One evening, not too long ago, I was walking home with my headphones in my ears down a quiet residential street carpeted in burgundy leaves. Suddenly fear overtook my body, and I shrieked uncontrollably, every muscle activated in defense. A man in an electric scooter was slowly passing me by, yet my brain had conjured an image of riot police in Tehran charging toward me. I scared us both and excused myself apologetically, as the confused man carried on. An armed riot guard would be quite an anomaly on these streets, as I reminded myself that I am not in Iran anymore.
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How to Support Your Iranian Colleagues
Show support and solidarity.
February 21, 2023
HBR Staff; Tim Robberts/Getty Images
Summary.
For the past six months, Iran has been gripped by protests following the custodial death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini by the country’s “morality police.” It is a particularly difficult time for Iranians, including those who may be far away from home. How can we support our Iranian colleagues as they navigate this moment? The author shares a few strategies for non-Iranian colleagues to be better allies.
- Try to understand the ongoing uprising and the context. Despite the lack of mainstream coverage, there are articles, visualizations, podcasts, and a lot of other resources in the news media about the movement. Read up on the news, dig deeper to find opinion editorials, and find credible Iranian voices writing about the movement.
- Be kind to your Iranian friends and colleagues. Show solidarity by doing the small things. Ask them if they want to go for a walk or talk about it, send a care package, show up at a demonstration with them, and if you’re close enough, offer a hug.
- Support the cause on social media. Attend rallies and re-share social posts from your Iranian colleagues and friends.
- Another way to indirectly support your colleagues is to make a donation that supports their cause. There are a few charities based in Iran and other international non-profits like the Human Rights Watch and Amnesty that can be trustworthy.