An international conference hold in Berlin, Germany on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Dozens of women leaders, lawmakers, and women’s rights activists from around the world attended the conference in Berlin. Thousands also join the conference online to express solidarity.
The message of the conference is that “change is necessary, inevitable, and past due”.
The National Council of Resistance of Iran(NCRI) is organizing this world conference. The majority of the NCRI leadership is women.
The keynote speaker at the conference is Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran(NCRI).
This page will be updated at the same time as the conference:
NCRI Women’s Committee Chair Sarvenaz Chitsas
In her opening remarks, NCRI Women’s Committee Chair Sarvenaz Chitsas praised the resistance of the women of Ukraine, who are actively joining their brothers in defending their country from invasion.
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran(NCRI)
Millions of women and girls have risen up for freedom and rushed to the battlefield in droves; from ministers and parliamentarians to elderly mothers, have taken up arms. Hail to mothers who sent their children to others so that they could themselves join the resistance, and to smiling and spirited young girls who make Molotov cocktails.
I am reminded of women and girls of the People’s Mojahedin in the massacre of our prisoners in 1988 on Khomeini’s fatwa. They walked to the gallows with clenched fists and while chanting defiantly.
International Women’s Day is a day of pride and honor for Iranian women. Because throughout this year, as in the past four decades, they have stood against the monster of misogyny, coercion, plunder, and oppression.
Throughout the past year, women were at the forefront everywhere in all protest movements, from the uprisings in Khuzestan, Isfahan, and Shahrekord to the protests of teachers, nurses, and the defrauded investors. This is the real image of Iranian women.
Her cry is not out of despondency and despair. Rather, it is a battle cry to overturn the status quo of captivity, a cry to build a future that we can and must achieve.
There are two striking realities about the current situation in Iran:
First, the people of Iran, with a several-thousand-year-old civilization and a rich culture, who have made enormous sacrifices for freedom, are the polar opposite of the savage, medieval regime ruling the country.
The other reality is that the Iranian people have never accepted this regime. They waged a magnificent resistance against fundamentalism and misogyny, which Massoud Rajavi initiated, and exposed the mullahs’ false claims to Islam.
These two realities, however, apply to Iranian women more than anyone else. They are diametrically opposed to the velayat-e faqih regime and completely rejected this regime’s inhuman culture, laws, and sharia. They see the end to their pain, sorrow, suffering, and the answer to their needs, in the overthrow of the clerical regime.
Horrific and expanding atrocities against Iranian women have nothing to do with the Iranian people’s culture. They result from the regime’s enmity towards women and its medieval nature.
Despite their profound suffering, the two-year calamity during the Coronavirus pandemic and half-a-million fatalities, and widespread poverty and hunger, today Iranian women speak not about their grief but about hope for freedom and equality. They speak not about their pain but of a future that is not a distant dream and is achievable.
After the mullahs’ overthrow, Iran will be safe from the bitter experiences of the past, only if there is a real democracy with freedom and equality. And you women are the ones who can make this happen.
The widespread participation of Iranian women in the struggle for regime change is neither accidental nor spontaneous. They have been inspired by the sacrifices of vanguard women in the PMOI and other dissident groups, who have been fighting this regime for more than four decades. The steadfastness of these pioneering women has instilled the notion among Iranian women that their lack of rights and oppression could only end by overthrowing the mullahs’ regime.
The women of the PMOI and other dissident groups walked through torture chambers, to the gallows. 120,000 martyrs to the cause of freedom are the shining stars of this Resistance. In this path, the PMOI women firmly stood up to the barrage of slanders.
They persevered for years under military and missile attacks, stood empty-handed in front of tanks, and pushed them back. Thus, they proved their competence and capabilities on the battlefield.
Helle Thorning-Schmidt, former Prime Minister of Denmark
You are our inspiration. Your fight will not only change Iran but will inspire women around the world. Your country will begin a new future. You will inspire women all around the world. The female power is enormous. Misogynist leaders are afraid of female empowerment and female agency. They will try to tell us it’s better to not engage, to stay home. They will tell us we don’t have the courage, brain or stamina.
Women and girls in Iran are the prime victims of the misogynist machine. It would have been easier for them to stay home. But they did not do that. Iranian women have chosen a different path. They have not submitted to the regime. They have turned into a force for change in Iran. They know their rights will only be achieved with political change in Iran. They know they can’t achieve their lives under a misogynist regime. Women in Iran participate in resistance for freedom. This participation is unique, not only in Iran but in the whole world.
It is remarkable that the NCRI is actually led by a Muslim woman, Maryam Rajavi. Her ten-point plan is a blueprint for the whole world to see that there is a democratic future for Iran. All democrats across the world should support this plan.
The international community should stand with the desire of the Iranian people for a democratic, secular republic. We stand with you. The world needs to stand with the Iranian people. I’m here to tell you that you inspire us.
Urška Bačovnik Janša
It’s a great honor and pleasure to attend this conference with so many distinguished guests under the great leadership of Maryam Rajavi. As a Muslim woman, Maryam has had to overcome extraordinary political, social, cultural, and ideological challenges put in place by the ruling regime in Iran. I commend Maryam’s courage and commitment to empowering Iranian women.
Under Maryam’s leadership, women have risen to hold key positions in the Iranian Resistance movement. I admire the work of the NCRI Women’s Committee that I have been following closely for quite some time. Iranian women have been on the frontline of protests against Iran’s Islamic regime. They have shown enormous courage, intelligence, and strength.
We, women around the world, can be proud of all of them. But despite all their heroic efforts, the Islamic Republic of Iran continues restricting the rights of Iranian women and erasing them from all levels of society.
Iranian women continue being the first victims of the regime. They continue facing unimaginable discriminatory laws for the 21st century. Women not being able to travel abroad or obtain a passport without the written permission of their male guardians. Women are prohibited from singing or dancing or women facing up to fifteen years in prison and receiving lashes for the so-called bad hijab.
I continue being deeply affected by numerous reports of sexual abuse that Iranian women have witnessed in prisons. Numerous women continue being executed. There are serious concerns over a rigid judicial system.
Women are executed for murder but the reality is they are just victims of horrendous domestic abuses. They will kill to defend themselves or their children since they have no legal means to end an abusive marriage. Unfortunately, I could continue with other examples of the outrageous situation of women in Iran, but my time is limited.
So, I would like to take the opportunity of today’s event to pass a very strong message to my fellow Western women and Western governments. We must stand firm, together, against the policies of the Iranian regime that strangles women’s freedoms. Words of western women’s organizations and governments must be put into action. We must be there for Iranian women.
Rita Süssmuth, former President of the German Bundestag (1985-1988)
We have to put an end to discrimination against women. There are enough women who have shown what they can achieve. We don’t need anybody to tell us what to do.
It is hatred and brutality that we see, and this must come to an end. We are still a minority when it comes to the participation of women, including in Europe. We need to work together for peace.
We have to do more things together. Men will see that there is more resistance from women because they won’t wait to see what happens. We want to save people. When it comes to looking after our own people, we have to try to consider how many people we can accommodate. We have to help however we can.
There’s a cold war against anyone who resists the system. That requires our respect. I almost cry when I think about the things that Iranian women are going through. This can’t continue. Don’t believe that we are too weak to show resistance. We must speak inside and outside the parliament. We are all part of one and in unity with men.
Iran is a highly civilized country. You can see it in the women who come from Iran, the women in Ashraf. They survived the regime. They were not weak. Suffering can lead to fresh energy. It is not that we simply accept that we can’t do anything. We are at least as strong as men.
Maryam Rajavi is a woman that I admire. She wants to achieve freedom and democracy based on the values of Islam. It is important to make each woman strong, make sure she is confident.
Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, German Minister of Defense (2019-2021)
We are talking about strong women in Iran. If we talk about women’s rights, we are talking about the rights of half of the Earth’s population. If we accept fundamentalists and their interpretations, then we don’t have human rights at all.
This is why your congress is important for women across the world. The international community has clarified that from the beginning of the fundamentalist regime in Iran, the rights of women have been limited systematically.
It is important to make each woman strong, make sure she is confident. Two-thirds of students in Iran are women, one-third of the workforce is female. If we cannot manifest this politically in Iran and change the fundamentalist system, their successes will be marginalized.
On the one hand, we see a fundamentalist regime, and on the other we see women as a force that believes they can change the system. A lot of women fight for their freedom, even though if they have to lay down their lives for a better Iran. A great example is Maryam Rajavi, who has laid out a plan for the future of Iran that is liberated from discrimination, where men and women are equal, a country that is not a hub of fundamentalism and terrorism. We need to help the women to achieve freedom and equal rights. We need to fight with the women around the world. We need solidarity.
Ingrid Betancourt, Colombian politician, former senator and anti-corruption activist
Women’s struggle around the world unites us. We are all freedom fighters. We have learned to resist and never give up. When women are not safe, no one is safe. When we fight for our rights, we fight for a world that respects human rights. Every second, all over the planet, women are fighting against tyranny. Every day, women are risking their lives to defend freedom and equality and to defend their rights and the rights of their children.
Our sisters in Iran have lived under tyranny. The new generations don’t have any experience of what a democratic environment means. They are risking everything; these young women have taken up the flag against the mullahs’ dictatorship. They have learned the hard way that tolerance of tyranny is not acceptable.
Iranian women have reached a very important conclusion: they can only achieve their rights with a change of regime in Iran. Therefore, they must play their role in the resistance against the regime. But they have gone one step further. They realize that to achieve their goal they must take responsibility at all levels, including at the political level.
Tens of thousands of women of the Iranian Resistance have been tortured and executed. Women have taken responsibility in the organization. But they have gone further and made the presence of women in leadership the new normal. They are offering a new paradigm, a new role model for women and men. It is one of the most impressive achievements of the Iranian Resistance. It would not have been possible without the leadership of Maryam Rajavi.
Maryam Rajavi transformed the Iranian Resistance into a liberation army that is most feared by the mullahs’ regime. Today, the MEK is recognized and respected across the world. It is at the forefront of the fight for gender equality. Maryam Rajavi brought light to the lives of millions of silenced and gagged Iranian women. We are talking about a generation of women who are now leading the fight for freedom.
Women are playing a leading role in protests against the regime. It is time for the world community to unite and act. We call on the UN Security Council, the US government, and European governments to change their conciliatory policy toward Iran’s regime. In the case of Iran, the world must end the shameful
Approach of reaching a nuclear agreement with the regime. It is time to align ourselves with the people. Supporting the Iranian Resistance and the MEK is a duty of the world.
Mimi Kodheli, Minister of Defence of Albania (2013–2017)
The foremost field of bias against women is political leadership. The empowerment of women’s role is an important priority. Discrimination imposed on Iranian women amounts to gender apartheid. Iran is run by a misogynist regime. In the past 40 years, it has imposed extreme pressure against women. Iranian women are totally absent from ministerial positions. This is due to the ruling regime that hinders women’s participation in key fields. It’s not because women are not competent. We see a completely different picture when we look at the role of women in the Iranian Resistance.
Iranian women are at the forefront of all protests inside Iran. What does that mean for women who are suffering from gender apartheid across the world? Condemning suppression of women in Iran is not enough. We need to support these women in Iran and worldwide.
I express solidarity with our sisters in Ukraine. We stand by those dear, brave and heroic women who are standing to protect their children, country, and rights.
Your Albanian friends will stand and be with you in all your efforts to fight for human rights, equality, freedom, and the rights of women.
Maria da Graca Carvalho, Minister of Science and Higher Education from Portugal (2003-2005)
In Iran, brain drain is very serious and includes many women and girls. Many girls leave Iran, scientists, engineers and doctors. I wish Iran creates more opportunities for younger generations, and Iranian women and girls do not face discrimination.
I express my solidarity with women across the world, especially the women of Iran and the mothers of Iran, who are key for promotion in Iran.
Frances Townsend, Former Homeland Security Advisor to United States President
The women of the world lead the resistance for freedom across the world, whether it’s in Kurdistan, Ukraine, or Iran. I am humbled by the courage of women in Iran who fight for choice, for freedom, whether it’s for speech or the overthrow of the misogynist regime of Iran.
I think about the risks the women of Iranian Resistance continue to take each day, taking part in farmers protests, and teachers protests across Iran. The ranks of women in the resistance are growing. More women are joining the fight.
They are encouraging everyone in Iran to do their part. The plight of women in Iran has motivated them to take part in the struggle. I continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with you in this fight.
It is not at all surprising that the sharp edge of the regime’s discriminatory policies is directed at women. We must acknowledge that the engagement of the US with Ebrahim Raisi, who is responsible for so many crimes against humanity, is offensive. We must not engage with him in nuclear talks. We can no longer sit idly by and see disturbing images of women abused, beat, and shot in Iran, and think that it is a separate issue.
We must ensure that women are treated equally in Iran. I continue to be humbled by your courage and strength.
Christina Maria Bamel, Deputy Bishop of Berlin
Women’s rights seem to be marginalized because the nuclear program seems to be more important for some people. Iran is faced with misogyny. But there are courageous people in Iran who put their lives at risk to fight for freedom. There are problematic situations in prisons. We know the high prices that women must pay in Iran. I was touched by the situation of Maryam Akbari Monfared. She’s in prison and has become an icon of resistance for women in prison.
Women are separated from their children and are tortured. The regime disrespects the rights of women and girls. Most executions of women in the world happen in Iran. The world must see this. We must enforce democratic change. We need strong solidarity. We must respect women’s rights and this should be at the center of German-Iranian politics.
Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko
In Ukraine we have a war. Our brothers, fathers, and sons are in the war. Women are working real hard. Lots of us have taken up weapons. Others are doing humanitarian aid. Others are involved in politics to raise attention across the world.
If we lose faith, we will never win. It is very important to keep faith. To everyone who is listening, don’t give up on your country. We’re fighting for all of you. If we don’t defend our freedom right now, history will never be the same. I’m very proud of my nation, and I send my love to all of you. We need peace in Ukraine. We need peace in the world.
Michèlle Alliot-Marie, MEP, Former Interior, Defense, Foreign and Justice Minister of France
Women give world to everyone. This is what Maryam Rajavi has been doing for so many years. Women give life, carry hopes for peace, for freedom, for greater respect.
You represent those values for the Iranian people and for all women and all the people. The world has never been so dangerous. The number of crises is increasing in Middle East, Ukraine, Asia, and Africa. A greater role for women is a key factor. Women should show their full potential and creativity.
I would like to thank the Iranian women. Never give up in front of oppressors. I am by your side, Maryam Rajavi. I stand by all Iranian women. Maryam Rajavi has been defending the values of freedom and democracy.
Suzana Turku, Master of the Albanian Choir
We salute all the women of the world, especially the pioneer women of the Iranian Resistance and MEK, and the heroines of Ukraine, who are standing up for freedom in the world today.
MEK sisters, you have sacrificed your lives, your families, and your friends for a free Iran. We respect the heroines who lost their lives in the 1988 massacre.
My relationship with you is very special. Through music, your beautiful songs, your motives, and the beautiful Albanian songs. This is the message and voice of women for peace in all the world.
Dominique Attias, President of European Law Society Federation from France
Iranian women are playing a major role for a free Iran. For many years, Iranian women know equality is impossible without justice and democracy. They have taken to action with strength of change, thanks to those brave women that I do salute here. We have seen that in all of Iran’s demonstrations.
Despite their suffering, Iranian women have never given up and have continued to stand for justice. Look at the women in the Resistance Units. Look at your leader, my friend, Mrs. Rajavi, who is carrying the weight of this fight.
Since the very beginning of this fight, she has said we can, and we must. Never give up. Women are strength of change across the globe. The brave women of Ukraine are standing to defend their country and are paying the price today. We stand alongside those women. They are reflecting the fight of Iranian women.
I can see the dawn of a new world in Iran, thanks to you, Maryam Rajavi, and all these Iranian women.
Marianne Binder-Keller, Member of the Swiss Federal Assembly
I admire your motivation, your movement, and what you’re fighting for. You show courage and work a lot in the fight for equality. I admire the women who fight for equality.
Disinformation protects those who support wars and governments that oppress. Islam can go hand in hand with modern life. After the 1979 revolution, I was shocked to see the situation of women in Iran. It is very important to know what happens in Iran now. I see pictures of a young woman who has been executed by her husband, a sportsman killed because he was critical of the regime, people executed in public. This touches me.
It is important to take part in this struggle. We as an international community, as parliamentarians, should be active in every country, to be active for all people who want equal rights. I thank all the women who contribute to this fight, and I admire your engagement.
Sylvia Lehmann, Member of the German Bundestag
Iran’s regime oppresses women in many ways and takes away their rights. The German Parliament has called on the German government to compel the Iranian government to stop the persecution of activists and women.
For us citizens in the West, we can’t imagine the scale of suffering of Iranian women and girls. Girls are held accountable legally at the age of nine. Minor girls are forced into marriage. Women activists suffer from terrible conditions in Iran’s prisons.
International Women’s Day is a day where women’s rights must be recognized globally. A lot of courageous Iranian women fight for these rights and risk their lives. The thought of equality is not part of the government of Iran. Most Muslim women are against fundamentalist interpretations of Islam because it destroys the image of religion. We need to support these women in their struggle for equality.
Michèle de Vaucouleurs, French MP from Democratic Movement
The Iranian regime is hostile to women. Iranian women are victims of mullahs’ repression. Those who stand up for their rights are threatened and jailed. Iran is the country with most execution of women. This situation is unacceptable and we must act together against this regime.
Democratic Iran will only become achievable if the rights of women are respected. Women in Iran have been fighting for their rights for 40 years. The women of the Iranian Resistance have shown how to stand up against the misogynist mullahs. I salute Iranian women who are fighting for equality. We support them in their fight and share their hope to live in a country where their rights are respected.
Linda Chavez, former White House Director of the Office of Public Liaison
It’s important to understand and tie what is going on in Ukraine today and what it might hold for Iran in the future. Putin is terrorizing Ukraine because he has nuclear weapons. There is another country that tries to obtain nuclear weapons and that is Iran. Can you imagine what Iran’s regime would do if it had nuclear weapons? The Iranian Resistance knows what war is like. When they were in Iraq, rockets rained on them.
You are joined together to talk about women’s rights. But women’s rights are indistinguishable from human rights. No country can claim to champion human rights if it doesn’t respect the rights of half of its population. Iran’s women are kept prisoner by a regime that does not respect human dignity.
But they have risen in major cities and small towns to speak out in resistance. Many times, they are imprisoned.
Khamenei is a man who has ambitions to the people of Iran and the world what Vladimir Putin is doing to the people of Ukraine. We must resist the wars that are being waged against our peoples.
In Iran, we won’t see women’s rights until the regime is changed. This will not happen without the support of the people around the world. Keep up the fight for freedom, for women, for our children.
Ase Kleveland, former Norwegian Minister of Culture
This year, we celebrate International Women’s Day at a time when women of two nations are fighting for justice and humanity, and for the fate of their people. First, the brave women of Ukraine who are fighting for their independence and against Russia’s illegitimate and unprovoked aggression on their country. It’s a shame.
And second, the women of Iran, who are fighting against religious dictatorship, at the forefront of all protests to establish human rights and democracy in their country.
On this occasion, I want to tell all these women, you are not alone. We are with you. All women of the world are with you in these days.
I take this opportunity to express my deepest solidarity with the women of Ukraine and Iran and all other women of the world who are fighting for justice and for human rights. Finally, I would like to extend my congratulations and deep gratitude to the NCRI, the National Council of Resistance of Iran, for setting this conference up.
Valentina Leskaj, former acting head of the Albanian Parliament
It’s a human obligation to be with women who suffer from the most terrible regime. Thousands of women have been put in prison, killed in the streets, or burned with acid, just because they want freedom. The revolution in Iran was about freedom for the Iranian people. They still want and deserve that. Women in the Iranian Resistance have sacrificed everything for freedom from religious dictatorship.
From the resistance of people in Ukraine, this sacrifice has become clearer and more meaningful to leaders in Europe. Iranian women are great symbols of sacrifice. You have taken responsibility to bring change to your country. You have not given up in these dark years.
The new president Raisi is responsible for executions of thousands of Iranian people. We must make it clear that the Iranian regime is a threat not only to the Iranian people but beyond that to international security and peace. The PMOI deserves the support of the international community. Maryam Rajavi is an inspiration for women across the globe.
It is time for the regime to go. Iranian women deserve to choose their future. Freedom and equality are the only answer to the problems of the Iranian people.
Susanna Ceccardi, Member of the European Parliament from Itlay
I urge you to keep going. Freedom is an essential right and the price you pay is very heavy. You have the strength to change Iran. Iran’s regime is corrupt. It’s time for the West to stand with Iranians and oppose this dictatorship. Otherwise, what is happening with Russia will happen again.
This regime is a threat, including a nuclear one. We can’t remain silent. Fighting against the Iranian dictatorship means making the world safer.
Today, Iranian women are facing great sacrifice, but they are taking the path of change. Together, we will be able to obtain the sought-after rewards. The Iranian Resistance is led by a great woman: Mrs. Maryam Rajavi.
Zinat Mirhashemi
In Iran, for more than four decades women have suffered. People in the streets have stood up and are struggling against this regime. Women have a pivotal role in this struggle. In the 2019 uprising, we saw the significant role of women in protests against the regime.
To the international community that has been appeasing the regime, the women of Iran sent a very strong message.
I would like to attract the world’s attention to the resistance of the Iranian women. Women demand equal rights with men. They will not obtain their rights until this regime is toppled. That is why the struggle of Iranian women for equality is a political struggle. That is why there are many women in the prisons of the Iranian regime.
The resilience of the women of Ashraf is commendable. I would like to commemorate the flagbearers of the Fedayian movement. We are proud to continue their path and will hopefully celebrate International Women’s Day in a free Iran.
Kira Rudik, Ukrainian MP
My life changed ten days ago after war came to our country and Russia invaded Ukraine. This was for a reason. Everything we did will make us stronger. Ten days ago, I was a Member of Parliament. It turned out that my life will never be the same. There are people who want to take our country, our homes from us. I decided not to let this happen. I decided that I will bear arms and defend my country. I got my Kalashnikov and created my resistance unit. I train every day to protect myself and my loved ones.
All countries of the world said that we would not stand a chance and Kyiv would fall in 24-48 hours. It’s ten days and we are still standing. This happened because of our army and because of the bravery of the resistance. There are people on every inch of Ukrainian soil who will not allow them to take our land.
As a woman I can tell you about our suffering. Our children are learning what war is and it’s terrible. Why do children have to go through this? Children must go to bomb shelters every day.
This is what gives me courage to train myself every day, to protect myself and my country. The Russian army is advancing on Kyiv, and they say there will be a siege. We are preparing. We will show that resistance will always be here, and we will not give up without a fight. Resistance is the only way to protect our land.
I’m so proud that here in Ukraine, women are ready to do this and have joined me in my resistance team. When planning to attack Ukraine, Putin only counted the men. He miscalculated. He didn’t think the women would fight, would protect their country. We will overcome. We will fight for our values and for our freedom.
Yuta Kasav, spokesperson of the German Teachers Syndicate
We express our solidarity with the Iranian women. We condemn what is happening in Iran. Many workers have been imprisoned. In this situation, they are risking their lives.
We are very upset about the situation of women in Iran. The power of women gives us inspiration. We express our solidarity with Iranian women and women all around the world.
Ines Schmidt, Member of the Berlin House of Representatives
We have been following your situation in Iran for many years. We know that you are very strong. We hear about women’s rights activists in Iran. Ebrahim Raisi is a dictator.
The politicians in Iran trample women’s rights and the women in Iran are being suppressed because of the regime’s policies.
Elona Gjebrea, Former Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs
Women’s equality movement is more dedicated than ever to defend the rights of women. The Iranian Resistance movement is a strong force for the eradication of the Iranian regime and the establishment of peace and democracy in Iran.
The NCRI promotes women’s equality and eliminates discrimination. We must show our solidarity to women in Iran and across the world. We are united in solidarity with women in Iran and across the world.
Amparo Fuertes Ferragut, Women’s rights activist
I have a message to all women in Resistance Units inside Iran, who are fighting a tyrannical and misogynistic regime: “You are heroines. You are our heroines.”
We will without a doubt benefit from your resilience and struggle.
Diana Chuli, Renowned author from Albania
I have learned a lot from the brothers and sisters of the Iranian Resistance. The mullahs’ regime has intervened in the most basic rights of women and the Iranian people. During the presidency of so-called moderate Hassan Rouhani, 114 women were executed.
We also know how strong the will of the Iranian women and Iranian people is. Not far away is the day when the dictatorship will fall, and freedom will be a reality.
Valeria Valente, Italian Senator ad Chair of the Parliamentary Investigation Committee on Femicide and Gender Violence
We must be able to overcome the challenges of today’s world. We saw during the pandemic that there were many challenges but we have overcome them. We see how women are standing up to dictatorship and taking part in the struggle.
We must stand together and together in a closely knit network and show that women can stand against dictatorship and aggression.
We must ensure that progress is made for a peaceful coexistence. Regarding Iran, the situation is awfully bad. We must follow everything that is going on there.
Maria Elena Elverdin, President of the International Federation of Women in Legal Careers, and the Association of Argentine Jurist Women from Argentina
Discrimination against women is a function of the tyrannical regime ruling Iran. I support the cause of Maryam Rajavi. I’m confident that these dark times will end, and we will celebrate the next Women’s Day in a free Iran.
Theresa Villiers British MP
For many years, I’ve spoken out against human rights abuses in Iran. Women suffer double in Iran. Many women were killed during the 1988 massacre of political prisoners.
Women are treated as second citizens by the Iranian legal system. But women are also playing a leading role in protest and dissent in Iran. I pay tribute to their bravery.
They took huge risks to take part in the protests. I know many women support the ten-point plan for a better future for Iran.
I hope one day we’ll see an end to the theocratic dictatorship and an end to the misogynist regime in Iran.
Els Ampe, Member of the Senate of Belgium
I stand by all of you for freedom and democracy. Women in Iran suffer because the Iranian despot puts them down. That’s why I’m proud that the Iranian Resistance is led by a woman, Maryam Rajavi.
All people are united for the wish for democracy. I stand by all people speaking up against tyrants. No one can destroy the force of your voice.
Ranjana Kumari, Indian social activist
Our brave, resilient, and defiant sisters in Iran have never succumb to the misery of life under the mullahs’ religious rule.
In contrast to the mullahs’ wish to isolate them at home and deny them their basic rights, Iranian women have never given in to the misogynist regime. They took to the streets at every opportunity and raised their voice against the clerical regime’s oppression.
Mothers whose children were killed by security forces during the protests have been outspoken, seeking justice for their loved ones, fearing no arrest, imprisonment, or torture.
I salute all the courageous mothers!
As opposed to the institutionalized discrimination, that deprives them of political participation and decision-making, Iranian women took the lead in virtually every protest, strike, and demonstration to play their role in deciding their country’s fate. They formed their Resistance Units and spearheaded the uprisings. Their role is instrumental in breaking the chains of repression.
I salute all the women in the resistance units from here! Salam!
Whenever they face arrest and detention, Iran’s brave women willingly pay the price of freedom. They do not give up their mission of promoting hope and keep encouraging active opposition to the regime even from behind ba
Where does this resilience come from? It is derived from their exemplary model who has stood firm and has led this movement. I am referring to my dear sister, Mrs. Rajavi. It is with her ten-point plan that will guarantee democracy and equality, which we all support.
The efforts of our sisters in Iran to realize freedom is commendable. Without this fight, true equality will never be realized.
US House of Representatives
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN, 4th District)
This year, I want to send a special message to the supporting women of the Iranian movement who have been on the forefront of this movement for equality and freedom. Your resistance against tyranny and your leadership benefits your communities and your nation.
We must work together to achieve policies here in the United States and around the world that prioritize women’s rights know that I stand in solidarity with Iranian women and women around the world living under oppressive regimes, including our Ukrainian sisters, who are fighting for their very freedoms as we speak. But you’re working every day and making sacrifices to expand opportunities for women and girls, and to chart a path forward towards a better future and for that, I want to thank you
Marilyn Strickland Congresswoman
The fight for equal right is so important that I stand here for solidarity. I call for the release of political prisoners and the participation of women in the legal and justice system.
Deborah Ross Congresswoman
It is so important that we support women’s struggle for human rights all around the world and particularly in Iran, where there has been so much upheaval. I applaud you for what you are doing to help your sisters in Iran. And I applaud the Iranian women who are standing in harm’s way every day to fight for their rights.
Jennifer Wexton Congresswoman
Today, women are subject to alarming levels of violence in their own homes and in Iranian society. It is deeply concerning to hear the tragic stories of women executed, murdered, and abused with no accountability from the state.
For far too long, the policies and practices of the Iranian regime have not protected the safety and wellbeing of women. The result is women living in fear and despair, and it’s unacceptable. The rate of violence against women and girls has only become more dire during the COVID pandemic, underscoring the urgent need to raise awareness and take action. That’s why I want to take the time to share my admiration for the heroic Iranian women who have stood up for their rights and dignity. For decades now. The women of Iran have helped lead the charge for greater freedoms inequality in Iran and around the world.
Rosa DeLauro Congresswoman
For the many gains women have made in countries across the world, there are several places in which the subjugation of women is more than bias. It is an ingrained practice, an accepted social norm. This is what Iranian women face every day. Yet even in the face of such tyranny, there are many who have and have and continue to stand up and fight for their equality and freedom.
Their resistance is often met by aggression, violence, and even more oppression. And this is why we must stand with them in support of their fight.
Elenor Norden Congresswoman
There is much work to be done to end gender inequality. Gender discrimination is embodied in all areas of Iranian law. Important life decisions are made for women and girls. Women’s rights defenders are imprisoned and executed for campaigning for their basic rights. Women and girls are second-class citizens. I commend the women of Iran for their leadership in the fight for equal rights.
Sylvia Garcia, Congresswoman
Together we can achieve more than we can imagine.
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Emilia Serquvira, Member of Parliament from Purtugal
Women have no rights in Iran. Iranian women are struggling for equal rights. They can be symbols for women all around the world. We are by your side.
Zeynab Hosseini, Head of Women Committee of Khebat Organization
In Iran, women have been suppressed both under the Shah and the mullahs’ dictatorship. They face the worst types of inequality. In Kurdistan, they suppress the Kurdish people, particularly the Kurdish women. The regime cannot stand women. Kurdish women fight alongside their brothers to achieve equality. We have witnessed the struggle of Kurdish women against the mullahs’ regime. They have struggled for their culture and language.
The ten-point plan of Mrs. Rajavi responds to the needs of the women of Iran.
Sania Kohansal
I want to talk about girls who had been killed because of the Iranian regime’s policies. The misogynistic policies of the regime are resulting in corruption and prostitution. These are caused by the Iranian regime’s policies. We will never forget our sisters and mothers in Iran. I will be their voice. The mullahs are trying to suppress women and girls because they know we have role models like Maryam Rajavi.
Nina Pesyan
The mullahs are using reactionary policies to trample the rights of women. They cannot control this power. They cannot suppress the mothers of the 1,500 who were killed in the 2019 protests and the mothers of the martyrs of the 1988 massacre. With self-sacrifice, we will continue to fight against the Iranian regime. Women in Iran are the force of change.
Yeganeh Samimi Fard
Many youths are joining the MEK because its ideals are freedom and equality. Last year, the MEK chose young Iranian women as their leadership committee. This is very important and hopeful for Iranian youth because Iran has become a great prison for women. But we are seeing the PMOI not only acknowledging Iranian women’s rights but also bringing them to leadership roles.
Raheleh Sadeghpour
I send my regards to my brave sisters in the Resistance Units in Iran. Maryam Rajavi believes in equality. Over 40 years of resistance by the Iranian Resistance is one of the brightest examples of how a people can fight and resist and be steadfast. These values live in more than 1,000 women in Ashraf, educated under the leadership of Mrs. Rajavi.
Shahnaz Fallah
The Iranian regime tries to lie against the women of the MEK. These women sacrifice everything so that they will be able to fight and bring freedom for the people of Iran. The propaganda is not limited to the women. The regime does that to all of MEK members.
Azadeh Zabeti
