On International Women Day, the Iranian opposition National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) co-hosted an online conference alongside The International Committee for a Democratic Iran, and the British Committee for Iran Freedom, shedding light on horrific and systematic violations of women’s rights in Iran and Iranian women’s struggle for freedom, equality, and their inherent rights.
#ChooseToChallenge
Online conference about gender equality to support the arisen women of #Iran hosted by @Maryam_Rajavi #IWD2021 https://t.co/b8XXaQzSNH— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
How Iranian women rise up for freedom and equality in the face of an utter misogynist mullahs’ regime in Iran was the topic of the global webinar. At the event, a distinguished slate of dignitaries joined NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi, the keynote speaker at the event, in providing their take on the struggles of women across the globe, and especially those inside Iran and in the Iranian Resistance as their 42-year struggle against the mullahs.
The women of @Mojahedineng are fighting against the misogynist regime of #Iran. They have always been committed to their people’s resistance and freedom. These struggling women are the real heroines of women’s rights and human rights in Iran— @s_chitsaz https://t.co/0rhiDHS2Uj
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Sarvenaz Chitsaz
“The women of MEK have been fighting against the misogynist regime of Iran. They have always been committed to their people’s resistance and freedom. These struggling women are the real heroines of women’s rights and human rights in Iran. We in the Iranian Resistance are determined to achieve freedom and equality,” said Sarvenaz Chitsaz, Chair of the NCRI’s Women’s Committee.
#IWD2021 campaign is #ChooseToChallenge. We can all help to create an inclusive world. It's important that this conference brings us all together, men and women. My sisters in the NCRI are taking the highest risks to free all women in #Iran—@Baroness_Vermahttps://t.co/6NtGFNqJMV
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Baroness Verma
“The IWD campaign for 2021 is ‘Choose To Challenge.’ We can all help to create an inclusive world. It is important that this conference brings us all together, men and women. My sisters in the Iranian Resistance are taking the highest risks to free all Iranian women. They are fighting for equality,” said Baroness Verma, Member of House of Lords, Former Energy & Climate Change Minister, and former International Development Minister.
We know how appallingly women in #Iran are treated and we stand in solidarity with you as you fight the tyranny of the mullahs. You stand for #HumanRights and for a fair, free, and democratic country following @Maryam_Rajavi's 10-point plan—Baroness Harrishttps://t.co/0dTeDr5wxB
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Maryam Rajavi
“Women’s struggle and sacrifice have been and are the foundations of progress and the guarantee for democracy in our world. And henceforth, a world without injustice, oppression, fundamentalism, and poverty hinges on women’s struggle,” said NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi.
I urge all advocates of gender equality to support the arisen women of #Iran – Message to the virtual conference in the UK on International Women’s Day. #ChooseToChallenge #IWD2021https://t.co/gkKySDAHkx
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) March 8, 2021
“The outcome of the significant gender gap in Iran is the imposition of extreme poverty on women and the denial of many of their most basic rights,” she added.
“The misogynous regime wants to preserve its rule through repression. However, Iranian women play critical roles in challenging the regime and pushing the situation towards overthrowing the mullahs… This is because women have tolerated the most oppression and suppression at the hands of this regime. As a result, they have greater motivation to end this regime,” Mrs. Rajavi emphasized.
“All those concerned about the threats posed by this regime to the international community must support Iranian women’s resistance… Efforts to contain and control the regime’s nuclear program will not succeed unless they are coupled with firmness against violations of the human rights of the people of Iran,” NCRI President-elect continued.
This year, International Women's Day carries a commitment for Iranian women: Namely, that we can, and we must secure the victory of freedom and equality amid disease, oppression, and poverty. #ChooseToChallenge #IWD2021https://t.co/Q8X97i8Cfh
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) March 8, 2021
“Call on your governments to make economic and political ties with the criminal mullah regime conditional upon respect for human rights in Iran, especially women and prisoners’ rights.
“There is a long line of women who are resisting in prisons across Iran. And although there is not much talk about them, they are among the most resistant fighters for human rights.
“In the name of the equality movement, I urge all advocates of gender equality across the world to support the arisen women of Iran and the Iranian people’s uprising for freedom,” Mrs. Rajavi ended.
We know how appallingly women in #Iran are treated and we stand in solidarity with you as you fight the tyranny of the mullahs. You stand for #HumanRights and for a fair, free, and democratic country following @Maryam_Rajavi's 10-point plan—Baroness Harrishttps://t.co/0dTeDr5wxB
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Baroness Harris
“We know how appallingly women in Iran are treated and we stand in solidarity with you as you fight the tyranny of the mullahs.
You stand at the forefront of the battle for human rights and for a fair, free and democratic country following Madam Rajavi’s ten-point plan, which is a blueprint for freedom,” said Baroness Harris of Richmond, Deputy Speaker of the British House of Lords.
I firmly believe the regime in #Iran is a clear and present danger to our security, and to the Iranian people, particularly Iranian women. My heart goes out to the suffering women and mothers… We have to recognize that the NCRI is our ally—Baroness Eatonhttps://t.co/f0PcHNhEsS
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Baroness Eaton
“Why is the clerical regime so desperate to fight women in every form and shape it can? It has executed 120,000 of the best people of Iran. Iran has taken no action to ratify gender discrimination. Women took leadership roles to not only fight for their own rights but to lift their nation from the dark depths of a medieval regime,” said Baroness Eaton, member of the House of Lords.
The women of #Iran have been subject to extreme atrocities. The regime’s constitution proclaims equality between women and men. However, Sharia law discriminates against women. All major religions believe all people are equal—Zamaswazi Dlamini-Mandelahttps://t.co/HBePPXClco
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Zamaswazi Dlamini-Mandela
“The women of Iran have been subject to extreme atrocities. The regime’s constitution proclaims equality between women and men. However, Sharia law discriminates against women. All major religions believe all people are equal. The Islamic regime sees women as its enemies. My heart weeps for those who have lost their lives,” said Zamaswazi Dlamini-Mandela, human rights activist and granddaughter of the late Nelson Mandela.
It’s a moment to think in the UK about Nazanin Zaghari Radcliffe. I also think about the story of Zahra Esmaili, who was the victim of domestic abuse, and who suffered and died of a heart attack but was still sent to the gallows and executed—@Laura__Farrishttps://t.co/1eitWbT3zE
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Laura Farris
“For so many women around the world, the struggle for equality has barely started. For women in Iran, even their most basic rights have been neglected. It is an honor to stand shoulder to shoulder with women in Iran in their struggle,” said British MP Laura Farris.
#Iran’s women are denied their most basic rights, they have no protection in their own homes and they can’t even choose their own clothing. One of the regime’s most overlooked victims are the mothers of the Iranian activists who were executed—Lord Altonhttps://t.co/jk4ze2MpTY
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Lord Alton
“Iran’s women are denied their most basic rights, they have no protection in their own homes and they can’t even choose their own clothing. One of the regime’s most overlooked victims are the mothers of the Iranian activists who have been cruelly executed,” said Lord Alton of Liverpool, Member of the House of Lords.
#ChooseToChallenge
We understand the impact of a theocratic regime on the people of a country. On this day, we stand in solidarity with the brave Iranian women who have been standing at the forefront of the anti-regime protests— @CarrollJenniferhttps://t.co/JbYWzoIEwv— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Jennifer Carol McNeill
“We understand the impact of a theocratic regime on the people of a country. On this day, we stand in solidarity with the brave Iranian women who have been standing at the forefront of the anti-regime protests,” said Jennifer Carol McNeill, Member of Dáil Éireann (Irish Parliament), Spokesperson on Equality.
The women of #Iran have led a brave struggle for freedom in Iran. We are proud to have played a part in this struggle, even if it is small. Today— #IWD2021, a new generation of women have entered the struggle— @ranjanakumarihttps://t.co/cLJy4zQCVt
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Ranjana Kumari
“To the brave sisters of the Iranian Resistance, I send my greetings. Your determination is a source of inspiration to the women of Iran. The women of Iran have led a brave struggle for freedom in Iran. We are proud to have played a part in this struggle, even if it is small. Today, a new generation of women have entered the struggle,” said Ranjana Kumari, Director of the Centre for Social Research (India), senior professional in Gender Equality at the UN.
The women of #Iran deserve our support and greater international recognition in their struggle against the brutal regime of Iran… The @GOVUK must work with our allies to refer the regime’s #HumanRights abuses and terrorist acts to the UNSC—@Offord4Hendonhttps://t.co/odu6n8sgcI
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Matthew Offord
“The women of Iran deserve our support and greater international recognition in their struggle against the brutal regime of Iran. I want to highlight the case of Nazanin Zaghari Radcliffe. She has finished her sentence and must be released,” said British MP Dr. Matthew Offord.
I want to take this opportunity to express my solidarity with the women in #Iran. I also want to thank @Maryam_Rajavi for her explicit remarks. I’m encouraged to hear of your ten-point plan that is completely in contrast to the mullahs’ regime—Baroness Coxhttps://t.co/2GguVMrwqQ
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Baroness Cox
“I want to take this opportunity to express my solidarity with the women in Iran. I also want to thank Madam Rajavi for her explicit remarks. I’m encouraged to hear of your ten-point plan that is completely in contrast to the mullahs’ regime,” said Baroness Cox, Crossbench Member of the House of Lords.
#IWD2021
By contrast, @Maryam_Rajavi leads a movement that embraces women’s rights and empowers women to pursue equal opportunities and shape their country’s future…
The @GOVUK must decide which side of history they will stand with—Theresa Villiershttps://t.co/vwnXg98m32— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Theresa Villiers
“This is an opportunity to pay tribute to brave women in Iran and around the world who stand up to misogyny. The regime in Iran has reduced women to second-class citizens. By contrast, Madam Rajavi leads a movement that embraces women’s rights and empowers women to pursue their equal opportunities and shape their country’s future,” said Theresa Villiers, British MP and former minister.
The Iranian regime is creating more concern and worries for the world while the Iranian Resistance movement is creating hope for progress… It is time for @mbachelet to set up a commission for #HumanRights abuses in #Iran— @amessd_southend https://t.co/o339ViOunf
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Sir David Amess
“We believe discrimination exists against women throughout the world. In countries like Iran, it is getting worse. The Iranian regime is creating more concern and worries for the world while the Iranian Resistance movement is creating hope for progress,” said British MP Sir David Amess.
We know that the flame of feminism is so alive in #Iran. Here in Wales, we have democracy. In Iran, we know how underrepresented women are. In 2016, women in Iran were arrested for peaceful #IranProtests— @DoddsJanehttps://t.co/5IX996smv4
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Jane Dodds
“We know that the flame of feminism is so alive in Iran. Here in Wales, we have democracy. In Iran, we know how underrepresented women are. In 2016, women in Iran were arrested for peaceful protests,” said Jane Dodds, Leader of Welsh Liberal Democrats.
We remember those brave women who defy the Iranian regime despite harsh conditions. We urge @GOVUK and the international community to pressure the regime to release political prisoners. IRGC and MOIS must be designated as terrorist entities—@DavidJonesMPhttps://t.co/eQOAglVAaQ
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
David Jones
“We remember those brave women who continue to defy the Iranian regime despite their harsh conditions. We urge our government and the international community to put pressure on the regime to release political prisoners,” said David Jones, British MP and former Secretary of State for Wales.
#IWD2021
We have to know that today, we face the murderous and extremely cruel regime of #Iran. Today, I will focus on the courageous women of Iran, leading the struggle for freedom in their country, facing unbelievable atrocities— @annafotyga_pehttps://t.co/a3x3De6uBo— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Anna Fotyga
“We have to know that today, we face the murderous and extremely cruel regime of Iran. Today, I will focus on the courageous women of Iran, leading the struggle for freedom in their country, facing unbelievable atrocities. There were women, victims of capital punishment in Iran,” said Anna Fotyga, MEP and former Foreign Minister of Poland.
The women of #Iran endure much, and they are very brave to object. It is remarkable. They have to endure a religious regime that gives them very few rights. They don’t have access to law and welfare that we women in the West take for granted— @AmberRuddUKhttps://t.co/lhS49cAZuY
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Amber Rudd
“The women of Iran endure much, and they are very brave to object. It is remarkable. They have to endure a religious regime that gives them very few rights. They don’t have access to law and welfare that we women in the West take for granted,” said Amber Rudd, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, former Minister for Women and Equalities and Home Secretary.
Sadly, today, Iran is not a place that celebrates #IWD2021. Iranian authorities have no respect for their own people or other countries. The men in charge of the IRGC, the mullahs who torture, murder, and rape, they don’t respect diplomacy— @steve_mccabe https://t.co/8EqllImOHh
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Steve McCabe
“Sadly, today, Iran is not a place that celebrates women. Iranian authorities have no respect for their own people or other countries. The men in charge of the IRGC, the mullahs who torture, murder, and rape, they don’t respect diplomacy. Concessions are a sign of caving in,” said British MP, Steve McCabe.
Misogyny is the regime’s nature. It enforces the domestic repression of women by clamping down on women… The regime has no capacity to reform. The UK, Europe, and the US need to listen to the people of Iran and apply maximum pressure— @BobBlackman https://t.co/dYMHvCpNmr
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Bob Blackman
“I express my support for and send my best wishes to the Iranian women who are shouldering the main responsibility and hard task to bring down one of the most oppressive regimes in history and in our time,” said Bob Blackman, British MP, Co-Chairman of the International Committee of Parliamentarians for a Democratic Iran.
The situation in Iran is particularly bad. Iran is at the top of countries with records of violence against women. Women’s rights will never be achieved under the rule of the mullahs. Violence against women is institutionalized in the law— @catherineanoonehttps://t.co/AUM293ZP4c
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Catherine Noone
“The situation in Iran is particularly bad. Iran is at the top of countries with records of violence against women. Women’s rights will never be achieved under the rule of the mullahs. Violence against women is institutionalized in the law,” said former Senator Catherine Noone of Fine Gael.
In Iran, many women are in prison because they dared to express their opinion. Let us promise our sisters in Iran that we will #ChooseToChallenge and will do everything we can to help bring this change— @anthea_mcintyrehttps://t.co/tPF8SWpxsL
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Anthea McIntyre
“I find it sickening to see European officials pursuing trade relations, appeasing mullahs, and ignoring their human rights abuses, especially against women. The regime of mullahs’ president Hassan Rouhani has increased restrictions against women,” said Anthea McIntyre, former MEP from the UK.
In Iran, we have well-educated women who are challenging the regime, and on the other hand, we have a brutal regime that is repressing the people and their freedoms. The rules and laws of the mullahs’ regime support violence against women—Zinat Mirhashemihttps://t.co/kLbQ9McX0x
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Zinat Mirhashemi
“In Iran, we have well-educated women who are challenging the regime, and on the other hand, we have a brutal regime that is repressing the people and their freedoms. The rules and laws of the mullahs’ regime support violence against women,” said Zinat Mirhashemi, member of the NCRI and the Central Committee of the Cherik-hay-e Fedaii Organization (OIPFG).
The people of Iran are held back by a brutal regime that has poor views on women and #HumanRights. The women of Iran are ready to thrive, but they are held back. … We will do anything we can to help the cause of women in Iran— @Christian4BuryShttps://t.co/lPUPkTYXbP
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Christian Wakeford
“The people of Iran are held back by a brutal regime that has poor views on women and human rights. The women of Iran are ready to thrive, but they are held back. They have strong supporters across the globe. We will do anything we can to help the cause of women in Iran,” said British MP Christian Wakeford.
Younge Iranian women are becoming increasingly engaged in the growing opposition to the mullah’s corrupt regime. They are joining the resistance units that are springing up in every town and city in Iran— @STRUANSTEVENSON https://t.co/WBN3sbF6nu
— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Struan Stevenson
“Young Iranian women are becoming increasingly engaged in the growing opposition to the mullah’s corrupt regime. They are joining the Resistance Units that are springing up in every town and city in Iran,” said Struan Stevenson, coordinator of the Campaign for Iran Change in Iran and a former MEP from Scotland.
The Iranian people are the victims of the poor choices made by the regime. For the UK-Iran relationship to be meaningful, the UK must build on our values shared with the Iranian people.
The @GOVUK must engage with the NCRI and @Maryam_Rajavi— @SirRogerGalehttps://t.co/USD3JGrNa1— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) March 8, 2021
Sir Roger Gale
“The Iranian people are the victims of the poor choices made by the regime. For the UK-Iran relationship to be meaningful, the UK must build on our values shared with the Iranian people… The UK government must engage with the pro-democracy resistance movement, the NCRI, and president-elect Madam Rajavi,” said Sir Roger Gale, Senior British MP, UK Representative at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.