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Iran is planning to open a special clinic in Tehran that will “scientifically and psychologically” support women facing pressure to wear the Islamic veil, EFE reports. Mehri Talebi-Darestani, head of the Order of Good and Prohibition of Evil Centre, said the “rehabilitation clinic” would provide psychological help and counselling for young women who want to preserve their Islamic identity but feel social pressure not to wear the veil.
The centre intends to offer “psychological services in a safe and confidential environment” where women can discuss their problems without fear and with confidence. The initiative responds to the needs of families seeking support in the face of societal pressure to wear the hijab, Talebi-Darestani said.
This step by the Iranian authorities is accompanied by tighter control over compliance with the Islamic dress code, which has become especially relevant after the wave of protests caused by the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022. The young woman’s death after being detained by moralistic police for improperly wearing a veil provoked mass protests and a civil disobedience movement, when many Iranian women refused to wear the mandatory veil.
A new law passed in 2023 provides for penalties for women who violate the dress code, including fines, travel bans and even imprisonment for up to five years. Despite public opposition, the authorities are tightening the requirements for wearing the hijab, but even under the threat of severe sanctions, many Iranian women continue to ignore these requirements in protest against the restrictions.
