
Masih Alinejad
Brief info
Masih Alinejad is a prominent Iranian-American journalist, author, and activist known for her courageous stance on women's rights and her outspoken criticism of the Iranian government. She has long been involved in political activism, even facing arrest in her youth for opposing the regime. Alinejad began her journalism career in Iran, reporting on parliamentary issues, and gained attention for exposing corruption within the government. Her bold articles led to her dismissal from Iranian media.
Forced into exile in 2009, Alinejad settled in the United States, where she continued her activism. In 2014, she founded the campaign "My Stealthy Freedom," which encourages Iranian women to protest against mandatory hijab laws by posting pictures of themselves without the headscarf. The movement grew into a powerful voice for Iranian women's rights, gaining global recognition. In addition to her activism, she has worked as a presenter for Voice of America Persian News Network and has contributed to numerous media outlets.
Alinejad has faced significant threats from the Iranian regime, including harassment and an alleged kidnapping plot in 2021. Despite these dangers, she remains a tireless advocate for freedom, particularly for Iranian women. Her book, The Wind in My Hair (2018), chronicles her experiences growing up under oppressive laws in Iran and her journey to become an activist.
Recognized internationally for her work, Alinejad has received awards such as the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy's Women's Rights Award and was named one of Time magazine's Women of the Year in 2023. Today, she continues to lead campaigns like #WhiteWednesdays and #MyStealthyFreedom, rallying global support for women's freedom in Iran.