FARIBA BABAEI

 Kermanshah- In Iran, women are subjected to oppression and violence every day. Although women's rights are restricted in the country, women struggle to overcome limitations set for them.

 NuJINHA spoke to a female traveler living in Kermanshah about what she faces. Due to security reasons, she asked us to keep her name confidential. “I will not talk about politics but I think keeping my name confidential will be better,” she told us.

She has been unemployed for a long time

The 37-year-old woman loves travelling. She is supported by her family since her family has a good financial situation. “I have a master's degree in climatology. I have been unemployed for a long time and I feel uncomfortable for sitting at home without a job. I logged into Snapchat two or three months before this year’s Newroz celebration. Chatting with other people made me feel better, and changed my personal and social life. I do not feel alone anymore.”

‘Women gain more confidence’

In Iranian society, people think that only men can travel alone and travelling alone is a taboo for women. “In the past, there was a big difference between the work of men and women. Today, there is no difference. Women gain more confidence. Today, women work in male-dominated industries and occupations across the world. For instance, women drive buses and maybe they drive buses and cars better than men do. I think there is no difference between women and men because they have almost the same abilities.”

She was subjected to harassment

She told us that she had been subjected to verbal harassment while travelling. “Many men, who got on the bus, had good character, respecting me but some of them asked for my mobile number and verbally harassed me. There are such men but eventually they get tired and stop bothering you.”

 She concluded her speech by calling on women not to "be afraid of anything. You have the capacity to overcome all challenges. Do not be afraid of anything because you can do whatever you want.”