Self-Immolation practices on the rise in Iran
Due to instances of domestic violence, conservative traditions and social pressures women in certain parts of Iran are turning to self-immolation as a way of *escaping* patriarchal oppression.
Nasrin Mohammadi a member of a women's NGO in Marivan in Iran's western province of Kurdistan, tells us,
"Desperation is the main reason for the self-immolation [of women]," she continued. "Women face more pressure in a traditional society and in our region because of deprivations and the rule of [old] traditions this pressure has become much stronger. Women in our region are seen as 'second class' citizens. The economic situation of women is a main factor; they are totally dependent on men and also the laws of our country are such that the courts never protect women."
The organization has reported more then 150 women in Kurdistan that have committed suicide in the last 9 months.
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That's positively horrifying.
There are easier ways to commit suicide. It seems highly unlikely that one would burn themselves simply to "escape". Self-immolation has generally been used in the past more to make a statement, not just to end a life. Is this what is occuring in Kurdistan?
noname,
a couple of points... the first is that there's nothing simple about committing suicide in the first place - it's more often than not a demonstration as well as an "escape," but i don't think that sami ever meant to suggest that "simply" escape is what these women mean to do.
further, if you had read the article, you would have read that...