Mina Fakhravar

I am a Ph.D. candidate in the Institute of Feminist and Gender Studies at the University of Ottawa, where my research explores the modalities of civil resistance by Iranian women against discriminatory laws since the 1979 revolution. My academic background includes a Master’s in Intercultural Relations and International Cooperation with a focus on the Middle East from University of Lille III, alongside a rich professional experience in teaching, translation, and feminist activism, all of which have informed my approach to the study of gendered social dynamics and feminist resistance.

Positioned at the intersection of feminist theory, civil resistance, and socio-political transformation, my work centers on the strategies of nonviolent resistance and everyday defiance employed by Iranian women. I critically analyze the ways in which these women navigate and contest state-imposed gender apartheid, contributing to broader conversations on intersectionality, social justice, and feminist solidarity across the MENA region. My work is rooted in a materialist feminist approach that underscores the universal aspirations for gender equality and emancipation while acknowledging the diverse and intersecting oppressions that shape women's experiences.

As a board member of the Association of Iranian Women of Montreal, I am actively involved in advancing feminist causes and social justice initiatives within and beyond the Iranian community. I have organized and spoken at numerous conferences and events on women’s rights, including keynote addresses with Amnesty International and Concordia University.