“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.”
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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”