Sahar Khodayari
Women's rights activist, symbol of protest against gender discrimination
Sahar Khodayari (1990–2019) was an Iranian women's rights activist and football fan who became an international symbol of resistance against gender discrimination in her homeland. Known as the 'Blue Girl' for her support of the Esteghlal football club, Khodayari was arrested in March 2019 for attempting to sneak into a football stadium dressed as a man to watch a match—a violation of Iran's strict prohibition on women attending football games. Following her arrest and subsequent court summons, she set herself on fire on a street in Tehran on September 29, 2019, succumbing to her injuries days later. Her death sparked massive international outcry and became a catalyst for global movements advocating for women's rights in Iran. Her tragic act of protest highlighted the systematic discrimination faced by Iranian women and galvanized support for changing restrictive laws. Since her death, Khodayari has been honored in memorials, artistic tributes, and documentaries, cementing her legacy as a courageous activist whose ultimate sacrifice contributed to renewed international pressure on Iran's gender-based restrictions.
Historical Figure
Iranian
1990
2019
Thinking about the name
Sahar
Arabic origin
“An Arabic name meaning 'dawn' or 'morning,' Sahar evokes new beginnings, hope, and the promise of a fresh day. The name is poetic in nature, often chosen for children born at daybreak and carrying connotations of light and renewal.”