Women's Security: From Social Responsibility to Preventive Culture-Building

✍️ Alireza Ghorbani _ Social Researcher

In recent days, distressing news has circulated in public media, particularly on social platforms, that pains every Iranian's heart. Elahe Hosseinnezhad, an Iranian woman, was assaulted and murdered by a private car driver with intent to rob. Numerous media outlets reported this incident, attempting to portray women's social security in Iran as bleak and unstable.

In this commentary, we aim to examine the social and media dimensions of this incident to objectively assess whether women's security in Iran is truly so precarious—and what factors could help improve the current situation.

1. All Daughters of Iran Are the Honor of This Land

As the luminous words of Martyr Haj Qassem Soleimani (RA) conveyed: "All daughters of this land are our daughters and our honor." This is not merely a slogan but a profound Islamic-Iranian belief that recognizes women as the most dignified members of society. For the chivalrous men of Iran, there is no difference between the captive and martyred women of the Sacred Defense era—who sacrificed dozens to protect the dignity of a single Khorramshahr girl—Elahe Hosseinnejad, or even Mahsa Amini. Any injustice against a woman is an injustice against the entire society, and every crime wounds the collective conscience.

Yet, the selective approach of biased media in sensationalizing tragic social incidents raises critical questions. Consider a similar case:
Just one month earlier, in Ordibehesht 1404 (April-May 2024), a woman named Zahra Amiri—a broadcasting expert—was murdered, and her jewelry was stolen. Why have none of this article's readers heard of Zahra Amiri's killing? Why was no campaign launched for her?

Did Zahra Amiri's media profile lack the "trending" potential compared to Elahe Hosseinnezhad, an ordinary citizen? Why do only select cases dominate news cycles? Could there be any reason other than the sworn enemies of Iran's people orchestrating chaos—especially during the sensitive current phase of Iran-U.S. negotiations?

Beyond analyzing hostile media agendas, the pressing question remains: Is riding the wave of biased media coverage or mere condemnation of Elahe Hosseinnezhad's case sufficient? Or must we pursue solutions to prevent such tragedies from recurring?

2. Tragedies Are Not Country-Specific

Some, through media exaggeration, assume Iran faces graver social security crises than Western nations. Yet global statistics tell another story:

• USA: FBI crime data shows 1 in 6 American women experiences rape or sexual assault in her lifetime, with 2,000+ daily domestic violence calls to police. (Source: FBI UCR Program, WHO reports)
• Europe: In France, a woman is killed by her partner every 3 days; Germany records 100,000+ annual sexual assaults. (Source: EU FRA, UN 2022 Global Gender Killings Report)
• Western Media Silence: Many European countries heavily restrict reporting on rape/sexual violence to "protect social dignity"—but does silence equate to resolution?

Conclusion: Incidents like Elahe Hosseinnezhad's occur globally. However, due to Iran's relatively freer media environment, some cases gain disproportionate visibility, while Western counterparts are often censored or downplayed.

3. Can Hijab Enhance Women's Security?

A point of discussion regarding Elahe Hosseinnezhad involves her unveiled images circulating online. Without judging personal choices, we must ask: Does hijab act as a deterrent against harassment?

• Risk Reduction Theory: Social psychology confirms criminals often target more visible/vulnerable subjects. Islamic hijab, by establishing a protective boundary, can serve as a preventive measure.
• Historical Evidence: Societies where women adopt modest attire report lower street harassment rates.

Yet critically, hijab alone is insufficient. Without preventive cultural measures, violence may persist even with hijab.

4. Proposed Solutions: From Policing to Cultural Reform

1. Strengthen Public Transport Oversight:
   Mandate cameras in taxis/rideshares.
   Implement real-time harassment reporting systems.
2. Cultivate Male Accountability:
   Teach respect for women’s boundaries from school age.
   Encourage men’s protective (not controlling) roles.
3. Media Responsibility:
   Replace sensationalism with actionable solutions.
   Promote safe behavioral models for women.
4. Economic Measures:
   Alleviate livelihood pressures that fuel crime.
   Create stable jobs to reduce delinquency.

5. Women’s Security: A Collective Duty

Elahe Hosseinnezhad’s case is an alarm bell—not just for police or government, but for all of us. Women’s security is guaranteed only when:

• Men channel their honor into protecting (not controlling) women.
• Authorities reinforce oversight infrastructures.
• Media prioritizes education over agitation.

Women of this land—veiled or unveiled, traditional or modern, religious or secular—are all integral to our nation’s fabric. Their security is our collective honor.

May the day come when no woman in Iran feels threatened—whether on streets, in taxis, or anywhere else.