Watch: “They are wounded but unbowed, unbreakable.”

Iranian dissident Masih Alinejad dedicates her toast to the women of Iran at the TIME Women of the Year Gala

In her toast at the TIME Women of the Year Gala, Iranian dissident Masih Alinejad paid tribute to the women of Iran, who she described as "wounded but unbowed, unbreakable." This statement reflects the resilience and strength of Iranian women in the face of oppression and injustice.

Alinejad is a journalist and women's rights activist who has been vocal in her criticism of the Iranian government's treatment of women. She has been especially critical of the country's mandatory hijab laws, which require women to cover their hair and bodies in public.

Despite facing significant backlash from the government, Alinejad has continued to advocate for women's rights in Iran. She has used social media to mobilize support for her cause and has even launched a campaign encouraging women to post photos of themselves without their hijabs, using the hashtag #MyStealthyFreedom.

Through her activism, Alinejad has become a powerful symbol of resistance for Iranian women. Her dedication to their cause, and her belief in their strength and resilience, is reflected in her statement: "They are wounded but unbowed, unbreakable."
×