On February 22, 2025, the international conference “Women, Force for Change” convened in Paris. It was the occasion to present a statement signed by over 650 former political leaders, parliamentarians, human rights activists, and Nobel laureates from more than 80 countries. This statement, presented by Candice Bergen, former leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, reaffirmed solidarity with brave women in Iran and called for:
- The abolition of Iran’s oppressive hijab laws
- Greater international pressure on the Iranian regime
- Recognition of the NCRI and its vision for a free and democratic Iran
The conference sent a powerful message: the global community stands in solidarity with Iranian women. Speakers emphasized that women are not just participants in the struggle for freedom but are leading the charge. The overwhelming support for Maryam Rajavi’s vision reinforced a unified stance against dictatorship and a commitment to securing fundamental rights for all Iranians.
Here is the text of the statement:
Call to Action: Solidarity with the Brave Women of Iran
No to compulsory veil, No to compulsory religion, and No to compulsory government
Join the global movement to stand with Iranian women and girls against the repressive “Chastity and Hijab” law. This law is not only an assault on women’s fundamental freedoms but also enforces a police-state apparatus across society. It constitutes a blatant violation of international human rights standards, aimed at crushing dissent and silencing those who fight for equality and justice.
The condemnation of the Iranian regime’s misogynistic policies and systematic oppression of women is a demand shared by women’s rights advocates, human rights organizations, and freedom-loving individuals worldwide.
This law has been described as “criminal, inhumane, and anti-Islamic” by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). She emphasizes the Iranian Resistance’s longstanding slogan and demand: “No to compulsory veil, No to compulsory religion, and No to compulsory government.”
She highlights that women have been at the forefront of the struggle for democracy, human rights, and justice, with thousands executed over the past four decades in the fight against the religious dictatorship. Nearly a thousand women in Ashraf 3, members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI), have become symbols of freedom-seeking Iranian women. Mrs. Rajavi urges all freedom-loving people worldwide to stand in solidarity with Iranian women under the banner of “Woman, Resistance, Freedom.”
We call on women’s rights advocates, human rights organizations, and freedom-loving individuals worldwide to amplify their voices and pressure international institutions to demand the abolition of this inhumane law and hold the regime accountable for its human rights violations.
—————
*Footnote: Explanation of the “Chastity and Hijab” Law
Under this law, in addition to the police, Basij, IRGC, and the Ministry of Intelligence, at least 12 government ministries, municipalities, and numerous other oppressive institutions are responsible for its enforcement.
The law imposes severe penalties on women, business owners, and government employees who fail to comply, including job suspensions, hefty fines, loss of income, and, in some cases, imprisonment and flogging. Public organizations and municipalities are mandated to monitor public spaces, enforce hijab adherence, and punish disobedience.
These measures clearly violate international conventions on civil, political, and women’s rights.
