Negin Shiraghaei

Negin Shiraghaei is an Iranian activist, former news anchor for BBC Persian and the founder and director of Azadi Network, a UK-based organization focused on promoting the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement in Iran.[1][2]

Since its founding, Azadi Network has aimed to document human rights violations, increase international visibility, and facilitate interviews with Iranian activists.[3][4][5]

During the 2025–2026 Iranian protests, Shiraghaei stated that factions within Iran's government were, for the first time, discussing the need for the supreme leader to step aside.[6]

Career

Before joining the BBC in January 2009, Shiraghaei worked as a journalist for the Iranian news outlets Hamshahri Newspaper, Shargh Newspaper, the Cultural Heritage News Agency, and ISNA News Agency.

In November 2017, The Times reported that Iranian authorities had attempted to influence her reporting through the intimidation of her family in Iran.[7][8] In a BBC interview, she discussed her experience, including the harassment of her family.[9]

She co-founded March Health, a company described as an "AI-powered women's health solution aimed at addressing physical and psychological menstrual discomfort."[10]

"After leaving the BBC, Shiraghaei founded Open Growth UK, a communication and social media management company. She closed the company after joining March Health." "Open Growth UK". Archived from the original on 2 December 2021. Retrieved 23 December 2020.

Shiraghaei has campaigned against systematic harassment of female journalists.[11] She is also a director of Coding for Girls Limited.[12]

Azadi Network

Azadi Network has organized events highlighting human rights violations in Iran. The network launched the Gender Apartheid Enquiry and engaged with figures such as Richard Branson to raise awareness about human rights abuses in Iran. The network has trained over 80 community members inside and outside Iran on organizing and leadership skills .

Shiraghaei has advocated for women's rights in Iran and internationally for over two decades. Her advocacy contributed to an increase in the representation of women in media, from 7% to 32%. She has addressed the UN Human Rights Council, discussing methods used by the Islamic Republic to restrict free expression and the importance of addressing online harassment of female journalists.[13][14] She conducts workshops for Iranian and Afghan women, providing training for media interviews.

References

  1. ^ "Women, Life, Freedom; Negin Shiraghaei". Conspirituality. Retrieved 22 January 2026.
  2. ^ "People in Iran deserve peace and civil society is striving to make that possible". Civicus. Retrieved 22 January 2026.
  3. ^ BBC "Hashtags, a viral song and memes empower Iran's protesters", by Feranak Amidi, 2 November 2022
  4. ^ DW "Iranian climber Elnaz Rekabi arrives back in Tehran", 19 October 2022
  5. ^ Monocle24 "Iran: an unstoppable movement?", 3 December 2022
  6. ^ "Iran latest: Marco Rubio throws weight behind Iran protests - as Tehran blames US and Donald Trump for escalation".
  7. ^ Matthew Moore (18 November 2017). "Iran tries to silence BBC Persian by harassing journalists' families". The Times. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
  8. ^ "Iranian agents blackmailed BBC reporter with 'naked photo' threats". Arabnews.com. 18 November 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
  9. ^ Vialucci Podcast Episode #49 BBC Persian Reporter Negin Shiraghaei. YouTube. Archived from the original on 8 December 2021.
  10. ^ Iran International. "March Health a start-up to educate about menstrual pains and create awareness". iranintl.com. Archived from the original on 22 August 2022. Retrieved 22 August 2022.
  11. ^ "Negin Shiraghaei of BBC Persian addresses the UN Human Rights Council on 20 June 2018". youtube.com. 20 June 2018. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
  12. ^ "Negin Shiraghaei Kootenaei - Personal Appointments (free information from Companies House)". Beta.companieshouse.gov.uk. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
  13. ^ "UN Human Rights Council hears call to end persecution of BBC Persian journalists". Journalism Pakistan. 20 June 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2026.
  14. ^ "UN Human Rights Council hears call to end persecution of BBC Persian journalists". BBC. 20 June 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2026.
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