Saqi Books signs 'moving' collection of art and writing by Iranian women edited by Halasa

Saqi Books has signed a "powerful" collection, edited by Malu Halasa, entitled Woman Life Freedom: Voices and Art from the Women’s Protests in Iran.

Managing director and publisher Lynn Gaspard acquired world rights directly from the collection’s editor. The collection will be published on 12th September 2023 alongside a PR campaign supported by Arts Council England, Markaz Review and Truthdig, and will include a digital pop-up and exhibition events led by READ Media. There are also plans to tour a digital pop-up which will showcase Iranian women writers and artists throughout autumn 2023.

The publication date marks the one-year anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death, who died in hospital after being detained by the Iranian morality police. Amini’s death sparked protests across Iran against the hijab law and Woman Life Freedom "captures this historic moment and the wave of creative resistance that followed in artwork and first-person accounts". The "moving" collection includes art and writing by more than 50 contributors, from within Iran and the diaspora, some of whom will use pseudonyms due to continued threats.

The publisher added: "The collection goes behind the scenes at forbidden fashion shows; records the sound of dissent in Iran, where it is illegal for women to sing unaccompanied in public; and walks the streets of Tehran with ‘The Smarties’ – Gen Z women who colour and show their hair in defiance of the authorities, despite potentially devastating consequences."

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has endorsed the book, noting: "I found the book an emotional read not just because the stories are painful or tragic, but because many of us resonate with them. These women are fearless, brave and utterly powerful."

Halasa, editor of the collection, commented: "Iran is at a historic juncture. This anthology shines a light on the incredible ways in which the Iranian community is coming together to stand up for their rights."

Gaspard added: "This deeply moving testimony to resistance is a unique collection, the first in fact, to showcase the art and writing from the women’s protests in Iran. It honours Iranian women’s voices who continue to risk their lives to enact change."