Women's Survivor Group - Sosin's story

The fight for equality is deeply embedded in Sosin as she remembers challenging the system in Iran even as a child. After she was seen taking part in a demonstration for women’s rights, she had to flee.

“It’s dangerous for women to speak out in Iran. But after the death of Mahsa Ahmini [arrested for allegedly not wearing her hijab properly] we had to. After I was seen at the demonstration there was much violence against my family. Very frightening things like our car being burnt down. My friend was also in the demonstration but she has disappeared and no one knows where she is. Right now, I can never go home. 

“My partner and I fled with our children and we both receive help at Freedom from Torture. Since school, I wanted to raise my voice for women’s rights and I was punished for it. Physically and mentally. My children understand why we had to come here. If I went back, I would be arrested the first minute I arrived and I would be jailed for a long time, or even executed.”

“I love being part of this group, the kindness is incredible. Everybody is free to talk, and someone listens to us. Everyone at Freedom from Torture is very helpful and when I leave the group each week I feel stronger. I’ve made friends here, without the group I would feel very lonely. It’s a relief to go there when things are affecting me mentally.”

A gift from you could fund a place in the group for a month - providing women with food, travel, and a safe place to find solidarity, hope and friendship