Naghmeh was born and raised in the Middle East until she was nine years old when her family moved to the United States. In 2001 Naghmeh returned to Iran as a young adult and lived there for many years experiencing the oppression and violence women are subjected to everyday in the Middle East. In 2012, her husband Saeed Abedini was arrested while visiting Iran. Because of Saeed’s plight Naghmeh was able to bring worldwide attention not only to Saeed’s imprisonment in Iran, but also to the plight of the persecuted Christians worldwide. She publicly advocated for his release to President Obama, Donald Trump and Ivanka Trump, the U.S. Congress, the United Nations, and nearly every major news outlet over the course of three and a half years while he was in prison.

During her travels and efforts, many labeled Naghmeh “a hero’s wife,” but no one knew that Naghmeh had been an abused wife and that Saeed’s imprisonment had further intensified his abuse and paranoia. In January of 2016 Saeed was released from prison, and Naghmeh filed for a legal separation and a protective order on behalf of herself and her children until Saeed could get help for his abuse. Saeed did not seek help for his abuse and instead filed for divorce. Many misused the Bible and falsely accused Naghmeh urged her to reconcile in spite of the abuse. Naghmeh’s personal experience with domestic violence and the misuse of religion to reinforce abuse has given her a passion to advocate for women who are vulnerable to abuse and oppression because of religion.

The Bible verse that guided Naghmeh in hard times is Proverbs 3:5-6.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.