Beverly Hills Vice Mayor Sharona Nazarian, left, and L.A. Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky dedicated Women Life Freedom Square. (photo courtesy of the 5th District council office)

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, 5th District, and the Women’s March Foundation, unveiled Women Life Freedom Square on Sept. 15 in Westwood, honoring the life of Mahsa Amini and honoring the global fight for women’s rights.

Yaroslavsky was joined by Beverly Hills Vice Mayor Sharona Nazarian and representatives from numerous women’s organizations at the dedication ceremony. Located adjacent to Persian Square at Westwood Boulevard and Rochester Avenue, the new landmark serves as a powerful tribute to the global call for freedom, justice and equality for women, the leaders said.

“The Women Life Freedom movement is a global call for justice, and I am immensely proud that our district – and particularly Westwood, home to the largest Iranian American community outside of Iran – 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.”

“The establishment of the Woman Life Freedom Square in memory of Mahsa Amini symbolizes our commitment to stand up for women’s rights everywhere,” Nazarian said. “If we truly want to be a voice for women, we must advocate for all women, regardless of their religion, cultural background or ethnicity. The struggle for freedom and equality is not isolated to one country or one group; it is a global fight. Mahsa’s story is a painful reminder that women’s rights are still under attack, and if we remain silent about the injustices faced by women in any part of the world, we fail all women. This square is not only a tribute to Mahsa but also a call to action for us to continue advocating for the dignity, safety and freedom of women everywhere.”

The event, which was also co-presented by the Women’s Intercultural Network, honored the legacy of Amini, whose tragic death two years ago ignited worldwide protests for women’s rights. Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman, was arrested by Iran’s morality police in September 2022 for allegedly violating the country’s strict dress code. While in custody, she fell into a coma and later died, sparking outrage both within Iran and internationally. Her death ignited the Women Life Freedom movement, a widespread protest movement demanding justice for Amini and advocating for women’s rights, human rights and an end to government oppression.

Additional attendees included State Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica); State Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood); L.A. City Councilman Bob Blumenfield, 3rd District; Women’s March Foundation CEO Emiliana Guereca; Women’s Intercultural Network CEO Elahe Amani; Iranian actress and activist Nazanin Boniadi; West L.A. Chamber of Commerce CEO Roozbeh Farahanipour and CFO Elham Yaghoubian; and activist Afsoon Najafi. Aviva and Morteza Barjestah performed at the event.

“Together, we continue to carry the torch of the Women Life Freedom movement, standing with women everywhere in their fight for dignity and justice,” Yaroslavsky added.