At an international conference in Paris last Saturday, Iranian opposition leader Maryam Rajavi delivered a poignant keynote address, stressing the pivotal role of women in leading the charge against Iran’s fundamentalist religious dictatorship. The conference, organized in anticipation of International Women’s Day on March 8, brought together a diverse array of influential women political figures, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, former officials, parliamentarians, and women’s activists from across the globe, underlining the international support for the cause.
Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, underscored the critical importance of overthrowing the theocratic regime in Iran as a key solution to the crises in the Middle East. The conference shed light on the indispensable role played by Iranian women in sustaining the nation’s societal tensions, often referred to as ’embers beneath ashes,’ while advocating for strategic resistance against the oppressive regime.
Throughout her address, Rajavi acknowledged the invaluable contribution of women associated with the (PMOI/MEK) and other combatant women in the push for regime change. She cited instances of courageous women leading various movements, including the December 2017-January 2018 uprising, the November 2019 protests, and the 2022 nationwide uprising sparked by the tragic murder of Zhina Amini.
Rajavi expressed unwavering confidence in the eventual triumph of the opposition over the clerical regime, envisioning the establishment of a democratic system that champions gender equality and fundamental rights for all Iranians. She highlighted the regime’s ongoing sham trial in absentia for members of the PMOI and the Iranian Resistance, underscoring the regime’s fear and acknowledgment of the pivotal role of women’s leadership in challenging its existence.
The conference boasted an impressive lineup of over 70 dignitaries, including notable figures such as Dr. Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, former President of Latvia; Najat Vallaud Belkacem, former Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Research, Minister of Women’s Rights and Government’s spokesperson of France; Anneli Jäätteenmäki, former Prime Minister of Finland; Michèle Alliot-Marie, former Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of France; Rosalía Arteaga Serrano, former President of Ecuador; Ana Helena Chacon Echeverria, former Vice-President of Costa Rica; Senator Erin McGreehan, Spokesperson of the Irish Senate on Equality and Children’s Affairs; and Leymah Gbowee, Nobel Peace Laureate.
The audience, predominantly comprised of Iranian exiles, responded with fervor to video clips featuring women activists in Iran who sent empowering messages to the event.
International figures, including Dr. Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga and former President of Ecuador Rosalía Arteaga Serrano, expressed unwavering solidarity with the Iranian people’s pursuit of freedom, democracy, and the separation of religion from the state. They called on the international community to recognize the right of the Iranian people to resist and establish a republic in alignment with Maryam Rajavi’s vision.
Linda Chavez, former White House Director of Public Liaison, raised pertinent questions about the Iranian regime’s concerted efforts to demonize the opposition movement. She highlighted the regime’s past plot to bomb the NCRI’s Free Iran World Summit in Paris in June 2018, emphasizing the significance of Maryam Rajavi’s message and the movement’s 10-point plan for a future free Iran.
Baroness O’Loan DBE, a member of the House of Lords in the UK, urged European governments to counter Tehran’s illegal activities and uphold the rights of the Iranian opposition. She emphasized the establishment of a democratic Iran as a substantial contribution to world peace.
Ingrid Betancourt, a former Colombian Senator, spotlighted the collaborative efforts of men and women within the MEK, countering the regime’s attempts to demonize the movement.
Despite the challenges faced, the MEK’s Resistance Units, with women playing a prominent role, have demonstrated resilience and growth. In response, the regime has escalated its crackdown by arresting women activists in Iran and imposing lengthy prison sentences on several female supporters of the MEK.
In conclusion, the conference underscored the indispensable role of women in the opposition movement and their unwavering determination to effect positive change in Iran. The global support for this cause remains paramount as Iranian women advocate for freedom, democracy, and the separation of religion from the state. The international community’s solidarity is essential in the face of ongoing challenges and the pursuit of a brighter future for Iran.