Often, what limits us most are not moral laws, but the cultural, political, and religious laws imposed on us by our society. Take for example the law that requires Muslim women from all walks of life to wear hijab or head covering in public.
Though the practice of this law varies in different countries, in Iran, all women are required to wear the hijab. This law has been strictly implemented throughout the history of Iran. But more and more women are learning to fight their way through what some people believe are oppressive and degrading cultural laws such as this. Iranian women, who consider this law discriminating, subtly defy it by wearing their hijab too low. At times, they even use bright colors, tighter pants, or shorter manteau.
These small but courageous acts of defiance are slowly gaining ground and affecting change. A Dutch photographer, Marinka Masseus, captures this act of defiance in her photo project dubbed “My Stealthy Freedom” that aims to empower and encourage women to bravely fight for more freedom.
Check out some of her stunning works below.
To view the full “My Stealthy Freedom” project, please visit the artist’s site.