First woman deputy Prime Minister of Spain, director of the Foundation Women for Africa (Mujeres por África)
Message of solidarity to the IWD 2017 gathering, “Women in Political Leadership”
The Honorable Madame President,
The honorable friends of the National Council of Resistance of Iran,
I’d liked to be with you and your guests to celebrate the International Women’s Day. Unfortunately, I was not able to be among you but you very well know that not only through this video message but also from the bottom of my heart, I am with you.
Wherever there are women who seek equality, freedom, tolerance and democracy, I am with them, especially in the case of women such as you who not only fight for their own rights and freedoms, but for the rights and freedoms of their people.
Dear friends,
I admire you for your hard work, commitment, and courage. This is how one can advance just as you relocated all the residents of Camp Liberty to Europe.
Dear Mrs. Rajavi,
I congratulate you for improving the living conditions for so many people. This is a very difficult job which seemed impossible. There have been many other achievements by women which nobody believed could be made possible, but were realized. Women’s dedication can move mountains and you, Iranian women, are the best examples of this.
I believe that with your struggle you will succeed to realize the citizens’ rights for women and everyone in your country. Equality is useful for everyone and it spreads dignity and freedom for all, all over the world.
In the face of so much vengeance, intolerance and antipathy towards foreigners, the world needs courageous, democratic women who advocate women’s rights. And the National Council of Resistance of Iran has fulfilled this need.
Dear friends,
I encourage you to continue your advancements and struggle to achieve your goals. We, all the democrats, are on your side. We know that pluralism, respect for men and women’s rights are the only guarantee for progress and peace for all the world’s citizens.
(Miguel de) Cervantes, my country’s great writer, said, “Freedom is the greatest God-given gift for human beings. Freedom is a jewel concealed in our Earth that reins in the waves of oceans.”
It is my pleasure, that Iranian women are carrying out a serious struggle to achieve this freedom. I thank you infinitely and please accept my cordial feelings.
