'Woman, Life, Freedom' Movement

  SHOWCASING OUR ACTIVISM DURING THE ‘WOMAN, LIFE, FREEDOM’ MOVEMENT

In September 2022, the UCLA Iranian Student Group solemnly convened a vigil at the Bruin Bear statue in honor of Jina Mahsa Amini. This poignant gathering drew hundreds of students and members of the local Westwood community, uniting in remembrance and solidarity.

In October 2022, Paria Honardoust and Melody Khoshneviszadeh, Co-Presidents of the UCLA Iranian Student Group, brought the vital message of the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ movement to a wider audience on the Kelly Clarkson Show. Their appearance highlighted the group's unwavering commitment to raising awareness about these critical issues, showcasing their efforts both within the university and in the broader community.

On October 1, 2022, Sasha Gladkikh, the Director of Philanthropy for the UCLA Iranian Student Group, addressed over 20,000 individuals at the inaugural 'Freedom Rally for Iran’ held at Los Angeles City Hall. In her influential speech, she echoed the sentiments of Iranian youth, advocating for lasting unity within the Iranian community in their quest for life and liberty. This pivotal event not only garnered significant attendance but also catalyzed a series of subsequent rallies, bolstering a resolute call for change.

During the 2022-2023 academic year, the UCLA Iranian Student Group, in partnership with Azadeh Afsahi, L.M.F.T., M.S., a licensed psychotherapist, successfully launched a mental health initiative at the UCLA RISE Center. This program provided free, recurring mental health services to both undergraduate and graduate students. The initiative supported students affected by the challenges of the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' movement, offering vital psychological support and coping strategies during this tumultuous period. This collaborative effort has been instrumental in addressing mental wellness and resilience within the student community.