On February 10, 2023, at Georgetown University in the United States, a historic meeting was held: that of opponents of the Iranian regime announcing for the first time the formation of a coalition1.
While a revolutionary movement has been taking shape, in Iran and within the diaspora, for the past five months, it is important for this opposition coalition to have a mobilizing leadership that takes into account the popular and agile movement, and organizes the next steps.
Gen Z women
Iran, September 2022: the death of the young Kurdish Mahsa Jina Amini at the hands of the morality police for a badly worn veil triggers an avalanche. Woman, life, freedom. The slogan of Kurdish origin becomes the rallying cry of this movement which echoes more than 44 years of discrimination against women and the Iranian people whose fundamental rights have been flouted by the Islamic regime.
This Woman, Life, Freedom movement has been described by many as a historic revolutionary movement. This is indeed the first revolution triggered and led by women of Generation Z.
In its fight against ethnic, gender and class inequalities, it does not seek an authority to guide it, but rather bearers of authority who will be able to demonstrate their legitimacy.
It is also through the actions taken by this generation Z that we observe two of the main characteristics of this movement: its agility and its popular character.
The absence of a leader and the existence of diffuse leadership through individuals and associations is a good example.
Second, creativity in actions that spread rapidly from the writing of anti-regime slogans on walls to sporadic demonstrations, to cries of “death to the dictator” coming from homes in the evening as well as the use of art as an expression of resistance.
Finally, a movement bottom uplaunched by young women, but with a diversity of actors who have since added their voices to this movement, namely workers, artists, sportsmen, professional associations (doctors, lawyers, etc.), all classes social and ethno-religious minorities.
This revolutionary movement has also spread outside Iran, among and even beyond its diaspora, and has led to the same type of popular and agile mobilizations.
Towards a mobilizing leadership
Today, a serious reflection on leadership is necessary, particularly in the diaspora which has all the freedoms to organize and lead a movement whose outcome and purpose will be decided by the people and the leaders in Iran once the Islamist regime will be overthrown.
Some Iranian opposition figures abroad recently made a promising announcement about forming a coalition. It is essential that the leadership be able to mobilize all the actors, to guide them towards a common destination while preserving the agility of the movement carried by Generation Z.
But what would be the attributes necessary for the success of this initiative?
First, the ability to formulate a common vision (through a charter) of an Iran after the Islamic regime – and a roadmap that offers concrete solutions to sustain the revolutionary movement.
This roadmap should also reflect the different demands of the movement and the actors who represent it. During the February 10 meeting, opposition figures said they wanted to work on developing such a plan.
Next, the leadership’s ability to bring together, connect and get all the actors involved to work together around the actions defined in the roadmap.
The ability to register its actions transparently will also be decisive. Transparent leadership that communicates regularly about its intentions and challenges will be a major attribute in building trust and continuing to engage movement actors.
Finally, the desire to reflect and represent the diversity of the movement within the leadership. Among this diversity, women, young people and ethno-religious minorities stood out. Mahsa Amini alone symbolizes this diversity and makes us aware of the specific realities of minorities in Iran. Only an inclusive leadership will have the legitimacy to engage in talks with the international community on behalf of the Iranian people.
The Woman, Life, Freedom movement is a unique and historic opportunity to end the reign of one of the most repressive regimes in the world. This relentless desire for change driven by the new generation is finally giving us the impetus we need to unite and build the future alongside them.