Born: May 22, 1966 (Baneh, Kurdistan Province, Iran)
Biography:
Roya Toloui is a prominent Kurdish-Iranian journalist, human rights activist, and feminist, currently residing in the US. She was born on May 22, 1966, in Baneh, Kurdistan Province, Iran. Growing up in Baneh, Toloui completed her high school education before pursuing a PhD in Medical laboratory from the University of Mashad.
Toloui’s passion for advocating for women’s rights and highlighting women’s issues led her to become the editor-in-chief of Rasan (Rising up), a Kurdish monthly magazine. The magazine focused on addressing the challenges faced by women and highlighting their achievements. From spring to summer of 2005, five issues of Rasan were published in Sanandaj. Sadly, the magazine was forced to close down by the Iranian judiciary.
In addition to her work with Rasan, Toloui is also the founder of the Association of the Kurdish Women Supporting Peace in Kurdistan. This organization is dedicated to promoting peace and advocating for the rights of Kurdish women in the region. Toloui’s commitment to raising awareness about the struggles faced by Kurdish and Iranian women garnered attention but also drew critical authorities’ attention.
Roya Toloui’s outspoken criticism of governmental authorities, coupled with her defense of Kurdish and Iranian women’s rights, put her on a collision course with the authorities. In April 2005, she was tried in a Revolutionary Court with charges of endangering national security. Despite the pressures and threats she faced, Toloui remained steadfast in her advocacy.
In August 2005, following demonstrations in Kurdish inhabited areas of western Iran, Toloui was arrested and held in prison for 66 days. Her arrest became a symbol of the Iranian authorities’ crackdown on freedom of speech and expression. Her case garnered international attention, particularly during the International PEN’s Day of the Imprisoned Writer in November 2005.
After her release, Toloui chose to flee Iran for Turkey and eventually sought refuge in the United States in April 2006. Her determination and resilience in the face of adversity earned her the admiration and respect of many individuals and organizations advocating for human rights.
Toloui’s contributions to the field of journalism and her activism did not go unnoticed. In 2006, she was honored with the Oxfam Novib/PEN Award. This recognition highlighted her exceptional courage and commitment to defending freedom of expression and advancing women’s rights.
Today, Roya Toloui continues to raise her voice for the rights of women, particularly Kurdish and Iranian women, from her new home in the United States. Her tireless efforts to shed light on the challenges faced by women and her commitment to promoting peace and equality make her an influential figure in the fight for gender equality and social justice.
Awards:
– Oxfam Novib/PEN Award (2006)