Maryam Mirza

She/her
A woman
Photo credit / Image credit
Selfie!

I am a journalist and researcher originally from Iran. Throughout my career, I have acquired experience in both formal and alternative media, including contributions to the early websites of the Iranian women's movement. Since 2009, I have been based in Europe, where I continue to focus on Iran-related issues, with a particular emphasis on women's rights and internet freedom. For 13 years, until 2023, I worked with Deutsche Welle. Since leaving DW, I have held a research fellowship on Gender-based Digital Transnational Repression for Citizen Lab and served as the head of Iran programs at Netfreedom Pioneers. These roles have enabled me to work on digital rights and gender-related issues actively. I recently expanded my focus to include writing for Global Voices about the Iranian female activists and journalists in exile in Berlin, reflecting my own experiences. 

Sessions

“I wake up to a thousand tweets insulting me”: Digital attacks against exiled and diaspora women activists – and what to do about them

Gözde Böcü, Maryam Mirza, Arzu Geybulla, Siena Anstis

Summary
Repressive governments use invasive surveillance, online harassment and defamation campaigns to threaten women activists exiled abroad. What are the methods and silencing effects of gender-based digital transnational repression? How can we defend communities at risk and empower digital activists?
Activism
Digital rights
Civil Society
Stage 9
Panel
English
Conference