldwide.

‘THE BEAUTY OF IRANIAN WOMEN IN REVOLUTION’

Woman, Life, Freedom, by Marjane Satrapi (Seven Stories Press, 2024) captures the rich beauty of Iranian women in revolution—and the brutal imprisonment, torture and deaths imposed on them by the theocratic regime. Creator Marjane Satrapi, who also authored Persepolis, produced this book of graphic short stories collectively with two dozen Iranian and international writers and artists, several from exile.

There are two aims of the book, published on the first anniversary of her murder. One is “to decipher events in all their complexity and nuance,” for readers outside Iran. The second is to remind Iranians that they are not alone, that Western nations—not their politicians—support their cause. The online Persian version was made available to all Iranians, free of charge.

Three main sections group the articles: “The Events” describe Amini’s life and death, the rapes and torture in Evin Prison, the young protest leaders, demonstrations and the winter of executions. The song “Bayare,” the “anthem of the revolution,” is beautifully illustrated.

Part II, “A Bit of History,” recalls the three major Iranian revolutions of the past century alongside a glimpse of political discussion among families at Nowruz holiday gatherings.

Part III, “The Iron Regime…A People Resisting,” names unsung revolutionary men and women and support coming from Iranians in exile. “Women Saying No” honors lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh and human rights activist Narges Mohammadi. The book concludes with “And Then?” a discussion among Satrapi and four other contributors.

As Trump’s war of the week and broken promises to aid the Iranian protesters wreak havoc on Iran; as regime opponents continue to be imprisoned, tortured, and killed; this book lights a path forward. Its creators inspire all of us to exercise our full humanity.

–Susan Van Gelder