“The Tahirih Justice Center is a national
non-profit that has served over 25,000 courageous individuals fleeing violence
since 1997. Our efficient, effective, and innovative model of service is now
delivered from five locations, and we’re committed to serving as many immigrant
women and girls as possible.
Tahirih
Justice Center is named after a prominent figure in 19th century Middle Eastern
history and the persecuted Bahá’í faith. Born in 1814, Tahirih (TAH-heh-ray)
was an exemplar of women’s strength in Persia, at a time when most women were
kept illiterate and hidden from the public sphere.
Tahirih is
remembered for her renowned skill as a poet, her theological insights, her
leadership as one of the earliest Bahá’ís, and her ability to organize and
inspire women to reject their oppressed status. In a particularly dramatic
display of her leadership, Tahirih appeared unveiled before an assemblage of
men and gave an eloquent speech about the need to reject old patterns of
society. The act was so shocking to the audience that one man stood up and slit
his own throat at the sight of her face.*
In 1852, at
the age of 38, Tahirih was executed for her beliefs and activities. Her last
recorded words were, “You can kill me as soon as you like, but you will never
stop the emancipation of women.”
Like
Tahirih, our clients have decided for themselves to refuse the violence and
oppression imposed upon them. By the time they arrive at our doors, in the
legacy of our namesake, they are already heroes.
*Please note: We take no
position on veiling and support our clients in their decisions regarding their
manner of dress.”
Text taken from Tahirih Justice Center website, www.tahirih.org