The death of Mahsa Amini in Iran has sparked protests by women and girls across the country and around the world. Gulcin Bulut was a participant on the UNION 19 programme—she explains why she felt she had to act…

When I heard about the murder of Mahsa Amini on 16th September; I felt a mixture of rage, grief and helplessness as so many of us did. I wrote this poem shortly after. A couple of days later I was talking to my dear friend Canan Sagar. I mentioned to her that I wrote a poem for Mahsa. She said “Send it to me please let me see what I can do” as she was also very affected by this situation.

I know that this is a time for artists to raise their voices in order to create more unity and support. That’s what we have done in our own way. It is an insignificant act in the face of such inhumanity, but it is the only way we know.

This is our gift to Iranian women and to all our sisters! Mahsa has become the voice of all women who experience injustice and violence in the world. We should all work together to end misogyny, femicide and all forms of violence. Let this time to lead us to change. A different world is possible!

Our hearts are with our sisters and brothers who fight for the same honourable cause in Iran. They are fighting for all of us who are against oppression, injustice and violence. So, let’s make them feel seen and show our support.

Woman, life, freedom!
Jin, Jian, Azadi!
Kadın, yaşam, özgürlük!

Big thanks to Canan Sağar for transforming my poem into this remarkable song, for her wonderful music and voice, and for her beautiful heart. ❤️

Ah Mahsa
Written by Gulcin Ulas Bulut
Composed by Canan Sağar
Video by İbrahim Kırılmaz

#MahsaAmini #iran #womensrights #humanrights #stopfemicide

The lyrics focus on the sadness of Mahsa Amini’s death and how it is a touchstone for so much more. The refrain:

We all cry for you
Oppression will not end, the deaths are not finished
Misogyny will not end, the violence is not finished
Oh Mahsa

And for Gulcin:

I have written my first protest song because you helped wake up the Union spirited lioness in me. I owe gratitude to you all. I mean it with all my heart. Today is an emotional day ❤️??