# Turning Headscarves into Art: A Powerful Movement for Women’s Rights
## Key Points
– Nila Rezaei’s ‘Crafted Liberation’ project repurposes donated headscarves into stadium seats.
– This project aims to raise awareness of the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in Iran and inspire global solidarity.
– The hijab has been used by the Iranian government as a tool to control women’s bodies and restrict their freedoms.
Hundreds of unwanted headscarves from all over the world have been transformed into pieces of art in Australia, serving as a protest against Iran’s mandatory hijab rules. The project is the work of Iranian-Australian designer Nila Rezaei.
### ‘A Sense of Guilt’
More than two years ago, the death in custody of Mahsa Jina Amini sparked protests all over Iran. She was a woman from Iran’s Kurdish minority arrested by the so-called morality police for allegedly not observing the country’s mandatory hijab laws.
“This project was a form of therapy for me,” said Nila Rezaei. “I felt a sense of guilt for not being able to physically join the protests. This project allowed me to channel my emotions and contribute to the cause in a meaningful way.”
After putting a call out for donations, Rezaei and her company RK Collective set to work with the help of a team of specialized textile waste manufacturers to create sports stadium seats using the headscarves. The headscarf, a symbol of oppression in Iran, has been reclaimed by some women as a tool of defiance.
Similarly, the stadium has traditionally been off-limits to women. Recently, Iranian authorities have claimed that women can now attend sporting events at stadiums, but in reality, significant restrictions remain in place. By repurposing these headscarves, Rezaei said she has created a tangible representation of women’s resilience and their ongoing struggle for freedom and equality.
### Symbol of the ‘Government’s Control over Women’s Bodies’
Azadeh Davachi, an Iranian-Australian researcher, writer, and women’s rights activist, highlighted the hijab’s significance as more than just a religious symbol for the Iranian government. They have used it as a tool of control to enforce a specific ideology on women.
“The hijab symbolizes the government’s control over women’s bodies,” Davachi stated. She mentioned the recent approval of the “hijab and chastity” bill by the Iranian parliament, imposing strict dress codes and harsh penalties for non-compliance.
Following this bill, the Iranian state announced plans to open a “treatment clinic” for women who violate the mandatory hijab laws. This announcement came after a university student protested the strict hijab laws by stripping down to her underwear on campus and was subsequently transferred to a psychiatric hospital.
While there hasn’t been a significant change toward more freedom in Iran’s laws, Davachi noted a gradual shift in attitudes, particularly within families, against the mandatory hijab.
### Installing the Seats in Iran
Rezaei hopes that her work will empower Iranian women to share their stories and inspire non-Iranians to engage with issues like the hijab. She envisions “Crafted Liberation” extending beyond a mere exhibition to become a platform for discussion and storytelling.
“I hope that non-Iranians will feel comfortable discussing these issues, even if they haven’t experienced them firsthand,” she said. Rezaei dreams of seeing the seats installed in the 78,000-capacity Azadi Stadium in Tehran, the primary home venue of the Iranian national football team.
In conclusion, Nila Rezaei’s ‘Crafted Liberation’ project is a powerful statement against the oppressive hijab laws in Iran. By repurposing headscarves into art, she is not only raising awareness but also creating a platform for dialogue and solidarity in the fight for women’s rights. This innovative approach to activism showcases the resilience and creativity of women in the face of adversity.
## FAQ
– What is the significance of the hijab in Iran?
– How has Nila Rezaei’s project impacted the conversation around women’s rights?
– What are the future plans for the ‘Crafted Liberation’ project?