In the wake of the ongoing protests against four decades of oppression and abuse the woman of Iran have tolerated, West Vancouver's City Council can take a symbolic step to show its support and appreciation for such unmatched bravery.

As such, we ask that the West Vancouver City Council begin a public process to dedicate a square, connecting Taylor Way to Stevens Dr and Southborough Dr, to Mahsa Amini.

Who is Mahsa?

Mahsa Amini was a 22 years old woman, from the city of Saqqez, who was detained while visiting Tehran. Iranian morality police beat her in public before taking her into custody. She was in a coma for three days after this incident and finally passed in the hospital. 

Her Story:

Amini was detained due to her breaking the Iranian law mandating proper hijab at all times. These laws have been in effect since 1981 two years after the Islamic Revolution and are selectively enforced. In her case, she was wearing a loose robe as required and only had the front of her hair showing. Officials claim a heart attack caused Amini’s death although that is far from the truth. The victim's family was not allowed to investigate any further into the case of her death. The news of Mahsa’s death caused a spark to light in the people of Iran who have been getting oppressed for over four decades.

Why Should We Care?

With all that the women of Iran are going through daily in hope of change, we must show them that we stand in solidarity with them. They are seeking the utmost basic universal rights whether it be equality, the right to dress to their liking or even freedom of speech. The world is in awe of all the courage and bravery and is standing in solidarity with the woman of Iran. Iran has been protesting for over twenty days as a united front, insisting the future contrasts past. The root of this ongoing fearlessness is the injustice done to Mahsa Amini. With slogans such as, "Say her Name", and "Woman, Life, Freedom" spreading globally. The world was so impacted that over 150 cities united on two separate occasions to show their solidarity. She is a symbol of freedom and hope to the people of Iran and will always continue to be. 

Woman, Life, Freedom:

The question remains: How do we as a society pay tribute to Mahsa and all that she symbolizes? In West Vancouver, there is a very well-known and high-traffic square, that connects Taylor Way to Stevens Dr and Southborough Dr, which also happens to be unnamed. This is the perfect location for West Vancouver’s display of empathy towards the brave people of Iran who will continue to fight day after day for freedom. With the support of our mayor Mary-Ann Booth, who has shown her support for the Iranian community multiple times, this could be made possible.