Former Colombian Candidate Praises Iranian Women’s Activism

Former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt said the role of Iranian women has evolved from a human rights concern into what she described as a decisive force for democratic change in Iran, during remarks delivered at an international conference focused on women’s leadership.

Betancourt said the gathering aimed to honour what she called the “resistance of Iranian women,” arguing that their activism has become deeply intertwined with broader demands for freedom, dignity and political reform in the country.

She maintained that the push for gender equality in Iran has historically been linked to wider democratic aspirations. In her remarks, Betancourt criticised both the former monarchy and the current system of governance in Iran, saying women’s rights had been constrained under different political eras.

Referring to recent protest movements, Betancourt argued that women and youth have played prominent organisational and leadership roles. She described their participation as evidence, in her view, that women are central actors in Iran’s political landscape rather than peripheral participants.

Betancourt also stressed that female representation in leadership should be viewed as a strategic requirement for democratic governance, not merely symbolic inclusion. She criticised what she described as insufficient international support for Iranian activists, saying some Western policymakers had prioritised economic considerations over democratic principles.

Addressing debates over Iran’s political future, Betancourt rejected proposals that look to past governing models, arguing that any future political framework must explicitly guarantee women’s rights and political equality.

She pointed to the programme advanced by Maryam Rajavi, head of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, describing its emphasis on gender equality, separation of religion and state, and expanded civil liberties as central elements of the opposition’s vision.

Betancourt concluded that, in her assessment, the future trajectory of Iran will be shaped significantly by women activists and youth movements seeking political change.