Annual Conference for Democratic Change in Iran – June 2013 (Villepinte, Paris)
Aude de Thuin: It is very impressive to see you here tonight and to recognize some women that I find whenever I stand here. Thank you for your welcome.
With the recent elections in Iran, we understand the meaning of this day much more.
I will not repeat all that is said about the elections, but I’d still like to express my surprise at this country, Iran, the way it is headed today. My astonishment is on the status of women, rather the non-status of women, and more generally, in the countries of the Arab region.
These have been expressed by Maryam Radjavi here today. Therefore we quickly turn to the question of women in Iran. Are women in official posts in the country? This is doubtful that Islamic fundamentalism poses heavy pressure to Arab women. To fight for freedom, women are challenging the traditional taboos, as does Mrs. Rajavi here. A secular and democratic regime is better than the mullahs and the Taliban. Secularism is the only guarantor of civil rights and freedoms which acts as a threat to the Islamic extremism.
The Islamists do not hear well… Yet Islam is a religion of forgiveness and brotherhood. This is why we must end the use of Islam for political purposes. Separate politics from religion, and not be susceptible to lies and rumors that people who do not seek the good of their country are trying to move on Islam and politics. Vigilance is required; women’s rights are constantly violated or challenged under the guise of tradition or religious precepts.
Why is it? It is because they are afraid? Because fathers tell their daughters that they should not get involved in politics to maintain a good reputation? And girls are then entitled to respond: I do not think doing something that displeases God beats me for democracy. A young woman said: “When I started this struggle, I dreamed of seeing one day people walking in the street being internally free.” I guess Mrs. Rajavi also often thought that.
We Western women, who enjoy equal rights, need to support women who are struggling in the world to acquire their own. That is why I am here today alongside Mrs. Rajavi. Despite our cultural differences, we are much closer than we think, simply because we are women, because in the world at all times without any exception, men dominate women. We can no longer accept discrimination against women in the world, but we fight on their side because we are all equal.
I’m here today to support Mrs. Rajavi, invite more women to mobilize women everywhere and to defend and bring a new future. I recommend you to read the book of Madame Rajavi, and so hand in hand, word by word, support by support, Iran will be the way it should be, in the future with equality and harmony between men and women.
