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.
Dorien Rookmaker is a former member of the European Parliament (2020-2024).
Dorien Rookmaker delivered a speech at the IWD 2025 event in Paris, excerpts of which are presented below.
Dorien Rookmaker: Call for a Free and Democratic Iran in 2025
What a great conference. What a bunch of great speakers. What wonderful women we have around here. I’m so honored and humbled by all these speakers that came before me.
So, I’m trying to make it short because there was so much said already. But first of all, I would like to say thank you, Maryam Rajavi, for being such a great example for all of us. You set an example for politics as it should be…
The People’s Choice: No to Shah, No to Mullahs
The Iranian people are committed to dismantling the current dictatorship. They say no to the Shah and no to the mullahs, and this is a clear message. I’m rather active on social media and I get threats from people who are supporting the mullahs or agents of the mullahs or agents of the shah.
But if you stay decisive, then they will go away. This is what I experienced.
And they tell me, “Who are you, Mrs. Rookmaker that you can tell us, who has to govern in Iran?” And then I said, “well, you know, I don’t. I don’t. I think the people of Iran should decide, but they should be able to decide, you know?”
And the only one who has a big and powerful movement and is the leader of the opposition and can do this, can organize this, is Maryam Rajavi. So, I want a big applause for her.
A Regime Built on Misogyny
For the past 46 years, women have been the primary victims of Iran’s misogynistic regime, and its discrimination against women. It’s institutionalized. The situation of women in Iran is that they are terrorized by the regime on top of what is going on in the family.
Iran holds the highest record of female executions. Last year in 2024, this was one in 10 days. This is extraordinary. Right? This is outrageous.
The regime’s oppressive policies such as a compulsory hijab further marginalize and deprive women of their rights. And despite of these challenges, women in Iran are fighting for their rights.
From Title to Prophecy: Free Iran 2025
And every time when I see all these images on social media of women in Iran fighting for their rights, it’s incredible. And I thought what is the United Nations doing about this. I think they are far too silent. So, I thought, why do we have a United Nations? Because the title of this conference is Free Iran 2025. This shouldn’t be a title. This should be a prophecy. Free Iran in 2025….
Okay, women are oppressed. And women are severely oppressed in Iran. But in the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, I want to say no one can make you feel inferior without your consent. So, stay brave, and fight for your rights and against oppression.
A Shared Mission: Let’s Free Iran in 2025
Iranian women refuse to be subdued and continue to resist oppressive laws. And, again, this is really courageous. To world leaders today who are watching us, I urge you, I demand that you support Maryam Rajavi. She deserves it…
Remember the words of Margaret Thatcher. She said, if you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.
Let us act together to support the Iranian people in their quest for freedom and equality.
I think the idea of the 12-point plan. It is a 12-point plan. Now we need the 12-point plan to be planning to get into execution. And I hope we can all contribute to that in the next coming years.
And let’s make Iran free in 2025. Thank you.
