The author, Azadeh Moaveni, argues that many people mistakenly regard the hijab as a minor issue and a distraction in that struggle. But she claims that the Iranian regime’s forced veiling is a prime example of its attempt to control every aspect of women’s lives. Those mandatory veils then serve as physical representations of the patriarchy that compels women to remain silent and remain subject to the other demands that the social and political systems place upon them.

 The article also includes a link to a short film that details the history of the hijab as it took on the form of a “weapon of Islamic Iran.” It can be seen here:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDsqOqf5zPc