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.
Edita Tahiri, one of the leaders of Kosovo’s independence, was the deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo from 2011 to 2014. She also served as the country’s Foreign Minister from 1991 to 2000.
Edita Tahiri delivered a speech at the IWD 2025 event in Paris, excerpts of which are presented below.
Edita Tahiri: The Power of Women Cannot Be Denied
Dear brave people of Iran,
Dear powerful leader, Madam Rajavi,
I feel the power of freedom. I feel the spirit of patriotism that flows from the people of Iran—people who have been oppressed for far too long.
And yet, you hold fast to your vision, your unity, your love, and your lives, which you wish to offer for a better Iran—a free, democratic, secular, and prosperous Iran for all its people. A future that includes women because any nation that empowers women is strong. We, as women, are half the population.
It does not matter if some men choose to discriminate. We women possess strategic assets. We hold values that allow us to excel in many areas.
We Defeated Our Dictator—And So Will You
I have a story to share. Madam Rajavi, we once had our own version of Khamenei. His name was Milošević. But he is no longer in power. Do you know why?
Because we sent him where he belonged—into the dustbin of history. You too will achieve this. You will get rid of Khamenei and all the wrongdoers.
Thank you. I say this with truth and competence. Why? Because I was one of the leaders of the movement in Kosovo that brought an end to Milošević and his genocidal regime.
A Leader Who Inspires—A Woman Who Leads
That is why I am here to support you—all of you—but especially your leader. To see a woman leader… it is such an inspiration….
When I began my diplomatic work, most diplomats didn’t even know where Kosovo was. I would carry a map. If I saw a globe in their office, I would point and say, “This is my country.” But our people had been oppressed for a hundred years—so that’s why they didn’t know.
And to the women of Ashraf: I send you my warmest regards.
Unity and Leadership: The Foundations of Victory
Let me conclude without going on too long. I want to emphasize a few key points.
Leadership is vital. Bravo to the Iranian people, and bravo to Madam Rajavi. Without leadership, there is no success.
Vision is essential. You have a ten-point plan. I am here to support the unity you have built. Our movement in Kosovo did not always have perfect unity. But when there were disruptions, women stepped in to restore it.
Why do I say this? Because when we went to the Rambouillet Peace Conference to negotiate freedom for Kosovo, the men were divided. On one side was the peaceful movement, and on the other, the army. When we entered the castle of Rambouillet, the men would not speak to each other.
I was the one who bridged the gap. I unified the delegation.
So please remember: unity is essential.
The Illusions of Dictators Fall
Let me end with this: Khamenei and his oppressive regime live under the illusion that they will remain in power forever.
But I told you—Milošević also thought the same when he ruled over ex-Yugoslavia and Kosovo.
And yet, today, he is gone.
Soon, we will see a free Iran—democratic, secular, with women in leadership.
