29 Mar 2024
Monday 17 June 2013 - 15:12
Story Code : 33382

Zahra for Iranian president

Zahra, the heroine of a popular graphic novel, goes looking for her son who disappears during the Green Movement of 2009. The books title,Zahras Paradise which is also the name of Tehrans largest cemetery is where the protagonist eventually finds her son.
The two authors Amir and Khalil launched Zahras Paradise as a creative way to challenge power and engage people across the globe.

Zahra represents all of Irans grieving families, and like them, she knows that the personal is political, AmirtoldAl Arabiya.

The graphic novel was launched in 2010; it became a global phenomenon and has now been translated into 15 languages.

In 2013 Amir and Khalil decided to take their novel one step further and bring Zahra to life by making her the first woman to run for President in Iran.

TheZahra for President Campaignwas launched, a collaboration betweenUnited for Iranand Zahras Paradise. The campaignspurposewas to create a collaborative space for the voice, vote and vision of the Iranian people. Through Twitter and Facebook many people have expressed their support by posting photos of themselves with Zahra posters.

The campaigns symbolic message was:

In 2009, Zahra and her family, along with millions of Iranians took to the streets to demand fair and free elections. Despite a brutal crackdown, the promise of an Iranian springdemocracy, dignity, and justiceis far from extinguished. Today, Zahra is running for President, the promise of a new day. Join her. Lets win back our Iran.

On Election DayZahra for Presidenttweeted:

Have you voted for Zahra yet?#Iranelection

The campaign received a lot of international attention including the support of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Shirin Ebadi, whodeclaredFair and free elections are the first step in forming a democracy.

In additionChristiane Amanpourreported on the campaign saying,

"This election may change the man at the top in Tehran, but it's only when all Iranian citizens, including its women, truly have the opportunity to lead as well as dream, that real progress will come to the country."

The polls have now closed for Irans 2013 elections and a new president has been elected, but Zahras fight continues. Today Zahra is only an inspiring graphic heroine, but young Iranian women are preparing to take her place.

By Your Middle East

 

The Iran Project is not responsible for the content of quoted articles.
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