Text of Speech of Maryam Rajavi on International Women's Day Paris -February 27, 2016
IRAN: Maryam Rajavi addresses Paris Conference on the eve of International Women’s Day 2016 Sunday, 28 February 2016 01:18Maryam Rajavi: With women’s active and equal participation in political leadership, we will turn this century into the era of women's emancipation
On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi arrives at the conference titled "Pledge for Parity: Women United Against Islamic Fundamentalism." The event is just starting now. Mrs. Rajavi receives a standing ovation as she enters the hall to take her seat on the stage. She greets her supporters and the international women's rights champions who have joined her.
After the distinguished guests are welcomed, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, takes to the stage. She is greeted with thunderous applause. She called fundamentalism a “proliferating cancer” that is spreading across the world. She stresses the importance of getting to the epicentre and finding a way to uproot it. As Mrs. Kumari said, Mrs. Rajavi confirms that women should play a part in this
Mrs. Rajavi ended her speech by talking of what she hopes to achieve in the future. She plans to abolish the death penalty, separate religion and state, create a democracy based on freedom and equality, and achieve equal rights for women in “all areas”. She wants to see women participate in politics so that they have equal participation in political leadership. She highlights that the PMOI practice this already – it is full of women who work alongside men in the struggle for equality in freedom.
Mrs. Rajavi talks of Khomeini’s role in the terrible persecution of women. She condemns the horrific violence that women are subject to under Khomeini’s rule. Not only is a woman’s testimony dismissed, he allows minor female children to be married against their will, he justifies sexual abuse of minors and rape of women, to name but a few of the human rights abuses that are permitted under Khomeini.
Ranjana Kumari, Director of the Centre for Social Research in India and a leading figure in Indian politics, welcomes the audience and states the purpose of the gathering held today. She says that women are here to fight for female rights and to keep up the momentum in saying “no” to injustice. She thanks Mrs. Rajavi for standing up for women’s rights and her efforts in protecting women.
Despite global efforts, women are forced to flee Iran, Ranjana Kumari emphasises. She asks: “Which sacred text allows you to degrade humanity?” She commends those women who work towards a peaceful world for women and highlights that women are absolutely essential to developing our nations. Women need to be part of the peace talks, women need to contribute to helping our countries develop and women need to be encouraged to be at the forefront, she reminds us.
Linda Chavez, former Director of Public Liaisons for the White House, spoke of the “so-called elections” taking in place in Iran yesterday in which women were denied the vote. She said that although we do not know the outcome of the election, the result does not matter – nothing will change in Iran until there is regime change.Ms. Chavez deplored the fact that half of the population of Iran is denied the most fundamental rights. She says that this speaks volume about the men of the country – they are “weak” and have “no self-control”.
Rita Sussmuth, German politician and former President of the German Federal Parliament applauded the women and men who are risking their lives every day for the freedom of Iran. In particular, she mentions the bravery of the Camp Liberty residents who have undergone appalling persecution.
Ms. Sussmuth emphasised that “we cannot have freedom without peace”. The role of women is essential – they should be included in the move towards peace instead of being excluded.
If we stay silent to what is going on, we are saying “it’s ok” to what is being done to women. Ms. Sussmuth said that the energy in the room – from both women and men – is remarkable and will go a long way in helping women finally gain the equality they deserve
Rama Yade, Former Secretary of State for Human Rights of France, speaks about the systematic discrimination against women which starts very young in Iran. Females are denied the right to study what they wish and they have to gain permission from their husbands for the most mundane of activities such as travelling. She applauds Mrs. Rajavi who has worked relentlessly for years and calls for her to keep working to change the position of women.
Ingrid Betancourt, Colombian politician and presidential candidate, said that we have a duty to ensure that we all have the same rights – all despite our very different cultures and backgrounds. “Parity is the cornerstone of all freedom, democracy and human rights”, she highlights. It is “not a cultural issue”, rather it is something that every human being is entitled to.
Ms. Betancourt said that Khomeini is a “supreme dictator” and Mrs. Rajavi is presenting a new model that can be the change that is needed in Iran.
The fight of Mrs. Rajavi is our fight, “my fight”, she said. We need Mrs. Rajavi to succeed. It is the duty of the women on the stage and in the audience to get involved
Nagham Ghadri, Vice president of the Syrian National Coalition, spoke of what is happening in Syria. She said that Syrians are fighting for freedom and have been for many years. She talked about women who committed suicide after being released from prison after suffering abuse and rape at the hand of barbarians. She calls for support for her and the Syrians who need it so much and said that although their schools and hospitals are being destroyed, nothing can destroy their resistance or their resolve for freedom.
Anissa Boumediene, former first lady of Algeria, lawyer and specialist of Islam, firstly thanked Mrs. Rajavi for her support of women’s rights. She then expressed her anger at the poor treatment of women who are denied equal rights. She condemns the men, and even the women, who are justifying persecution of women in the name of Islam. As a specialist who has studied Islam in detail, she is appalled that this religion can be used to condone the violence against women.
Najima Thay Thay, the former Minister of Education and Youth from Morocco, said that the purpose of the gathering today was to support all women across the world. She said that the children who suffer are the flame that keeps us going in our fight.She said that Mrs. Rajavi is due praise for supporting refugees and those who are discriminated against. Mrs. Rajavi is a success for freedom, for the Quran and for women. She pledges the support of Morocco in their fight for freedom, despite the country having its own problems. Education is the key – if we educate our own countries we can start to see change.
Rashida Manjoo, former UN Rapporteur on Violence against Women from 2009 to 2015 said that “for evil to flourish, all it takes is good people to remain silent”. Silence, she affirms, perpetuates the evil that is affecting so many people around the world.
She describes the United Nations as “a government of governments”, and for this reason we must realise and remember that political persuasion and economic policies come into play. Nevertheless, violence against women is view as one of the most serious violations of human rights.Although there has been much progression in human rights, there are many gaps that need to be properly addressed. She believes that states are not being held accountable for upholding the rights of women. The lack of punitive action for violations of human rights is the main factor in the violations being allowed to continue.
Yakin Ertuk, former UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women from 2003 to 2006, spoke of her visit to Iran at the invitation of the Iranian government over a decade ago. She was shocked by what she saw and claims she will never forget her trip, but is happy that her report was able to help the Resistance in their continuing efforts.
Yakin Ertuk, former UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women from 2003 to 2006, spoke of her visit to Iran at the invitation of the Iranian government over a decade ago. She was shocked by what she saw and claims she will never forget her trip, but is happy that her report was able to help the Resistance in their continuing efforts.
She said that fundamental human rights, the law and extremists are on course for a head-on collision. She wants to know who will win. She said she cannot answer that, but she will do everything she can to uphold human rights.
Malian lawyer and judge, Fatoumata Dembele Diarra, questioned why the international communities do not feel concerned about the situation of women in Iran. She asked that isn’t it obvious that letting nine year old girls marry in Iran is against the UN charter?
Gisoo Shakeri, exile, protest singer, women's activist, poet and writer performed for the audience. She said that International Woman’s Day is not recognised in her county and women are fighting, as they have been for many years, for even the most basic of fundamental human rights. She pays tribute to the women who have lost their voices – women who has been executed, woman who have been imprisoned and women who have had their voices silenced.
Restricting females as judges needs to be changed for obvious reasons. And with regards to Camp Liberty –something needs to be done by the UN. They need to recognise it as a refugee camp, not a detention centre. She said that this is not even a big step because the UN already recognises the residents as persons of concern.
She thanked Mrs. Rajavi for her example of great strength and determination.
