Iranian tram drivers in Cottbus: Courageous steps to freedom!

Iranian tram drivers in Cottbus: Courageous steps to freedom!

The stories of protests, flight and hope unite in the life of Sahar Parval, a 39-year-old tram driver in Cottbus, Germany. Originally from Iran, where she trained bus and truck drivers, her life has changed significantly in the past five years. Together with her husband, she moved to Germany to support him in his studies. In Cottbus she found a job at the municipal transport company Cottbus traffic and is one of the 28 drivers among a total of 278 employees.

In Iran, the opportunities for women in the traffic sector are severely restricted by gender -separated public transport. This cuts women like Parval the opportunity to work in a profession they love. In Germany, on the other hand, she can live out her passion, even if she was confronted with a threatening situation in her previous time when a man hit the door of her tram and the police had to be called.

a life between freedom and prohibited

In their free time, Parval is devoted to motorcycling - an activity that is prohibited in Iran for women. She recently undertaken a longer motorcycle tour through the Czech Republic and enjoys the freedom that she feels in Germany. This freedom is not a matter of course, especially if you look at the current protests in Iran against the restrictive measures of the moral police and for women's rights.

Since September 17, 2022, Iran has been the scene of massive protests that were triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, who died after their arrest by the moral police. According to human rights groups, these protests, supported by the motto "Frau.leben. Lebens. Free", have asked for at least 240 fatalities and over 8,000 people were arrested in 111 cities. Symbol figures such as 16-year-old Nika Schakarami and Sarina Esmailzadeh stand for the movement that defends themselves against the oppression of women in Iran.

art and digital protests

Despite the massive state procedure and internet blocks, resistance blooms. Pictures and videos of women who remove their headscarves or cut their hair are still carried on the Internet. The social media landscape, especially Twitter, serves as a platform for the exchange of information and mobilization. Numerous illustrations and artistic forms of expression have emerged since the start of the protests to support resistance. In addition, the singer Shervin Hajipour's song “Baraye” became the unofficial hymn of the movement that is played worldwide.

The courage and determination of women in Iran are also reflected in the stories of women such as Sahar Parval, who, despite the challenges they are facing, strive for a life in freedom. A goal for which many women in Iran fight every day, and which can also be supported by those who are outside the national borders.

A way to support the protest movement is to find out more about the current situation and show solidarity. At only five minutes a day everyone can help to draw attention to the conditions in Iran and to promote the struggle for equality and humanity.

The stories of Sahar Parval and the protesting women in Iran are representative of the desire for change and a fairer future. Your experiences open up insights into the current challenges and the vital importance of solidarity in times of need.

More information about the protests in Iran can be found on National Geographic .

Further details on Sahar Parval's life story can be found on rbb24