Woman Life Freedom: Poems for the Iranian Revolution, edited by Bänoo Zan & Cy Strom, is an anthology that marks a world-historical moment: the first ever feminist revolution. Woman Life Freedom is the slogan chanted by the demonstrators in Iran. This anthology echoes that cry. Its poems are reflections on the present moment, denunciations of injustice, examinations of the poets’ own consciences, laments for the fallen, bitter curses, prayers, celebrations of life, and visions of a better future.

Forty poets and translators living on four continents are represented. The poems are ordered by theme: Beginnings, Defiance, Struggle, Witness, and Futures. The Introduction by Cy Strom sets the scene with a brief look at the situation in Iran and touches on themes of poetry, the arts and revolution; the Afterword by Bänoo Zan, titled “Against the Tyranny of Home: A Call for (Self-)Critique,” argues that honesty and accountability are needed to initiate meaningful change in the countries that have been exporting immigrants and refugees, as well as the places where they have settled.

With this brave anthology, the editors and contributors aim to raise awareness of the women’s revolution in Iran and demonstrate to the world that this cause is alive and will not be put down.

Summer Brenner is the author of a dozen books of poetry, short stories, noir crime, and social justice novels for youth. Her work has appeared in numerous literary journals and anthologies. Her most recent publication is DUST, A Memoir (2024).

Bänoo Zan is a poet and curator with over 300 published pieces and three books. She is the founder of Shab-e She’r (Poetry Night), Canada’s most diverse and brave poetry reading and open mic series. Bänoo is the recipient of the 2025 Writers’ Union of Canada Freedom to Read Award.

Cy Strom works as an editor. He holds MA and MPhil degrees in early modern European history and has published in academic and other areas, including the visual arts. He edits in different genres and sometimes languages, and has had a role in developing professional editorial standards and educational materials.