Leeds Baháʼí Community Honors Heroines

By Helen WilliamsContributor
Published 23rd Jun 2023, 11:49 BST
Updated 23rd Jun 2023, 11:50 BST
#OurStoryIsOne Campaign Promotes Gender Equality and Religious Freedom#OurStoryIsOne Campaign Promotes Gender Equality and Religious Freedom
#OurStoryIsOne Campaign Promotes Gender Equality and Religious Freedom
A Leeds woman is helping to raise awareness of a public execution of ten Baháʼí women in Iran 40 years ago.

They were hanged together for their belief in a faith which teaches gender equality, justice and freedom.

As Helen, a clinical psychologist who went to Allerton High School sets out to teach Baháʼí children's class.

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She reflects about the sacrifice made by Mona Mahmoudinejad, the youngest of the women, who was just 17 years old when she was put to death.

Mona was arrested by the Islamic Republic's Revolutionary Guards for teaching children's class in Iran.

"I was brought up in Leeds, where I attended Sunday school and went to church," said Helen.

"We can't imagine Sunday school teachers being arrested and put to death for such activities, however this is what happened in Iran.

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