Signs designating an intersection in the heart of Little Tehran in Westwood as Women’s Life Freedom Square will be unveiled Sunday in connection with the second anniversary of the death of the woman which sparked the movement.
Mahsa Amini, 22, died on Sept. 16, 2022 in a hospital after her arrest by Iran’s morality police over allegedly not wearing her hijab to the liking of the authorities.
Amini was taken to Iran’s Vozara detention facility to undergo a “re-education class,” but collapsed after 26 minutes and was moved to a hospital 30 minutes later, according to a report submitted in March to the United Nations Human Rights Council by the Fact-Finding Mission on Iran.
Her death prompted protests throughout Iran chanting “Zan, Zendegi, Azadi” in Persian, which translates to “Women, Life, Freedom,” which was inspired by the Kurdish women’s movement, which has been fighting for women’s rights and autonomy in the region for decades.
The slogan expresses the idea that women’s rights are essential for life and liberty, and that women should have the freedom to choose their own way of dressing, living and participating in society.
The Los Angeles City Council voted 15-0 on Sept. 12, 2023 to approve a motion by Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky to designate the intersection of Westwood Boulevard and Rochester Avenue as Women Life Freedom Square in honor of Amini.
The councilwoman, whose 5th District includes Westwood, said after the vote the renaming of the intersection will send a clear message that “Los Angeles will always stand in solidarity with these brave women, the people of Iran and calls upon the (Iranian) government to end this political violence.”
The Council voted 10-0 on Sept. 4 to approve a donation of $18,950 worth of items from the Women’s March Foundation to be used for production of Sunday’s ceremony.
Yaroslavsky will be among the speakers at the 1 p.m. ceremony, which will be followed by a celebration including food, arts and crafts, wellness activities and resources for human rights advocacy.