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.
Candice Bergen is a Canadian politician who served as the member of Parliament from 2008 to 2023. She served as the interim leader of the Conservative Party and the leader of the Opposition from February 2, 2022, to September 10, 2022.
Candice Bergen delivered a speech at the IWD 2025 event in Paris and presented the statement by 651 prominent women to Mrs. Rajavi. Following is the text of her speech.
Candice Bergen: On the Wisdom of Leadership and the Power of Vision
Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you. It is such an honor to be here with you.
Thank you, as always, for the warm welcome from you—the beautiful Iranian people. You are warm, you are kind, you are strong, and you are gracious. I’m truly honored to be a friend to all of you. Thank you for that welcome.
Mrs. Rajavi, thank you for your comments. As you spoke so eloquently and wisely about the importance of individual dignity, I was struck by the delicate balance we are all striving to achieve: the importance of who we are as individuals.
Each of us is created uniquely, with inherent value—value that I believe comes from a divine creator. With that value comes worth and equality—but also responsibility. Not responsibility driven by ego or personal gain, but the responsibility to be the very best version of ourselves.
Thank you, Mrs. Rajavi, for articulating that so clearly. As you spoke, I could not help but envision an Iran that has been transformed—not only through resistance but, as Ingrid said, through love. An Iran where evil has been defeated not just with strength, but with hope, opportunity, and abundance.
I imagine an Iran built by visionaries and builders—people like Mrs. Rajavi, and all of you. An Iran that seeks to build, not to tear down. A nation that becomes a force for good in the world.
Iran’s True Potential
Iran is a country rich in natural resources, with incredible land, wealth, and opportunity—potential that should be shared by all of its people. A land that could overflow not only with financial abundance for its own citizens and neighbors, but also with creativity, imagination, and innovation.
Imagine what Iran can be. So never forget: you are not only resisting evil—you are doing so in order to build a brighter future. A better Iran, for its people, and for the world. Please, never let go of that vision.
A Global Statement of Solidarity
I’m very happy today to be able to present an important document to Mrs. Rajavi.
As many of you know, the regime is pushing for a series of oppressive laws—including one specific law enforcing mandatory hijab and so-called “chastity.” It is yet another regressive, backwards, and misogynistic law that has no place in any society.
Today, I’m here to announce that on International Women’s Day, more than 650 female leaders from around the world have united their voices in a powerful statement of solidarity with the women and girls of Iran who are standing against this repressive regime.
We are condemning not only the regime’s oppressive laws but also its conduct. It is not enough to merely condemn—we must intensify our actions. And that is exactly what we are doing.
Recognizing the Courage of Iranian Women
The statement emphasizes that women in Iran have long been at the forefront of the struggle for democracy, human rights, and justice. Thousands have been executed over the past four decades for standing up to this religious dictatorship.
The statement also honors nearly 1,000 women in Ashraf 3, who have endured imprisonment and have become symbols of Iranian women’s unwavering pursuit of freedom.
To all of them, we say: your sacrifice, your resistance, and your hope for a democratic future have inspired and reached a diverse and influential global community—from NGOs to political and civic leaders.
A Movement Backed by Global Leaders
I am proud to share that over 650 women from more than 80 countries have signed this statement. They include over 100 heads of state, former ministers, experts, activists, jurists, parliamentarians—and even a Nobel laureate.
Isn’t that incredible?
This is more than a petition. It is a global call to action—a call for women’s rights and human rights everywhere. It is a movement to amplify your voices—the voices of Iranian women—around the world.
A Challenge to the International Community
We must put pressure on international institutions. And I want to challenge you—especially the women in this room—to take the lead. Demand the abolition of these inhumane laws. Hold the Iranian regime accountable for its human rights violations.
Those of us who have a platform—at the UN or in other international bodies—must speak up. We cannot allow powerful men and women to sit back and do nothing, just to maintain the status quo.
This must not continue. We need to be disruptors in our own right. We must lead with love, with grace, but also with unflinching courage. We must call out injustice wherever we see it.
So again, I urge all of you: wherever you are, wherever you have a voice—use it. Make your call. Make your voice heard.
This statement is a statement of solidarity with the brave women of Iran. And now, I would love to invite Mrs. Rajavi to the stage to receive it.
