NCRI Official Says Women Central to Iran’s Political Future

Moussa Afshar, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), said an international conference on women’s leadership underscored what he described as a decisive factor for Iran’s political future.

The conference, titled “Women’s Leadership: A Necessity for a Free Iran and a Democratic Republic,” was held ahead of International Women’s Day and featured Maryam Rajavi alongside dozens of international political figures.

Afshar said Rajavi stressed during the event that women’s leadership is indispensable for achieving political change in Iran. According to him, Rajavi argued that without the active leadership of women, neither a peaceful transition of power nor the realization of democracy, justice and development would be possible.

He added that the Iranian opposition views human rights and women’s rights as inseparable, calling for full recognition of women’s freedoms across all areas — from personal choice in dress and employment to political participation and leadership roles.

Afshar also pointed to what he described as the growing role of Iranian women, particularly youth activists, in protest movements inside the country. He quoted Rajavi as rejecting all forms of coercion, including compulsory dress codes, compulsory religion and authoritarian rule.

According to Afshar, participants in the conference — including former officials from Europe, North America and Latin America — voiced support for Rajavi’s 10-Point Plan as a framework for a democratic future in Iran. He said speakers also rejected all forms of dictatorship, whether religious or monarchical.

Afshar further noted that international figures, including Carla Sands and Ingrid Betancourt, challenged narratives portraying Iran’s former monarchy as a model for equality, arguing that authoritarian systems cannot deliver genuine gender equality.

He highlighted the role of the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), saying its leadership structure — which includes significant female representation — demonstrates what he described as an alternative model.

Afshar concluded by calling on the international community to move beyond expressions of sympathy and provide what he termed meaningful political and legal support for the Iranian people’s pursuit of democratic change.