There are times in our world history when our social justice issues are brought forward to our global consciousness. But what we really need to think about is how we view social justice and what we can do to resolve the issues that arise against it.
Throughout history, there have been various social justice movements that have identified the difference in the liberties and rights that have been afforded to individuals – including the manner regarding how society extends its respect and dignity to each other. As such, this identification process has existed as a form of awareness.
Over the years, activists have constantly made us aware that the burdens and benefits have not been equally allocated in our society and that basic rules and norms have been governed by our society have continued to preserve those discrepancies.
Awareness should be the baseline expectation for those who are committed to social justice. Bringing to their attention the injustice that is plaguing our society can be a constructive way to move forward with changing the way we have been approaching social issues for years.
The Issues With Female Identity in Iran
As such, let us bring to everyone’s attention one of the longest unjust actions that has been happening within the borders of Iran. Women, who were once considered equal to their male counterparts, had their rights taken away from them thousands of years ago and have succumbed to the harsh treatment of their society’s laws for so long. And what is even worse is that their situation has yet to be brought to global attention.
Strong and impactful actions need to take place that can push societies to right the wrongs they have indulged in for so long. There are some people who have been working on initiating social change.
For example, let us consider the contributions made by the revered Iranian photographer Amak Mahmoodian – a professional who has been bridging the space between personal and political with her art.
For years now, her work has been highlighting the notions of identity and expression of personal stories that pertain to broader social issues drawn from her experiences in the Middle East, the West, and Asia.
Some of her projects that have gained a positive response over the years include her first photobook, ‘Shenasnameh.’ The book focused on the lifestyles of Iranian women, while using her three years worth of hard work and research collecting documents from the Iran government in her pursuit for personalized female identification.
The we have her other book ‘Zanjir’ which was based on her earlier project called “Where time Stood Still” and is centered around an imaginative conversation between her and the Persian princess, Taj Saltaneh, who was feminist and the co-founder of the first underground movement for women’s rights. Zanjir was exhibited by Arnolfini, Bristol’s Centre of Contemporary Art and it was the first place to bring Zanjir into a gallery setting, celebrating a new voice in Bristol’s visual arts scene.
