Rajavi highlighted fundamentalism as a source of the conflict between Islam and the world. “In reality, the crux of the conflict is not between Islam and Christianity. Nor is it between Islam and the West, and nor between the Shia and the Sunni. The conflict is over freedom versus subjugation and dictatorship, between equality on the one hand and oppression and misogyny on the other,” said Rajavi. “Fortunately, leaders of Western powers have unequivocally distinguished between Islam and fundamentalism. Chancellor Merkel recently said that terror under the banner of Islam was an insult to God.” Rajavi also highlighted how the Iranian mullahs and Iranian regime are the godfather of terrorism, and the primary source of fundamental Islam. “As we mark the International Women’s Day, I must say that Khomeini and his cronies have perpetrated many heinous crimes and assaults against women most of which have remained untold even now. The reality is that the shocking and heart wrenching crimes committed by ISIS in recent months are only a small part of the catastrophe the Iranian people have had to endure for the past 36 years,” said Rajavi. During her speech, she pointed out how Iran’s mullahs have been involved in upheaval in Syria, Iraq and other parts of the world. Distorting Islam is taking away from women, both rights and freedoms while continuing abuses and oppression. She pointed out that fundamentalism can only be broken through the end of appeasement of Iran. Throughout her speech, Rajavi pointed out that concessions to Iran undermine global peace and security. The mullahs continue to execute political prisoners and dissidents. Rajavi stressed that silent against these and other human crimes embolden the mullahs to continue working on their nuclear ambitions. She pointed out that the Iranian mullahs are the stronghold of fundamentalism Islam. “The presence of women at all levels of this movement (against Iran) and their steadfastness at the front line of the battle amid the most intense pressures and killings has created a new level of commitment to the ideal of equality and by extension endowed this movement with a new level of strength and perseverance,” said Rajavi. After discussing tragic events and abuses including acid in the faces of women in Iran, Rajavi stated, “It is the force and power of women which can and must rise to the occasion. It is the voice of women, the cries of protest by and unity among women that can and must stop this catastrophe from continuing. Because of this historic responsibility, changing the status quo is our duty and commitment and we must all work together to realize it: Whether it is women’s rights to equality in all spheres, or the right to choose one’s clothing, or abolishing compulsory veiling, or equal participation in political leadership. Indeed, we must create a world based on justice, freedom and equality. The creation of such a world by women is certainly possible.” At the beginning of the conference, Rajavi also honored various individuals who stood up for equal rights and democracy with a wreath and flowers.