Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij forces have launched a new volunteer campaign aimed at expanding national emergency preparedness, with women reportedly accounting for around 32% of participants.
Under the Janfada volunteer campaign, participants are being trained in areas including rifle handling, drone operations, anti-tank weapons, urban warfare and first aid. Authorities say the initiative is designed to strengthen civilian readiness and support regular forces during emergencies.
The campaign reportedly aims to establish 1,000 Popular National Resistance Battalions, including all-women rapid-response units in Tehran. Iranian authorities describe the programme as voluntary national preparedness, building on earlier mobilisation efforts that attracted millions of registrants.
The initiative has drawn attention because of the participation of women in military-style training. Supporters view the programme as an expansion of civic participation and emergency preparedness, while critics have pointed to the wider context of women’s rights and restrictions in Iran.
