Iranian women have been photographed defying the country’s laws by having their hair uncovered and waving headscarves on the end of sticks in a new campaign speaking out against degradation.

The campaign which has emerged on social media began in December when a young woman was photographed standing on top of an electricity box, long hair uncovered and waving her headscarf.

The woman in question, Vida Movahed was arrested but was released on Monday and there has since been an explosion of posts on social media of young women following in her footsteps.

Golnaz Esfandiari, an Iranian journalist in exile and working for Radio Free Europe said she was is in awe of their courage and bravery.