Women's Role in Iran's Uprising Praised at International Women's Day Conference in Brussels

Renowned women leaders from Europe, Canada, and the United States attended an international conference in Brussels hosted by the Iranian Resistance on March 4th in honor of International Women’s Day. The conference focused on the leading role of women in the Iranian people's revolution and the history of women's struggle against Iran's misogynistic regime, with a particular emphasis on the sacrifices made by female members of the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). The keynote speaker was Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).

Mrs. Rajavi discussed the importance of restoring the rights of the oppressed for democracy, with a focus on the freedom and rights of Iranian women. She also highlighted the NCRI's 36-year-old plan for outlining the rights and freedoms of women. Other speakers included renowned figures such as Linda Chavez, former White House Director of Public Liaison, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, former German Minister of Defense, and Dominique Attias, President of the European Law Society Federation.

The conference focused on the desire for freedom and democracy in Iran and opposition to the misogynistic policies of the clerical regime. The speakers praised the leadership of Mrs. Rajavi and the sacrifices made by women in the struggle for freedom and dignity in Iran. They also condemned the IRGC as a terrorist organization and the oppressive regime in Tehran.

The Chair of the NCRI's Women's Committee, Ms. Sarvenaz Chitsaz, highlighted the leading role of women in the uprising and the indispensable role of Mrs. Rajavi in achieving equality and empowering women. Linda Chavez praised the MEK, a group that has fought the regime for decades, and Maryam Rajavi, who has been fearlessly standing up to the regime in Tehran.

Former German Minister of Defense Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer spoke about the desire for a free and democratic Iran and condemned the regime in Tehran. Similarly, Latifa Aït Baala, Member of the Parliament of Brussels, emphasized that the Iranian people want a democratic state, a democratic republic, and an end to theocracy.

Prof. Yakın Ertürk, UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, spoke about the long history of Iranian women in the struggle for emancipation from prohibitions imposed by law and misogynist practices.

Margarita Duran Vadell, former Spanish Senator and journalist, recognized the leadership of Maryam Rajavi and the sacrifices made by women in the struggle for freedom and dignity in Iran. She said, "The main opposition to the mullahs’ regime is led by a woman, Maryam Rajavi. Behind every act of rebellion and opposition, there have been women, followed by jail, torture, and execution. That is the price of freedom and dignity in Iran."

MEK members and supporters also spoke about their experiences and the importance of the Resistance Units in leading the movement for women's liberation and regime change. Candice Bergen Harris, MP, Leader of Canada's Conservative Party (2022), recognized the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of the women and people of Iran, praising them for their resilience.

 

The conference ended with a collective agreement that the movement for women's liberation and the movement for regime change go hand in hand. The speakers expressed their gratitude to Mrs. Rajavi and the NCRI for their commitment to gender equality and freedom, calling for international policy that supports the people of Iran. The Iranian Resistance's conference highlighted the integral role of women in the fight for a democratic and free Iran, sending a powerful message of solidarity to all those struggling for their rights around the world.