On Saturday, February 22, 2025, the Women’s Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran hosted a conference to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD 2025). The event gathered distinguished political leaders, human rights advocates, and supporters of the Iranian Resistance from over 80 countries.
Baroness O’Loan is a public figure in Northern Ireland. From 1999 to 2007, she was the first Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. She was appointed to the House of Lords in September 2009.
Baroness O’Loan delivered a speech at the IWD 2025 event in Paris, the text of which is presented below.
Baroness O’Loan: Amplify the voices the regime seeks to silence—the women of the Resistance, the women of Ashraf, and the women of Iran.
Madam President-elect, dear Maryam, if I may, honourable colleagues, distinguished guests, friends, it’s a great honour and privilege to join you today and to be with you, Madam President-elect, in person as we celebrate International Women’s Day.
And as we stand in solidarity with the courageous women and girls in Iran and support your fight against the regime.
You described that fight, Madam Rajavi, with such eloquence today. You spoke of so many murdered women, including your own sisters.
We remember them. We remember them all. And I salute your courage and your magnificent leadership.
You are indeed a voice for change, a force for change—and that change will come.
The Roots of Tyranny and the False Use of Religion
The theocratic tyranny ruling Iran today usurped power in 1979 by exploiting religion. Since then, it has used the same false pretext to enforce gender oppression, apartheid, and the marginalisation of women.
The regime’s leaders claim divine authority to execute, torture, and imprison women who demand their inalienable rights.
This is not about faith. It is about power and dictatorship.
The Democratic Alternative Led by Women
In contrast, the PMOI and the NCRI stand as the antithesis of this misogynistic tyranny.
The Resistance champions women’s leadership, equality, and a secular, democratic Iran, as outlined in Madam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan and the 12-Point Plan for Women’s Rights.
And you—the 1,000 brave women of Ashraf—are not just the beating heart of the organised resistance; you are the living proof of the regime’s crimes.
Many are former political prisoners and survivors of torture—witnesses who ultimately will end the regime’s impunity.
That is why the regime has tried to silence them for decades—not just with imprisonment and executions, but with rocket attacks when they lived in Iraq, and with propaganda and character assassination.
Why? Because the regime fears the truth and the organised resistance.
As these women are heard, the regime’s misogynistic rule will crumble.
The Spread of Resistance Across Iran
The brave, courageous Iranian people—and I again pay tribute to them, especially the women—are engaged in the creation and expansion of Resistance Units, which spread the resistance message across the country.
Their message is not just about the compulsory hijab—it’s about freedom, about democracy, about removing the real obstacle to Iran’s prosperity: theocratic tyranny.
A Viable Path Forward: The Ten-Point Plan
Madam Rajavi, you and the brave women of Iran and the NCRI offer a viable democratic alternative.
Your Ten-Point Plan replaces tyranny with a republic, misogyny with gender equality, and oppression with justice.
That is why the regime fears you—because you offer a real path to victory.
I am proud to be one of hundreds of cross-party members of both Houses of the UK Parliament supporting you today.
Many more—as we have heard—across Europe and the world, stand with us.
Rejecting All Forms of Dictatorship
And it’s important to say this: “Neither Shah nor Mullah” in Iran is not just a slogan. It has a history.
Anyone who is familiar with Iranian history knows well that monarchy in Iran has always been a symbol of fascism and dictatorship.
Comparing the monarchy in Iran with the UK or other European countries is a big mistake.
Iranians are against all dictatorships—be it the Shah or the theocratic dictatorship.
They want a free, democratic republic.
Calling on the UK Government to Act
Today we call on the international community to act.
I especially call on the government of the UK to blacklist the IRGC.
Most recently, at the end of January, I wrote to the government asking them what their plans were.
In response to my question on the 12th of February—just ten days ago—I received this from the government:
They said, “Iran’s malign activities, including the activities of the IRGC, are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
The UK already maintains sanctions on over 450 Iranian individuals and entities, covering human rights abuses, nuclear proliferation, malign influence internationally, and state threats—including sanctioning the IRGC in its entirety.
The UK has sanctioned the IRGC in its entirety. And the government said they continue to consider what further steps may be taken to deter Iran’s malign activity.
The Final Call: Stand with the Women of Iran
My answer to them is: Hold the regime accountable.
Amplify the voices the regime seeks to silence—the women of the Resistance, the women of Ashraf, and the women of Iran.
We have seen them work so well with all the men here today—in their actions and in their words—and I thank the men too for all that they are doing to support these women, supporting them with courage and supporting their courage.
Their fight is not just for themselves.
It is for the future of an entire nation, the region, and world peace.
As the women and girls of Iran rise for a better future, let us stand with them for a free Iran.
