Paris, February 22, 2025 – The International Women’s Day Conference, hosted by the Women’s Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), brought together distinguished political leaders, human rights activists, and advocates from over 80 countries. The event served as a platform to emphasize the crucial role of women in fighting oppression and advancing democracy, with a particular focus on the Iranian resistance movement.
The keynote speaker was Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, who declared that the fall of the Iranian regime was imminent, emphasizing that women were at the forefront of this struggle. She reiterated her vision for a democratic Iran based on gender equality and freedom, stating: “No to compulsory hijab, no to compulsory religion, and no to compulsory governance.”
Delegations of Iranian women and youths also participated in the event, renewing their pledge to carry on their fight for regime change in Iran.
Key Themes and Discussions
The event kicked off with remarks by Ms. Sarvnaz Chitsaz, Chair of the NCRI Women’s Committee. The conference underscored the resilience of Iranian women in their struggle against theocratic dictatorship. Prominent speakers expressed unwavering support for the Iranian people and condemned the systematic oppression of women under the Iranian regime. The discussions revolved around three main themes:
- Women as Catalysts for Change: Several speakers highlighted the leadership of Iranian women in nationwide protests and their role in shaping the future of a free Iran.
- Human Rights Violations in Iran: The conference condemned the regime’s discriminatory laws, enforced hijab mandates, and brutal suppression of dissent.
- Global Solidarity and Action: Participants called on international organizations and governments to exert pressure on the Iranian regime and stand in solidarity with Iranian women.
Michèle Alliot-Marie, Former French Minister of Foreign Affairs
“This International Women’s Day is not just a celebration; it is a call to action for democracy, equality, and freedom.” She praised Maryam Rajavi’s leadership and stressed that the fight for Iranian women’s rights is integral to global human rights efforts.
Rosalía Arteaga Serrano, Former President of Ecuador
“Iranian women are an unstoppable force. Their courage inspires the world, and their struggle for justice is a beacon of hope for all oppressed people.” She expressed her full support for Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan for Iran.
Anneli Jäätteenmäki, Former Prime Minister of Finland
“The fight of Iranian women is not only about hijab; it is about social, political, and economic freedom. They have chosen the path of resistance, and they will prevail.” She condemned the Iranian regime’s systemic discrimination against women and praised the NCRI’s commitment to gender equality.
Íngrid Betancourt, Former Colombian Senator and Presidential candidate
Ingrid Betancourt dismissed claims of a divided opposition, affirming that monarchists and theocratic rulers are equally rejected by the people of Iran. “The Iranian Resistance is unique because it is the only organization where women are at the core of leadership,” she emphasized.
Linda Chavez, Former White House Public Liaison Director
She compared Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan to a “Bill of Rights” for the Iranian people and emphasized that change in Iran will be driven by its people, not foreign intervention.
Dominique Attias, President of the European Lawyers Foundation
Mrs. Attias paid tribute to political prisoner Maryam Akbari Monfared, who has endured 15 years of unjust imprisonment. She called for the international legal community to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its human rights abuses.
Global Endorsement and Solidarity
A significant highlight of the event was the presentation of a statement signed by over 650 former political leaders, parliamentarians, human rights activists, and Nobel laureates from more than 80 countries. This statement, presented by Candice Bergen, former leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, reaffirmed support for Iranian women and called for:
- The abolition of Iran’s oppressive hijab laws
- Greater international pressure on the Iranian regime
- Recognition of the NCRI and its vision for a free and democratic Iran
The conference sent a powerful message: the global community stands in solidarity with Iranian women. Speakers emphasized that women are not just participants in the struggle for freedom but are leading the charge. The overwhelming support for Maryam Rajavi’s vision reinforced a unified stance against dictatorship and a commitment to securing fundamental rights for all Iranians.
List of International Speakers
- Michèle Alliot-Marie – Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, France
- Rosalía Arteaga Serrano – Former President of Ecuador
- Anneli Jäätteenmäki – Former Prime Minister of Finland
- Ingrid Betancourt – Former Colombian Senator and Presidential candidate
- Linda Chavez – Former White House Public Liaison Director
- Dominique Attias – President of the European Lawyers Foundation
- Candice Bergen – Former Leader of Canada’s Conservative Party
- Cherie Blair KC – Founder, Cherie Blair Foundation for Women
- Baroness O’Loan – Member, UK House of Lords
- Theresa Villiers – Former Minister, UK
- Helen Goodman – Former UK Shadow Minister
- Katja Adler – Member of the German Bundestag
- Sandra Weeser – Member of the German Bundestag
- Naike Gruppioni – Italian MP
- Dolores Bevilacqua – Italian Senator
- Elisa Pirro – Italian Senator
- Kathleen Depoorter – Belgian MP
- Yakin Ertürk – Former UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women
- Helena Carreiras – Former Minister of National Defense, Portugal
- Edita Tahiri – Former Deputy Prime Minister, Kosovo
- Izabela Konopacka– President of the European Bar Federation (2023-2026)
- Sharron Davies MBE – Olympic Medalist from the UK
- Katya De Giovanni – Maltese MP
- Siham Badi – Former Minister for Women’s Affairs, Tunisia
- Carmen Quintanilla – Former Spanish Senator, President of AFAMMER, and Permanent Parliamentarian at the Council of Europe.
- Catherine Noone – Former Deputy Speaker of the Irish Senate
- Faten Ramadan – Head of the Syrian Human Rights Without Borders
- Iulia Dăscălu – Member of the Moldovan Parliament
- Dorein Rookmaker – Former Member of the European Parliament from the Netherlands
