Biography:
Shadi Sadr (Persian: شادی صدر; born 1974) is an Iranian lawyer, human rights advocate, essayist, and journalist. She has made significant contributions to the promotion of human rights, particularly in Iran, where she has actively fought against social injustices and worked to improve the lives of women.
Sadr began her journey towards advocating for human rights at a young age. Even before entering university, she worked as a journalist for youth magazines and various journals and newspapers. Her passion for seeking justice and defending the rights of the vulnerable led her to pursue a law degree at Tehran University. She obtained both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in international law from Tehran University in 1999.
During her time in Iran, Sadr played a crucial role in defending women’s rights and providing legal assistance to vulnerable women. In 2002, she established Women In Iran, a website dedicated to women’s rights activists. She also co-founded the feminist group Women’s Field (Meydaan-e-Zanan), which fought for the removal of the ban on women entering stadiums. Sadr’s activism extended to representing women sentenced to death by stoning and hanging, highlighting the urgent need to abolish such cruel practices.
Sadr’s bold and unwavering commitment to human rights activism did not go unnoticed. However, her efforts were met with resistance from the authorities, leading to her imprisonment on multiple occasions. In 2007 and 2009, she was detained in Evin prison, a grim symbol of repression in Iran. These experiences only further fueled her determination to bring about meaningful change.
In 2009, facing mounting persecution, Sadr was forced to seek exile in Europe. Despite being forced out of her home country, she continued her advocacy work by co-founding Justice for Iran (JFI), a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting human rights and holding perpetrators of human rights violations accountable. As the Executive Director of JFI, Sadr has spearheaded numerous campaigns and led initiatives to expose human rights abuses in Iran.
Sadr’s expertise in human rights law has led her to defend women activists and journalists who have been unjustly sentenced to execution. She has also been a vocal advocate in the movement to end the practice of capital punishment by stoning, particularly for women. Through her involvement in campaigns like Stop Stoning Forever, Sadr has brought international attention to the injustices faced by women in Iran.
In addition to her legal work, Sadr has actively supported relief efforts in the aftermath of the 2003 Bam earthquake. She played a significant role in organizing aid collections for women and children affected by the disaster, highlighting her commitment to promoting social welfare.
Throughout her career, Sadr has published numerous essays and delivered lectures around the world, amplifying the voices of those oppressed and advocating for their rights. Her dedication to protecting human rights and challenging societal norms has earned her recognition and admiration. Sadr has received several prestigious awards, including the Human Rights Tulip and Alexander Prize of Law School of Santa Clara University.
Shadi Sadr’s unwavering commitment to human rights, her relentless dedication to defending the rights of women, and her fearless advocacy have had a profound impact on Iranian society and beyond. Her inspiring journey embodies the spirit of courage and resilience, making her an influential figure in women’s history and a beacon of hope for those fighting for justice and equality.