Fight for Justice — Even if You Don’t Live To See It | Golriz Lucina | TED

Summary

This powerful speech reflects on the legacy of Táhirih, a 19th-century Iranian poet and women's rights advocate, who defied oppressive traditions by unveiling herself and speaking out against injustice. Despite being executed, her bravery continues to inspire. The speaker draws parallels between Táhirih's story and the current struggles of women in Iran, particularly the protests following Mahsa Jina Amini's death. The speech emphasizes the importance of love-driven activism, multigenerational efforts for justice, and concludes with a poignant poem from Táhirih calling for peace, justice, and reconciliation.

Takeaways

• 👩‍⚖️ A young Iranian woman, Táhirih, bravely defied societal norms by removing her veil and speaking out for gender equality nearly 200 years ago.
• 📜 Táhirih was a poet, mystic, and advocate for human rights who inspired others to seek justice and freedom despite harsh opposition.
• 🚫 Táhirih was imprisoned and executed for her defiance, accused of spreading corruption and challenging deeply ingrained traditions.
• ⚖️ Despite her death, Táhirih's legacy endures, inspiring future generations of women in Iran to fight for their rights and freedoms.
• 📅 The story of Táhirih mirrors the struggles of modern Iranian women, such as those protesting after the death of Mahsa Jina Amini in 2022.
• ✊ The slogan 'woman, life, freedom' echoes Táhirih's final words, 'You can kill me as soon as you like, but you cannot stop the emancipation of women.'
• 🌱 Táhirih's life teaches the importance of standing up against oppression with love and compassion, not hatred or bitterness.
• 🕊️ The fight for justice is a long-term, multigenerational endeavor, and change may not be seen immediately, but each action plants seeds for the future.
• 💪 Táhirih's activism was driven by her deep love for humanity, offering a model for those who seek social change today.
• 📖 Táhirih’s poetic legacy, although much of her work was destroyed, continues to inspire the ongoing pursuit of equality and freedom.

Q & A

Who was Táhirih and what role did she play in history?

Táhirih was a poet, mystic, and champion for human rights in 19th century Iran. She defied the oppressive norms of her time by advocating for women's rights and calling for a more just and equitable society. Her bold actions, including removing her veil in public, challenged societal traditions, leading to her eventual execution.

What is the significance of Táhirih's removal of her veil during the male-only conference?

Táhirih’s act of removing her veil in a male-only gathering was a powerful symbol of defiance against the traditional, patriarchal norms of her time. It shocked the audience and represented her demand for women’s liberation and a break from oppressive cultural practices.

How is Táhirih’s story relevant to current events in Iran?

Táhirih’s story mirrors the struggles faced by modern Iranian women who are fighting for their rights, particularly in the context of protests following the death of Mahsa Jina Amini. Like Táhirih, these women are using nonviolent means, such as removing their hijabs, to demand their freedoms and challenge oppressive laws.

What parallels are drawn between Táhirih's fate and the recent women's rights movements in Iran?

The script draws parallels between Táhirih’s execution for her activism and the persecution of modern women activists in Iran who are fighting for their rights. Both Táhirih and today’s women face severe punishments for defying restrictive laws, but their courage continues to inspire social change.

What message did Táhirih convey with her last words before her execution?

Táhirih's last words were, 'You can kill me as soon as you like, but you cannot stop the emancipation of women.' These words reflect her unshakable belief that even though her life could be taken, the movement for women's rights and justice would continue and eventually succeed.

How did Táhirih use her position to inspire change despite her limitations?

Though Táhirih was in an arranged marriage from the age of 14 and had three children, she used her poetry, speeches, and actions to inspire those around her to challenge oppressive traditions and seek the truth independently. Her efforts were met with hostility, yet she remained undeterred in her pursuit of justice and equality.

What lessons does Táhirih's life offer to modern activists?

Táhirih’s life teaches modern activists the importance of acting with conviction, even in the face of severe opposition. Her dedication to justice and equality, despite the personal cost, emphasizes that meaningful social change often requires long-term sacrifice and commitment.

Why is Táhirih's legacy considered significant in the context of multigenerational social change?

Táhirih's legacy is significant because it highlights that social transformation is a multigenerational effort. Her teachings and sacrifices laid the groundwork for future generations to continue the struggle for justice and freedom, showing that while immediate results may not always be visible, the seeds of change are planted for future societies.

How does the poem by Táhirih reflect her vision for the future?

Táhirih’s poem, 'Let warring ways be banished from the world,' reflects her desire for a world of peace, justice, and reconciliation. Her vision was not only for women’s rights but also for a broader societal transformation where love and friendship replace hatred and conflict.

What call to action does Táhirih's life and poetry present to the audience?

Táhirih’s life and poetry urge the audience to act with courage and compassion in the face of oppression. She calls on individuals to do the 'next right thing,' even if they won’t live to see the full impact of their efforts, understanding that their actions plant the seeds for future justice and peace.