Mersedeh Shahinkar, 39 years old, is a courageous Iranian fitness instructor who fearlessly stood up for her beliefs and the rights of women during the Women, Life, Freedom protests in Tehran. Her unwavering commitment to the cause led to a life-altering incident when she was partially blinded by Iranian security forces while chanting slogans in support of the women-led protest movement.

Mersedeh underwent several operations and emerged stronger, symbolizing resilience and the indomitable spirit of the Iranian people. She rejoined the protests on the streets of Tehran, wearing an eye patch that became an iconic symbol of her commitment. Her story quickly captured hearts and minds, going viral across social media platforms.

During those fateful protests, Mersedeh's mother, who had joined her in the fight for justice, also suffered when she was shot with a paintball gun by security forces.

In March 2023, faced with mounting threats to their safety, Mersedeh, accompanied by her 10-year-old daughter, made the difficult decision to leave Iran. Their home had been raided by security forces, leaving them with no choice but to seek refuge in a foreign land.

Today, Mersedeh Shahinkar resides as a refugee in Germany, where she continues to be a vocal advocate for the freedoms and dignity of the Iranian people. Her remarkable journey serves as an enduring testament to the strength of the human spirit and the universal pursuit of justice and equality.