Bad news for women and girls in Iran. The government is finding new ways of making sure they comply with a strict Islamic dress-code. It is combining technological advances with North Korean ideas of spying on your neighbours.
The BBC reported that the government has developed an app which can be used by the public to flag women in violation of the dress code, which usually means their head is not (sufficiently) covered. Members of the public who see a woman in violation, can flag her and include details, such as time, place and a number plate, so that authorities can track the woman down.
This does not only apply to women in public places, but also women driving in vehicles, such as taxis, ambulances, busses or even their own cars. Citizens are told it is their ‘civic duty’ to snitch on women, to ensure that Islamic law is being upheld.
And just like in China, Iran is installing many security cameras with facial recognition on roads and near public buildings. In this way, they can flag hijab violators travelling on the highways or those about to enter their university for example. Those caught can face severe consequences, including arrest, torture and sexual violence.
It seems absurd a government would go to such lengths to control what women wear on their heads, but it does tell us something about the morals of the Iranian regime. The way women are treated is a good way of assessing the spiritual health of a society. Women should be safe, free and respected. Created by God in his image, they are meant to flourish, just like men. When women are oppressed, exploited, unsafe and barred from opportunities to flourish, this is a sign that something is wrong, and powers are at work that are not from God.
The gospel is setting many Iranian women free. They discover their worth in Christ and become part of communities where they find a new kind of respect, despite the harsh reality of being a woman under an Islamic regime. May God use his church to shine a bright light and show a better way for Iran’s women and men.
