Iranian Women Chess Players Compete Without Hijab, Joining Protests Against Government

Two Iranian women chess players have made headlines by competing in an international tournament without wearing a hijab. Sara Khadem and Atousa Pourkashiyan participated in the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where they were seen with their hair showing and fully focused on the game.

This bold move follows a trend of Iranian sportswomen abandoning the mandatory headscarf, which is required under Iran’s strict Islamic dress code. The decision to forgo the hijab has sparked protests against the Iranian government, with women taking a stand by removing or burning their headscarves in public demonstrations.

The unrest surrounding the hijab intensified after the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in custody after being arrested by Iran’s morality police for allegedly not wearing her hijab correctly. Her cousin, Erfan Mortezaei, revealed that she was tortured and insulted before her death, further fueling the outrage against the government.

In recent months, other Iranian athletes have also made headlines for unintentionally competing without a hijab, showing solidarity with protesters, or speaking out against the government. The actions of these individuals have drawn attention to the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and freedom of expression in Iran.

As the world watches these courageous women defy societal norms and challenge authority, the conversation around women’s rights and personal freedoms in Iran continues to gain momentum. The bravery of Sara Khadem and Atousa Pourkashiyan serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and autonomy in the face of oppression.