Migrant women in Estonia often engage in activism that goes unnoticed, despite their significant contributions to feminist and social movements. Mal, a Junior Research Fellow and PhD student in Sociology at Tallinn University, seeks to bring their efforts into the spotlight. In her academic work, she analyzes the role of migrant women in feminist activism, exploring how their migration experiences influence civic engagement and impact society.
A Personal Connection to Research
“As an Iranian migrant woman in Estonia, and the co-founder of Iranian Supportive Organization, my personal experiences have a considerable role in my research interests”. Her research focuses on how migrant women in Estonia participate in feminist activism, exploring their practices and the challenges they face. Her background in sociology, coupled with her lived experience, allows Mal to approach her research from both a personal and academic perspective.
In her master’s thesis, Mal explored how Iranians use hashtags to advocate for human rights, initially focusing on the 2019-2020 protests in Iran. However Mal said “ During my research, the brutal death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022 and the rise of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement changed everything.”
A Personal Connection to Research
“As an Iranian migrant woman in Estonia, and the co-founder of Iranian Supportive Organization, my personal experiences have a considerable role in my research interests”. Her research focuses on how migrant women in Estonia participate in feminist activism, exploring their practices and the challenges they face. Her background in sociology, coupled with her lived experience, allows Mal to approach her research from both a personal and academic perspective.
In her master’s thesis, Mal explored how Iranians use hashtags to advocate for human rights, initially focusing on the 2019-2020 protests in Iran. However Mal said “ During my research, the brutal death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022 and the rise of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement changed everything.”
A Personal Connection to Research
“As an Iranian migrant woman in Estonia, and the co-founder of Iranian Supportive Organization, my personal experiences have a considerable role in my research interests”. Her research focuses on how migrant women in Estonia participate in feminist activism, exploring their practices and the challenges they face. Her background in sociology, coupled with her lived experience, allows Mal to approach her research from both a personal and academic perspective.
In her master’s thesis, Mal explored how Iranians use hashtags to advocate for human rights, initially focusing on the 2019-2020 protests in Iran. However Mal said “ During my research, the brutal death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022 and the rise of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement changed everything.”
A Personal Connection to Research
Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian woman of Kurdish origin, died in September 2022 after being detained by the so-called "morality police" (Gasht-e Ershad) for allegedly "improperly wearing the hijab." Despite official statements claiming health issues, many activists and human rights organizations point to signs of violence and believe that the actions of the authorities directly led to her death. This event sparked mass protests, and the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement became a symbol of resistance not only against strict rules regarding the hijab but also against the broader system of women's oppression. The protests spread far beyond Iran, uniting the diaspora and human rights communities around the world.
Mal said “As an Iranian woman, this topic was deeply personal. I’ve witnessed and experienced gender inequalities firsthand, which made me particularly interested in how women navigated censorship,mobilized online communities, and reshaped narratives about gender equality despite repression. I wanted to highlight their agency, resilience, and the strategic ways they used digital activism to fight back against the authoritarian regime.”
Mal said “As an Iranian woman, this topic was deeply personal. I’ve witnessed and experienced gender inequalities firsthand, which made me particularly interested in how women navigated censorship,mobilized online communities, and reshaped narratives about gender equality despite repression. I wanted to highlight their agency, resilience, and the strategic ways they used digital activism to fight back against the authoritarian regime.”
Mal said “As an Iranian woman, this topic was deeply personal. I’ve witnessed and experienced gender inequalities firsthand, which made me particularly interested in how women navigated censorship,mobilized online communities, and reshaped narratives about gender equality despite repression. I wanted to highlight their agency, resilience, and the strategic ways they used digital activism to fight back against the authoritarian regime.”
ELU Project in Tallinn University
As part of the ELU (Erialasid Lõimiv Uuendus ) project at Tallinn University, Mal studies how migrant women in Estonia engage in public activism, the challenges they face, and their role in both online and offline spaces.
“As a migrant woman myself, I understand how difficult it can be to find a sense of belonging, make your voice heard, and push for change in a new society.”
Her project is also a space for collaborative learning, where insights from students offer fresh perspectives on activism and migration.
Through this project, Mal aims to bridge migrant communities with the wider Estonian society, fostering discussions on how activism can promote social change and inclusion. It’s not just academic research for Mal—it’s a space for building connections and reflecting on the role of activism in creating a more inclusive society.
Through this project, Mal aims to bridge migrant communities with the wider Estonian society, fostering discussions on how activism can promote social change and inclusion. It’s not just academic research for Mal—it’s a space for building connections and reflecting on the role of activism in creating a more inclusive society.
PhD Research: Contributions of International Women
“My PhD research explores International Women’s Contributions to Transformation of Feminism Activism in Estonia. This started with a personal experience on October 1st, 2023, when I took part in a rally at Vabaduse Väljak in Tallinn, organized by a group of Iranians to show solidarity with the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran. During the event, I cut my hair as a powerful gesture rooted in ancient Persian traditions, to draw attention to the cause. At the time, mainstream media in Estonia barely covered the rally, and it felt like the message might be lost. But a few months later, something unexpected happened. During another event, I was given locks of hair from Estonian marginalized groups (Russian-speaking women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and survivors of domestic violence). Along with their hair, they shared messages saying they wanted to be part of this act, not just in solidarity with Iranian women, but because it also reflected their own struggles and desire to stand up for their rights. That moment changed the way I saw activism. It showed me how acts of resistance can cross borders,cultures, and communities, and create unexpected connections. It also made me think about how international women are reshaping feminism in Estonia, bringing in new perspectives, experiences,and forms of protest.”
Intersectionality in Migrant Women’s Experiences
Mal’s research emphasizes the importance of intersectionality in understanding migrant women’s activism. Intersectionality explores how gender, race, class, and migration status intersect to shape individuals’ experiences. For migrant women, these overlapping factors influence their experiences in Estonian society and their participation in activism.
Migrant women are not a homogenous group, and their activism varies depending on factors such as migration history, education, and socioeconomic status. These factors often lead to unique challenges, such as discrimination and exploitation, which impact how migrant women are perceived and how they engage in activism. Despite these barriers, migrant women’s activism challenges dominant feminist narratives, incorporating issues like racism, migration policies, and cultural barriers into their advocacy.
Migrant women are not a homogenous group, and their activism varies depending on factors such as migration history, education, and socioeconomic status. These factors often lead to unique challenges, such as discrimination and exploitation, which impact how migrant women are perceived and how they engage in activism. Despite these barriers, migrant women’s activism challenges dominant feminist narratives, incorporating issues like racism, migration policies, and cultural barriers into their advocacy.
Migrant Women’s Activism: Challenges and Strategies
Mal on challenges migrant women activists face in Estonia:
“As per the ones I have already met or interviewed, most common challenges migrant women activists may face in Estonia are language barriers, lack of mainstream media coverage, juggling multiple responsibilities, and legal uncertainties related to their migration status. These factors make it harder for them to fully participate in activism and have their voices heard. A few of them also mention experiencing racism, discrimination, and stereotypes, which can make it even more difficult to gain recognition for their work.”
Despite these challenges, migrant women find creative ways to engage in activism, often through social media, arts, and political advocacy. Mal says:
“One inspiring example is the IWNE’s “Meet and Greet” series in 2024, where women from all backgrounds could come together to share their stories, celebrate diverse cultures, and build a sense of belonging. These kinds of initiatives remind us that activism isn’t just about protests. It’s also about community and creating meaningful change.”
Supporting Migrant Women in Estonia
Mal believes that one of the most important steps Estonian society can take to support migrant women is shifting how they perceive and relate to “others.”
“Estonian activists and civil society have a huge role to play in breaking down stereotypes and creating a more welcoming, inclusive society. Small actions can make a big difference in changing mindsets and building a sense of belonging for everyone.”
The Importance of Research on Migrant Women’s Activism
“This is such an important topic, especially now, as Estonia’s population is aging, and migration is becoming more essential.
Migrant women are already shaping the society by building communities, pushing for change, and contributing in ways that often go unnoticed.
By paying attention to their activism, we not only recognize their struggles but also learn from their resilience. It’s not just about fairness, it’s about the future. If we don’t talk about these issues, we miss out on voices that are helping shape Estonia in real and meaningful ways.”
Advice for Young Migrant Women
“Start small but start! It can feel overwhelming, but your voice matters. Find a community, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to take up space. Trust your experiences as a migrant woman and create your own path.”
Through her research and active engagement, Mal not only draws attention to the invisible labor of migrant women but also advocates for a more inclusive, diverse, and just future for all. The stories of these women's activism demonstrate that, despite numerous challenges, their contributions can significantly influence the shaping of a new social order—one in which every individual is valued.