On Saturday, February 21, 2026, on the eve of March 8, International Women’s Day, the NCRI Women’s Committee hosted an international conference in Paris entitled “Women’s Leadership: An Imperative for a Free Iran and a Democratic Republic.” The conference, attended by women legislators, academics, thinkers, and prominent political figures, focused on women’s political participation and leadership as a decisive element in a democratic society.
At this conference, Fiona O’Loughlin, Deputy Leader of the Irish Senate, was present and delivered a speech. The full text of her speech is provided below:
Fiona O’Loughlin: We Speak with a Powerful Voice in Defense of Human Rights, the Rule of Law, and Democracy
Simply being here at the 2026 Women’s International Conference with all of you is an absolute honor. I want to take a moment to thank our hosts from the National Council of Resistance of Iran for having me here today and for giving me the opportunity to listen and learn from all the inspiring women who are here to show their support for Maryam and the women of Iran.
For five years, I was the leader of the Irish delegation to the Council of Europe. That is where I first came across the NCRI Women’s Committee, who reached out to me in the halls of Strasbourg, asking for my support as a signatory to their call to action, which gained international attention. I was happy to sign that and to help in any way I could, whether in Dublin or in Strasbourg.
While my work with the NCRI has been anything but extensive, the organization is one that I consider extremely important and has shown incredible leadership across the world. I know all of you relate to this. When I heard of the ongoing events in Iran starting in January, I was heartbroken and immediately felt a responsibility, as a politician, as an activist, and as a woman, to contribute in any way I could. Of course, we all know that these challenges did not just start in January, but many decades ago.
Ireland is no stranger to oppression; it is no stranger to tyranny. We are a small country, but we have a strong voice in standing up for human rights, the rule of law, democracy, and speaking for the oppressed.
Fiona O’Loughlin: We Honor the Courageous Iranian Women Standing Against Gender Apartheid
As an activist and a woman in government, I believe that I have a duty to reach beyond the work that my country does to provide support for the women in Iran. For me, this has meant supporting Maryam’s 10-point plan, as it has been presented across European parliaments. To see the impact that Maryam has had as a global leader of the movement to restructure and ensure democracy in Iran has been beyond inspiring. In a time when so many have lost their lives in the name of resistance, Maryam is a beacon of hope. I also want to acknowledge all the Iranian women who have continued their support for a democratic regime at huge personal cost.
In the future, as long as the regime in Iran continues to suppress women through the law and through brute force, I will remain committed to doing what I can in my role to prioritize the women in Iran. I look forward to seeing the bright future that will come, but in the meantime, I keep the women of Iran in my thoughts and prayers.
I heard the voices today. I have heard so many emotions, but something that has really shone through is hope, courage, strength, dignity, and determination. I salute those Iranian women not as victims, but as courageous survivors of gender apartheid. We listened to a quote from JFK, who we are always proud to call an Irish president of America. He also said:
“A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an ideal always lives on. Each time a man stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and those ripples can build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression.”
Well, here’s to all the ripples that have been created this evening. I stand in solidarity with the Iranian women. I stand in solidarity with your strength, your dignity, and your vision.
“We can and we must”
“No to the Shah, no to the Mullah”
