Senator Evelyne Yonnet
Member of Senate from France
Remarks at roundtable discussion, “Women in Leadership, the Experience of the Iranian Resistance” – Tirana, IWD 2017
As a representative, I will stand by your side to the end of this revolution. This is very important for me.
Madam President, Dear Maryam,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Members of parliament who have come from around the world to support this great hope, freedom;
One can see the yearning for freedom in the suffering of all these oppressed women, tortured women, women who have been executed.
We commemorate these women with a glory that they deserve.
I have been impressed for various reasons. I have been really impressed.
For over 40 years, I have been engaged in activities to realize my ideals and I believe that your struggle is a very legitimate struggle. Freedom, equality, fraternity and a republic which is not based on religion. I think these values are highly important for realizing the rights of women.
I also pointed out yesterday that we have achieved some rights in France, but we have to be constantly vigilant in this regard so these rights are respected because these rights can go under question at any moment.
As a member of Senate, we make legislations to protect the rights of all citizens both women and men. This is very important. However, these laws might not be respected. This is why we must always be vigilant. I must say that as a representative, I will stand by your revolution to the end. This is very important for me, because I learned many things yesterday and today and I believe that it is very essential to support you.
You need people like me all over the world to take your message to our countries. Conveying this message is essential. I am from Aubervillier in the 93rd province, Seine Saint Denis. This city bears many scars because we have a lot of problems. We have a lot of Muslim brothers. We can talk to them but talking to women is more complicated. I believe it is very important to convey the message of hope you bear to all these women. This message of hope is very significant.
Therefore, you can count on me. I will convey this message to the parliament and my own province which is the 93rd province.
Once again, I thank you for your invitation. I will never forget these moments of vivacity. Thank you.
