Peace Line – From the 1979 Revolution until now, Iranian women have faced many restrictions in participating in social, artistic, political, and even economic activities. Throughout all these years, efforts have been made to push women more and more into society, but this attempt has always been met with resistance from women. In fact, even in political suppressions, women have shown the most resistance.

It could be said that the Islamic Republic has not achieved its desired result from this conflict and Iranian women have crossed government red lines many times.

A few days ago, Hossein Naghavi Hosseini, the spokesperson for the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Iranian Parliament, criticized the solo performances and singing of women in Iran. He also announced the sending of a letter, signed by a number of parliament members, to Hassan Rouhani in protest against some activities of women in the field of music.

On the other hand, during the past months, we have witnessed the presence and activities of Iranian women facing numerous oppositions and restrictions in some stage performances. For example, a few days ago, the concert of the music group “Erfan” which was supposed to be on stage, was cancelled due to the presence of female musicians.

Of course, opposition to women’s solo singing does not end with the protests of parliamentarians, but rather numerous criticisms have been made by extremist and conservative groups in this regard. For example, in late Mehr month of 1393 (October 2014), the Student Basij of 40 universities in the country, in an open letter to the Minister of Guidance, protested against women’s solo singing.

But none of these protests led to the removal of women’s voices from Iranian music. Many women and girls, both inside and outside the country, professionally engage in traditional, pop, and classical music.

In this issue of the peace line, an opportunity was given to have a brief conversation on this topic with “Hani Nirou”, a young Iranian singer who was born in Tehran in 1360 and currently lives in Vienna, Austria.

Since when did you feel the desire to pursue music and sing in your life?

I grew up in a music-loving environment since childhood and my ears were accustomed to listening to it. I started taking “Orff” classes at the age of 9 and Mrs. Soodabeh Salemi was my coach, which is considered one of the best experiences and memories of my life.

Do you also have the possibility of holding a concert or releasing an album in Iran?

I think being a female singer in Iran is very difficult. I don’t have accurate information about the conditions of releasing an album with a female voice, maybe only underground or illegal, which has become quite common and normal nowadays.

Do you have any interest in singing for your fans in Iran?

Honestly, I don’t have any live concerts or performances here because singing is not my main job. But as much as I am active in singing here, I always wanted to be active in Iran or wherever I lived.

What profession are you in?

I compose music and teach music to children.

In your opinion, why is music always considered a forbidden activity or even looked down upon in Iranian society? For example, they would say, “He is a musician…”

Maybe it has a religious root, or maybe a cultural one. Maybe it also has a root in illiteracy and ignorance. Since I myself have pursued this profession from a young age, I have seen all kinds of encounters and opinions about music and musicians. Of course, I must say that back then everything was more intense, but in recent years, things have softened a bit.

Do you, as a female singer outside of Iran, feel any difference compared to male singers in terms of performing concerts or the stages that need to be gone through to release an album?

No, outside of Iran there is no difference between a female or male singer.

What do you think is the difference between solo singing and group singing that Iranian women are so sensitive about solo singing?

Well, reading solo is one thing and reading in a group is another. Although the basic principles are the same. The truth is, for me, there is also a question of why solo singing is forbidden for women in Iran and group singing is not allowed! Perhaps it is only the fear of hearing the clear and absolute voice of a woman alone…

In your opinion, how can the talents in the field of voice, singing, and music in Iran, especially for girls and women, achieve their dreams?

In my opinion, the key to success and achieving what one wants is determination, willpower, and practice.

Thank you for the time you have given us.