Decolonizing Transnational Feminism

Abstract

Abstract This article analyzes the Afghan and Iranian feminist uprisings of the early 2020s spurred by #MahsaAmini’s death and the return of the Taliban, and their predecessors, #MyRedLine and #MyStealthyFreedom. It assesses why these movements, which gained international traction and a huge global online and offline presence, are no longer in the mainstream media spotlight. The article examines the efficacy and dangers of these feminist movements, which attempt to redress the tide of Islamist ideology in both countries by building solidarity with international governmental and nongovernmental human rights organizations. It also highlights how Afghan and Iranian women’s activism is selectively recognized and appropriated by neo-imperial agendas and provides strategies for decolonization. Finally, the article argues that #MahsaAmini and #MyRedLine are exemplary instances of feminist transnational collaboration and global mobilization for women’s rights, whereas #MyStealthyFreedom and the lack of coverage of the Afghan women’s right uprising since Taliban 2.0 fall into the paradigm of imperial feminism.