Civic Leaders Gather to Honor Iranian Woman in Westwood
Community members, civic leaders, and advocates gathered in Westwood on Saturday for the unveiling of Women Life Freedom Square, a new monument honoring the memory of Mahsa Amini and the global movement for women’s rights she has come to symbolize. The square, located near Persian Square, stands as a powerful tribute to the international fight for freedom, justice, and equality for women.
The event was co-hosted by Los Angeles City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, the Women’s March Foundation, and the Women’s Intercultural Network. Leaders from across the city, including State Senator Ben Allen, Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, and Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, joined to commemorate Amini’s legacy. Amini’s death two years ago sparked widespread protests advocating for women’s rights worldwide.
In her remarks, Councilwoman Yaroslavsky reflected on the significance of the square’s location in Westwood, home to the largest Iranian American community outside of Iran. “The Women Life Freedom movement is a global call for justice, and I am immensely proud that our district — and particularly Westwood — has played such an important role in honoring Mahsa Amini’s legacy,” Yaroslavsky said. “This square serves as a reminder that the fight for women’s rights is far from over, and that Los Angeles stands in solidarity with the courageous women and allies who are pushing for change around the world.”
Roozbeh Farahanipour, CEO of the West LA Chamber of Commerce, expressed solidarity with the Iranian people. “On behalf of our Westwood and Iranian American communities, we want to send a strong message to the people in Iran that all Angelenos who share deeply held American values proudly stand with the freedom-loving people of Iran,” he said. “You are not forgotten.”
Emiliana Guereca, CEO of the Women’s March Foundation, emphasized the ongoing fight for women’s rights globally. “Mahsa Amini’s death is a stark reminder that until all women are safe, our fight for women’s rights must continue,” Guereca said. “The Women’s March Foundation is proud to co-present Women Life Freedom Square to honor her legacy and ensure that women’s stories are remembered in our public spaces.”
The event also featured performances by Aviva and Morteza Barjestah, and remarks from Beverly Hills Vice-Mayor Sharona Nazarian, actress and activist Nazanin Boniadi, and West LA Chamber of Commerce CFO Elham Yaghoubian.
