Iran Has Waged a 47 Year War on Women: Christian Convert Sentenced to Death Breaks Her Silence

Iranian Women Defying Islamic Oppression for 47 Years: What the World Refuses to See

Iranian women have endured over 47 years of systematic oppression under the Islamic Republic, and on this International Women's Day, their courageous resistance demands the world's attention.

Marziyeh Amirizadeh, an Iranian American who was sentenced to death in Iran for converting to Christianity, has penned a powerful tribute to the millions of women who have suffered under the regime since the 1979 revolution brought Ayatollah Khomeini to power.

Under Islamic law in Iran, women are forced to wear hijab from age seven, cannot sing or dance in public, are prohibited from obtaining passports without a father's or husband's permission, and are barred from government positions. A woman's court testimony is valued at half that of a man's, and her inheritance rights are set at half of what men receive.

Amirizadeh describes the horrific reality of so called "honor killing" laws, where male relatives face no severe consequences for murdering female family members. After her own conversion to Christianity, a mullah advised her brother to kill her with complete legal impunity.

Under Islam, if a woman is abused or beaten by her husband, there is no law to defend them.

Marziyeh Amirizadeh wrote, citing a Quranic verse that gives men permission to beat their wives.

The article recounts the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, who was beaten mercilessly after her arrest by morality police for allowing her hair to show, went into a coma, and died. Women in Iran continue to face acid attacks and shootings for dress code violations, and sexual abuse and rape have been documented in prisons.

In the January 2026 uprising, millions took to the streets across all 31 provinces of Iran. Women stood at the forefront in cities including Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Rasht. The regime reportedly killed over 32,000 protesters in just two days, deliberately targeting young, physically fit individuals. At least 259 women have been confirmed killed.

Despite this brutality, Iranian mothers have turned their mourning into defiance, with some dancing at the funerals of their murdered children as an act of resistance.

An obscene joke, and another type of insult against Iranian women by the clowns and buffoons at the UN.

Amirizadeh said of the United Nations granting Iran a seat to monitor women's rights globally.

Christian Convert Sentenced to Death Speaks Out for Iranian Women on International Women's Day

Amirizadeh survived Evin prison in 2009, where she witnessed executions including that of her cellmate Shirin Alamhooli. She went on to found New Persia, an organization advocating for persecuted Christians and oppressed women under Islamic rule. She has authored two books, including "A Love Journey with God," and speaks internationally about human rights violations and religious persecution in Iran.

We must not forget. We must be the voices of and bear witness for Iranian women.

Amirizadeh concluded her tribute.

The Crusader's Opinion

The Islamic Republic of Iran has waged a 47 year war against its own women. They beat them for showing hair. They murder them for converting to Christ. They write laws that let brothers kill sisters and call it "honor." And what does the world do? The United Nations gives Iran a seat to monitor women's rights. That is not irony. That is complicity in evil.

Marziyeh Amirizadeh was sentenced to death for the "crime" of following Jesus. Her brother was told by a religious leader that killing her would carry no punishment. Let that sink in. Now ask yourself: what would happen if a Christian nation sentenced a Muslim woman to death for her faith? The world would burn with outrage. But when it is Christians and women suffering under Islam, the silence is deafening.

These women are not just fighting for freedom. They are fighting against a demonic system that treats half its population as subhuman. God sees every woman beaten, every mother dancing at her child's funeral in defiance, every girl marching without a hijab knowing she may die for it. Their courage shames every comfortable Western institution that stays silent.

Take Action

• Support persecuted Christians and women in Iran through The Shepherd's Shield, which provides aid to those fleeing religious persecution.
• Support New Persia, Marziyeh Amirizadeh's organization advocating for persecuted Christians and oppressed women in Iran.
• Support Open Doors and their work documenting and assisting persecuted Christians worldwide, including Iran, which is ranked as one of the most dangerous countries for Christians.
• Contact your representatives and demand they hold the UN accountable for giving Iran a role in monitoring women's rights. Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224 3121.
• Share this story and the stories of Iranian women on social media. Use the hashtags #IranianWomen #WomanLifeFreedom #InternationalWomensDay to raise awareness.