Hiwa at Berlin Freedom Week Engaging European Policymakers for Democratic Change During Berlin Freedom Week, Hiwa held a series of high-level engagements with European policymakers, government officials, and civil society leaders—strengthening its role as an emerging voice on human rights…
Hiwa Life panel discussion: The Evolving Role of Kurds in the Middle East Hiwa Life, in collaboration with the University of Groningen (Netherlands), convened a discussion examining the role of Kurds within the evolving dynamics of the Middle East. During…
Testimony at the European Parliament During a session at the European Parliament, Zhino Babamiri, a HIWA member and co-founder of the Daughters of Justice campaign, presented evidence and testimony on state violence in Iran, including death sentences, enforced disappearances, and…
When Hospitals Became Traps During the Woman, Life, Freedom uprising in Iran, we were confronted with a stark reality: silence was no longer an option. As security forces turned hospitals into surveillance zones—where wounded protesters were arrested or disappeared—many became…
Shot during protest, she lost an eye but not hope. We helped her escape to safety. Now she is advocating for women's rights.
How We Stopped Islamic Regime Officials and Their Anti-American Delegation from Entering the U.S.
Founder & Head of Athletes
Sardar Pashaei is a Kurdish activist, former world wrestling champion, and a relentless advocate for justice. At just five years old, he experienced oppression firsthand, visiting his imprisoned father every Thursday.
Banned from competing internationally due to his political family background, he eventually fled Iran and became a U.S. citizen. He has dedicated his time and voice to supporting the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, working with U.S. Congress, the European Parliament, and international organizations to raise awareness about the Iranian people’s struggle.
His activism has come at a personal cost—his younger brother and sister have both been arrested and tortured in Iran. Today, he leads Justice & Freedom for Iran, bringing together survivors, activists, and athletes to work toward a democratic and secular Iran.
