What is happening in Iran now? How is the news coverage? What do we know about the people inside, their narratives and their resistance? The movement in Iran with The “Woman, Life, Freedom” slogan is the first in the Middle East ignited by demand for women’s rights in a male-dominated society under one of the most extreme authoritarian regimes in the world, supported by three different intelligence services and access to an unlimited oil-based income.

Nazanin Karimi will talk about the real people inside Iran, their beliefs, values and approaches to fighting for freedom, along with the regime’s theocracy and false narratives. She will decipher the hope and courage underlying this massive movement, as well as delve deeper into the dynamics, challenges and potential opportunities for Iran, as well as areas that can serve as inspiration for future academic research and works.

Nazanin Karimi is a leadership coach, passionate social change pioneer, human rights advocate and community organizer who has led projects and initiatives for youth, women’s rights advocates, and environmental activists across Iran, Africa and Latin America. After graduating from Harvard, she returned to Iran in 2014, designing and leading many local initiatives promoting women’s and children’s rights, mentoring hundreds of grassroots leaders and activists, and earning her government harassment that forced her to flee Iran in 2021. She is currently a research fellow at the USC Annenberg Innovation Lab. She does research on social innovation and cultural diplomacy and also works on Iranian movement data.