Note: This narrator’s face is blurred at their request for privacy.
Inside Iran’s Political Turmoil
Ariana underwent a transformative journey regarding politics, realizing its impact on women’s lives in Iran. Her childhood during the Pahlavi era was marked by safety and freedom, while the Islamic Republic restricted her rights. She now advocates for a future free from oppression, hoping for a secular democracy and the return of the Pahlavi dynasty to restore women’s rights.
Fleeing Iran for Freedom
Ariana’s life in Iran was filled with pain and violence against her, one that is difficult for her to reflect on even in the present day. She faced discrimination and violence in her life due to her religious beliefs, political opinion, and gender, which made her escape Iran. In this section, Ariana explores her reasons for fleeing Iran, as well as the process of fleeing and arriving in Japan.
Legal Aspects of Being a Refugee in Japan
Fleeing violence and fearing repercussions for renouncing Islam, Ariana hoped Japan would offer refuge and support. However, the harsh and lengthy refugee recognition process revealed the government’s unwillingness to help. Despite these challenges, Ariana remains resilient, striving to maintain her identity and positivity, even within a dehumanizing bureaucracy that undermines her sense of self.
Standing Up Against “Modern Slavery”
Being a refugee in a completely new environment puts them in a vulnerable situation where they have to endure whatever difficulties may come. As a working refugee, Ariana has undergone hardships, discrimination, and unfair treatment throughout her working experiences in a new environment. In this section, she narrates her story of grappling with such challenges as a working woman.
Support and Community
Ariana’s journey seeking asylum in Japan illustrates the challenges faced by refugees in accessing formal support. Despite encountering hurdles, her experiences also highlight the pivotal role of informal support from smaller community organizations and the resilience fostered through trusting oneself and others. Ariana’s story exemplifies the vital intersection of support and trust in her pursuit of safety and stability.
A Voice of Resistance
Ariana is known in Japan’s Iranian community for her outspoken advocacy to restore Shah Reza Pahlavi and remove Iran’s current leaders, who she believes violate human rights. This fame reflects the community’s lack of support for her views. However, social media has empowered her activism, helping her build a supportive digital community and continue her fight for a better future.
