International Women’s Day Conference

A global voice of support for the freedom and rights of Iranian Women

At the International Women’s Day Conference in Paris, leading human rights and women’s rights activists, jurists, and political figures from 28 countries gathered to express their solidarity with Iranian women in their fight for freedom, democracy, and gender equality. More than 400 prominent women from around the world signed a joint declaration supporting the right of Iranian women to resist the Mullah dictatorship.

Among the participants and speakers were:

• Dr. Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, former President of Latvia
• Ana Helena Chacón Echeverria, former Vice President of Costa Rica
• Anneli Jäätteenmäki, former Prime Minister of Finland
• Leymah Roberta Gbowee, 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
• Oleksandra Matviicuk, 2022 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

Several other high-ranking dignitaries, jurists, and advocates for women’s and human rights also participated in the conference.

Key statements from speakers:

• Dominique Attias, Chair of the European Lawyers Foundation Board, stated: “Today, Iranian women are not alone. Our voices are united with the voices of women in Iran, and together we shout: Women, Resistance, Freedom!”
• Najat Vallaud-Belkacem emphasized:

“How can we not be concerned when we know the atrocities committed by the Mullahs, when we know that over 120,000 people have been executed during their rule?” She added, “The resilience of these women, who are still imprisoned today, their unwavering commitment to freedom and gender equality, despite facing severe health issues, is admirable.”

• Anneli Jäätteenmäki expressed: “I am shocked that women in a country like Iran have less value, less freedom, less security, less pay, and less dignity.” She further emphasized, “We are all here to support Iranian women, to support the fight of women for their dignity and human rights.”
• Ana Helena Chacón Echeverria noted: “We know that repressive regimes are usually misogynistic regimes.” She added, “We want every woman to be able to build her own path to happiness, free from oppression.”