In Iran, Women’s Day demonstrations erupted across several cities on March 8, with women leading the charge for change. In Khash, Sistan & Baluchestan Province, women protesters chanted slogans demanding the release of political prisoners and asserting their right to freedom. Meanwhile, people in Tehran’s Narmak and Sattarkhan districts and the city of Rasht chanted anti-regime slogans, including calls for the overthrow of the dictator and the release of political prisoners.
Regime authorities in Tehran responded with force, deploying anti-riot units that fired tear gas and shotgun pellet rounds to disperse the crowds. In Karaj, west of the capital, locals were heard chanting “Death to the dictator,” while reports from Sanandaj, the capital of Kurdistan Province, indicate that local officials ordered a large number of security units into the streets to prevent any kind of rallies and gatherings.
Despite the regime’s attempts to suppress dissent, women in Iran continue to fight for equality and progress. Their struggle was highlighted during an international conference held on March 4 in Belgium, where female politicians and accomplished women gathered to share their thoughts and experiences. The conference’s keynote speaker was Maryam Rajavi, the president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).
Mrs. Rajavi has paved the way for female members of the MEK to take leading positions in the movement. The conference and its speakers praised Mrs. Rajavi’s role and emphasized the importance of the women’s rights movement in Iran and its potential impact on women’s rights globally. While women in many countries have made significant progress in achieving equality, Iranian women have fought for over a century to attain their basic rights. Their eventual victory would be a major breakthrough for the women’s rights movement worldwide.
At the conference, the speakers emphasized the fundamental right of every human being, regardless of gender or background, to shape their lives as they wish. They also stressed that the Iranian women’s struggle is not limited to the issue of mandatory hijab but is a fight for freedoms and fundamental rights, including gender equality, the rights of minorities, and an end to violence by the regime against the Iranian people. The speakers praised the Iranian women’s power and determination, describing them as an inspiration to women worldwide and highlighting their potential to bring about significant change in Iran and beyond.
The events of Women’s Day in Iran underscore the importance of continuing to support and highlight the efforts of Iranian women in their struggle for equality and basic human rights. Despite the challenges they face, their determination and resilience serve as a reminder of the power of grassroots movements and the potential for change through collective action.
