Azadi Means Freedom: Fighting for Gender Equity Through the World's Most Popular Game

On the eve of the World Cup, and with war in Iran, here is a story of a young woman activist taking on the government of Iran and the world's most powerful sports body, FIFA, to fight for women's and girls' rights in her country.

The sister of one of Iran's biggest soccer stars describes her battle against the stadium ban in a thrilling, inspiring story.

Maryam Shojaei's brother, Masoud, was captain of Iran's national team and player in three World Cup tournaments. But Maryam and her mother and sister never saw him play in Tehran's famous Azadi Stadium. For forty years no woman--not one of the over 40 million women and girls in that country--has been allowed in any stadium, except for those brave enough to sneak in disguised as men and run the risk of being arrested and imprisoned.

"Azadi" means freedom in Iran's Persian language.

Here is Maryam's story of taking on her own government and a global sports organization to fight for girls' and women's rights. Azadi Means Freedom is both a fascinating look into life in modern Iran for young women today, and also a personal story filled with intrigue and danger. Maryam travels the globe to battle the stadium ban, is detained and beaten, but her story is also covered in international news. With the support of activist friends and her beloved family--and the stories of other protesters like the Blue Girl and the White Scarves movement--she reaches the powerful halls of FIFA and the United Nations to plead the case for Iran's women.

Here is an inspiring story for every activist, sports fan, soccer player, and fighter for women's rights around the world.

Author: Maryam Shojaei
Publisher: Triangle Square
Published: 04/14/2026
Pages: 192
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.50w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9781644214893
Audience: Young Adult


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2026
School Library Journal 02/27/2026 pg. 1

About the Author
Iranian-Canadian civil rights activist MARYAM SHOJAEI founded #NoBan4Women for which she was awarded an ESPN Sports Humanitarian Award for the advancement of women's rights and social justice through sport among other awards. She received her masters degree in Peace Operations from George Mason University. She now resides in Tehran where she advocates for children's rights.