Women, the Power of Change
Paris, February 22, 2025 – The International Women’s Day Conference, hosted by the Women’s Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), gathered distinguished political leaders, human rights activists, and advocates from numerous countries. The event served as a platform to highlight the vital role of women in combating oppression and advancing democracy, with a particular focus on the Iranian resistance movement.
The keynote speaker, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, declared that the fall of the Iranian regime was imminent, emphasizing the leading role of women in this struggle. She reiterated her vision for a democratic Iran founded on gender equality and freedom, stating: “No to compulsory hijab, no to compulsory religion, and no to compulsory governance.”
Delegations of Iranian women and youth also took part in the event, renewing their commitment to continue the fight for regime change in Iran.
Key Themes and Discussions
The conference opened with remarks from Ms. Sarvnaz Chitsaz, Chair of the NCRI Women’s Committee. The discussions underscored the resilience of Iranian women in their struggle against the theocratic dictatorship. Prominent speakers expressed unwavering support for the Iranian people and condemned the systematic oppression of women under the Iranian regime.
The discussions revolved around three main themes:
- Women as Catalysts for Change: Several speakers highlighted the leadership of Iranian women in nationwide protests and their role in shaping the future of a free Iran.
- Human Rights Violations in Iran: The conference condemned the regime’s discriminatory laws, enforced hijab mandates, and brutal suppression of dissent.
- Global Solidarity and Action: Participants urged international organizations and governments to apply pressure on the Iranian regime and stand in solidarity with Iranian women.
Statements from Prominent Figures
Michèle Alliot-Marie, Former French Minister of Foreign Affairs:
“This International Women’s Day is not just a celebration; it is a call to action for democracy, equality, and freedom.” She praised Maryam Rajavi’s leadership and emphasized that the fight for Iranian women’s rights is an essential part of the global human rights movement.
Rosalía Arteaga Serrano, Former President of Ecuador:
“Iranian women are an unstoppable force. Their courage inspires the world, and their struggle for justice is a beacon of hope for all oppressed people.” She expressed her full support for Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan for Iran.
Anneli Jäätteenmäki, Former Prime Minister of Finland:
“The fight of Iranian women is not only about hijab; it is about social, political, and economic freedom. They have chosen the path of resistance, and they will prevail.” She condemned the Iranian regime’s systemic discrimination against women and praised the NCRI’s commitment.
t to gender equality.
Ingrid Betancourt, Former Colombian Senator and Presidential Candidate:
Betancourt dismissed claims of a divided opposition, affirming that monarchists and theocratic rulers are equally rejected by the people of Iran. “The Iranian Resistance is unique because it is the only organization where women are at the core of leadership,” she emphasized.
Linda Chavez, Former White House Public Liaison Director:
She compared Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan to a “Bill of Rights” for the Iranian people and emphasized that change in Iran will be driven by its people, not foreign intervention.
Dominique Attias, President of the European Lawyers Foundation:
Mrs. Attias paid tribute to political prisoner Maryam Akbari Monfared, who has endured 15 years of unjust imprisonment. She called on the international legal community to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its human rights abuses.
Global Endorsement and Solidarity
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of 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 support for Iranian women and called for:
- The abolition of Iran’s oppressive hijab laws
- Increased 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 merely 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.
List of International Speakers
Michèle Alliot-Marie – Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Defense and Justice, France
Rosalía Arteaga Serrano – Former President of Ecuador
Anneli Jäätteenmäki – Former Prime Minister of Finland
Ingrid Betancourt – Former Colombian Senator and Presidential candidate
Linda Chavez – Former White House Public Liaison Director
Dominique Attias – President of the European Lawyers Foundation
Candice Bergen – Former Leader of Canada’s Conservative Party
Cherie Blair KC – Founder, Cherie Blair Foundation for Women
Baroness O’Loan – Member, UK House of Lords
Theresa Villiers – Former Minister, UK
Helen Goodman – Former UK Shadow Minister
Katja Adler – Member of the German Bundestag
Sandra Weeser – Member of the German Bundestag
Naike Gruppioni – Italian MP
Dolores Bevilacqua – Italian Senator
Elisa Pirro – Italian Senator
Kathleen Depoorter – Belgian MP
Yakin Ertürk – Former UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women
Helena Carreiras – Former Minister of National Defense, Portugal
Edita Tahiri – Former Deputy Prime Minister, Kosovo
Izabela Konopacka– President of the European Bar Federation (2023-2026)
Sharron Davies MBE – Olympic Medalist from the UK
Katya De Giovanni – Maltese MP
Siham Badi – Former Minister for Women’s Affairs, Tunisia
Carmen Quintanilla – Former Spanish Senator, President of AFAMMER, and Permanent Parliamentarian at the Council of Europe.
Catherine Noone – Former Deputy Speaker of the Irish Senate
Faten Ramadan – Head of the Syrian Human Rights Without Borders
Iulia Dăscălu – Member of the Moldovan Parliament
Dorein Rookmaker – Former Member of the European Parliament from the Netherlands