By: Rezvan Moghaddam
My name is Ghazaleh, a 27-year-old woman from Naysar, east of Sanandaj. If you’re
hearing my story today, I may no longer be alive, but my voice and story must be heard.
Two years ago, I decided to rebuild my life. I divorced my husband and started an
independent life with my 11-year-old daughter. I worked hard as a seamstress,
managing my life with pride. Every day, I reminded myself: “You can do this. You have
the right to be free, to make decisions, and to live under no one’s control.”
But nearby, there was a man who couldn’t accept my freedom. A vendor who repeatedly
proposed to me, and each time, I respectfully but firmly said, “No.” I didn’t want to enter
a relationship where I’d lose my autonomy. Yet, he persisted—his insistence was
exhausting and dangerous.
On the day of the incident, I went to work as usual, thinking it would be an ordinary day.
But he came, carrying a jug of gasoline. A brief argument ensued, followed by his
eruption of fury—and then the flames. My body burned, my soul wept, but I refused to
surrender. In the ambulance, I was conscious for only a few moments. During those
fleeting moments, I managed to tell my father who committed this crime.
I burned, but my story must not be forgotten. I am a symbol of women’s right to say
“No.” The right to choose, to reject, and to live life as they wish. Men who see a
woman’s “No” as an insult to their masculinity need change and education.
Today, I am no longer here, but this voice, this story, must echo everywhere:

Women have the right to say “No.” They have the right to be free. They have the
right to live.

Stop_honor_Killings_Campaign

DomesticViolence

Women_Are_Not_Property

Naysar_Sanandaj

Ghazaleh_Haddoudi

Follow news in the Stop honor Killings Campaign Telegram group:
https://t.me/stophonorkilling

Stop honor Killings Campaign