Iran Through Women’s Eyes: A World Affairs Salon Experience

World Affairs is honored to host our first intimate salon, held in solidarity with Iranians worldwide, on Thursday, April 27 at 6:00 PM PT in San Francisco. Explore the complexity of Iran—its history and current challenges—through the intersection of art, culture and politics with leading figures from the Bay Area’s Iranian diaspora. From an engaging discussion to an art performance and a one-of-a-kind dinner, this immersive journey will guide you through Iran’s rich traditions and political landscape.

For the past seven months, civil unrest and protests have racked the country after 22-year-old Mahsa Jina Amini was killed in police custody at the hands of Iran’s “morality police.” And though the Iranian government has detained over 20,000 protesters and killed more than 500 (according to Human Rights Activists in Iran), Iranians continue to demand fundamental change under the umbrella of the Kurdish rallying cry: “Women, Life, Freedom.”

What’s unique about these protests? Not only are they much larger and more prolonged than previous ones, but this time women and Gen Z are at the forefront—and they’ve united nearly every section of society.

One of the world’s oldest major civilizations, Iran is so much more complex than the headlines. Come join us in person on Thursday, April 27 at 6:00 PM PT for an immersive and nuanced exploration of Iran, its current regime and the far-reaching impact of the recent political unrest on its diaspora. Our panelists will speak on civil rights for women, press freedom, the protest movement and the power of culture and food to bring people together. After illuminating conversations, attendees will enjoy a Persian meal prepared by Komaaj and celebrate this rich community.

We are thrilled to partner with Refugee Eye Gallery to showcase refugee and immigrant Iranian visual artists based in the Bay Area.

PANELISTS

Lily Jamali, Senior Reporter at Marketplace
Dr. Persis Karim, Scholar of Iranian Diaspora Studies
Firuzeh Mahmoudi, Founder and Executive Director of United for Iran
Yeganeh Rezaian, Senior Researcher at the Committee to Protect Journalists