Breaking Barriers: How Karate is Empowering Iranian Girls and Women in a Changing Society

Nov 18, 2025 12:40 am CST

Iranian girls and women are increasingly turning to karate as a means of empowerment, challenging traditional gender roles in the Islamic Republic. Once banned after the 1979 revolution, martial arts for women are now gaining recognition, with participants ranging from five-year-olds to adults. Practitioners cite benefits including discipline, confidence, and emotional release, while the sport's growing popularity reflects broader social changes in Iranian society, particularly following the 2022 protests sparked by Mahsa Amini's death.