On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Paris became the stage for an extraordinary global gathering. Dozens of women’s rights activists, jurists, and politicians from across continents convened to show their unwavering support for the women of Iran and their courageous struggle for freedom, justice, and equality.
The event was not just symbolic. It sent a clear political and moral message to the world: the Iranian women’s resistance is not isolated—it is universal. It reflects the fundamental values of human dignity, equality, and resistance against tyranny.
1. Iranian women as a global symbol of resistance
Time and again, Iranian women have stunned the world with their resilience. In the face of a brutal regime that enforces compulsory veiling, arrests protesters, and tortures dissidents, these women continue to rise, chant, protest, organize, and lead. Their courage transcends borders and cultural boundaries. It has become a global symbol of resistance against oppression.
In Paris, their voices echoed through the halls—amplified by the solidarity of women leaders from Latin America, Europe, and beyond. They declared one message loud and clear: the struggle of Iranian women is the struggle of all women.
2. Ingrid betancourt: a vision of a free Iran
Ingrid Betancourt, the former Colombian presidential candidate and a former hostage of guerrilla forces, delivered a moving speech:
“I believe that the day we witness a free Iran—an Iran shaped by the strength and leadership of women—will be the day that changes the world.”
Her voice, shaped by personal experience with tyranny and resistance, struck a chord with the audience. Betancourt highlighted the transformative potential of women-led change in Iran, not only for the country itself but for global peace and justice.
3. Dorien Rookmaker: the courage we See online
Dorien Rookmaker, former Member of the European Parliament from the Netherlands, emphasized the power of modern visibility:
“Every time I see images on social media of women in Iran standing up for their rights, it’s incredible. Iranian women don’t give up. They keep resisting oppressive laws. That’s true courage.”
She called upon European citizens and governments to actively support the Iranian people in their fight for freedom and equality. In an age of digital connection, silence is complicity.
4. Anna Firth: the global wound of violence against women
British former MP Anna Firth made it clear that the plight of Iranian women is a global concern:
“Every time a woman is killed, mutilated, or tortured, it hurts all of us. This is a global issue. We must hold the Iranian regime accountable.”
She called for the human rights dossier of the Iranian regime to be referred to the UN Security Council and urged international legal actions against those responsible for atrocities.
“We must support our brave Iranian sisters not just with words but with action. Now is the time to choose. They say no to forced veiling, no to religious tyranny, and no to authoritarian rule.”
5. Baroness O’Loan: women spreading the message of resistance
Baroness Nuala O’Loan, a member of the UK House of Lords, paid tribute to the Iranian people, particularly the women leading organized resistance units within the country:
“Their message is not just against compulsory hijab, but for democracy, freedom, and the end of theocracy.”
She underscored that this is not a struggle against one ruler or dynasty, but against all forms of dictatorship—be it monarchic or religious.
6. Dominique Attias: diversity united by pain
Dominique Attias, former president of the European Bar Association, emphasized the intersectional nature of women’s suffering in Iran:
“Whether Kurdish, Baloch, Tajik, Turkmen, or from different religious backgrounds—they all face institutionalized discrimination under a regime built on misogyny.”
Attias honored the generations of Iranian women who have continued to resist for more than 40 years:
“We will continue to chant until the end: Woman, Resistance, Freedom.”
7. Why this conference matters
This conference in Paris was more than a tribute—it was a call to action. It reminded the world that the fight of Iranian women is ongoing and urgent. It brought together diverse international voices to unite behind one message: freedom for the women of Iran is a prerequisite for peace, progress, and equality worldwide.
International platforms such as this amplify the visibility of those who are silenced at home. They put governments on notice. They energize human rights networks. And they reinforce the growing global consensus: the time for half-measures is over. The world must stand with Iranian women—not with statements, but with consequences.
Verein Welle proudly supports these efforts and remains committed to defending the rights and dignity of women across Iran and beyond. Because freedom for women in Iran means freedom for us all.
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