NCRI – International Federation Against Fundamentalism and for Equality, joined by dozens of members of parliament, women’s associations and human rights groups from different countries, held an international conference to mark International Women’s Day, entitled, "Women’s Leadership: Indispensable to the Struggle for Fundamentalism."
More than 1,000 personalities and activists of the women’s rights and equality movement from the United States, Canada, Australia, France, Britain, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, Greece, India and Iraq as well as representatives of the Iranian Resistance attended and addressed the conference, held on February 26, at Paris’ Salon Goethe, CNIT- La Défense. Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the Iranian Resistance’s President-elect, also addressed the conference through a video message.
Ms. Elizabeth Sidney, OBE, chair of the International Federation Against Fundamentalism and for Equality, and former Special Advisor of International Network of Liberal Women, Belgian Senator Margriet Hermans; Ms. Salika Wenger Swiss Parliamentary Deputy from Geneva; Hoda Shaker Maarouf Al-Naimi, Professor of Political Science in Al-Mustansariya University, Iraq; Souha Mohammad Al-Azawy, Ph.D in Political Science, Iraq; Ms. Asma Hassan, writer and a Muslim feminist, the United States; Chang Hiyun Kyung, Professor of Theology, South Korea; Ms. Karin Weber (Germany), Member of Brandenbourg State Parliament; Dr. Meredith Bergmann, Chair of the New South Wales Senate, Australia; Ms. Anissa Boumedienne, lawyer, writer, and wife of deceased Algerian President Houwari Boumedienne; Prof. Sushma Dilip Pankule, representative of the International League of Women For Peace and Freedom n India; Ms. Nalima Sinha, member of International League of Women for Peace and Freedom in India; Ms. Raheel Raza, writer and journalist From Canada; Ms. Chafia Mentalecheta, member of the National Council of the French Socialist Party in France and a member of the European Parliament; Ms. Emmanuelle Latour, Secretary General of the Monitoring Center for Equality Between Men and Women, France; Ms. Eleni Portaliou, Secretary General of the New European Party In Greece, and Nosrat Hosseini, a young Iranian woman from Australia, were among the speakers. Participants discussed ways to promote and expand the equality movement and confront Islamic fundamentalism as the biggest challenge to it.
Professor Monique August, Vice-President of the International Federation Against Fundamentalism and for Equality, began the conference and said: “I congratulate all of you who struggle for the ideal of equality on the occasion of International Women’s Day, a great anniversary. We honor the memory of all those throughout the world who brought this movement to its present status with their effort and sacrifices.”
In her opening remarks, Ms. Sidney said, "Gender equality brings great many benefits. First it introduces an enormous amount of talent and energy into society. Under the fundamentalist regime, women are violently prevented from using their abilities. But the release of 50 percent of human talent will raise standards for all of us… Secondly, with 50 percent women in our parliaments, public policy would change. The inter-parliamentary union has found out that women are more interested than men in protection of family life and improvements in health and in protecting the environment and in negotiations rather than war… If we had 50 percent women in our parliaments, we would certainly see a reduction in warfare and a much more vigorous attack on environmental degradation. Thirdly, equal parenting will affect the upbringing of the children. Those will grow up as equal citizens and aware of their rights and full responsibilities .Boys will grow up understanding that manhood does not mean beating people up, but using their strength and talent for the common good .And fourthly, and I thing perhaps the greatest benefit of all, our vision would be broadened, our understanding of human capacity enlarged, our acceptance of variety of human performance extended."
The video message by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the Iranian Resistance was broadcast next. Referring to the obstacles in the path of the equality movement, Mrs. Rajavi emphasized that Islamic fundamentalism is the biggest threat in this path and, therefore, finding a way to confront the imminent danger of religious fascism ruling Iran, which has turned into a global crisis, was an urgent imperative.
Mrs. Rajavi added, "Two years ago, on behalf of the Iranian Resistance, I announced the third option: Democratic change by the Iranian people and Resistance… The Iranian Resistance has the necessary political and social capacity to realize democratic change in Iran. It relies on a vast popular base, a capable force near the Iranian frontier, an organizational structure and a legitimate and progressive ideal. But the spirit that transforms these underlying potentials into reality is women’s leadership." Elaborating on the experiences of the Iranian Resistance, she said, "In the struggle to bring down the ruling theocracy, our movement realized that it was impossible to cast aside the obstacles to achieving democracy and freedom with the same tired and old motivations of past campaigns in past centuries. The political and international situation had created such limitations that not only the movement’s advancement, but preserving its survival required a tougher and more costly struggle. Our movement recognized that it had to elevate its ideals, and thinking. Thus, it found the role of women in leadership as an imperative to democratic change in Iran. This became the source of a major cultural change in the ranks of our Resistance."
In response to a question of how one can defeat Islamic fundamentalism and misogyny, the Iranian Resistance’s President-elect said, "The answer is this: You have to eliminate the male-dominated culture as an inhumane culture, through women leadership. Accordingly, the establishment of democracy without the active role of women in society’s leadership is impossible or at best retractable”.
Following the message by the Iranian Resistance’s President-elect, the first panel addressed the issue of fundamentalism. The first speaker was Senator Margriet Hermans, member of the Belgian Senate, who said: “We are in critical times. The threats against world peace and women’s equality have intensified. Unfortunately, the situation throughout the world is deteriorating. In East and West, we may think that things are getting better, but they are actually getting worse. We, as women parliamentarians, are obliged to rise to our duty. Here of course we have greater opportunities from our sisters in Iran or other parts of the world. That is why I will promise to defend Iranian women so that one day they too can defend women’s rights throughout the world from their position as parliamentarians.”
Ms. Salika Wenger, Swiss Parliamentary Deputy from Geneva, was the next speaker. She said in part, "We must be aware of religious fundamentalists. Their growth creates many dangers for our societies. Gender discrimination in Islamic countries is justified under the banner of religion. In our world, religion is used as a political tool, justifying atrocities against women in the name of religion and Islam. This is not a result of the growth and domination of religions, but it is due to wrong decisions by governments which do not provide everyone with equal opportunity. The younger generation is a victim of this policy of discrimination and fundamentalist governments take advantage of such a social situation to further their own interest and promote their false promises. I invite all participants here to assist groups in their countries who work for an equitable policy to eliminate discrimination."
Prof. Hoda Shaker Maarouf Al-Naimi, was the next speaker. She said, "Here, I want to elaborate a bit on the suffering of Iraqi women in an atmosphere of fundamentalist domination and in the absence of tolerance for diverse viewpoints as well as the spread of zealotry, violence and physical elimination of women and men. To this end, women have become tools to establish religious differences and securing shortsighted interests which would lead to the integration of our national existence in the interest of pursuing certain objectives that are counter to the public’s interests. The fight against fundamentalism requires strengthening the atmosphere of patriotism, an open environment, free speech and the right to diversity of views without fearing persecution. This is how we can obtain a civil society that could be an effective partner for the government on the basis of the rule of law and equality between citizens."
Dr. Souha Mohammad Al-Azawy added, "We consistently used every means and possibility to change the status of women in every field in Iraq. We talked about all methods the Iranian regime is using to interfere in the elections. The Iranian regime also helps the regressive forces in Iraq. As women, we took part in all arenas that could improve the plight of women by participating in political decision-making. We will never abandon this struggle."
Ms. Asma Gol Hassan, a Muslim feminist from the United States, next addressed the conference, and said, “Just because fundamentalist do something does not mean that it is Islam. Just because they engage in a certain practice does not make that practice Islamic. A lot of these things that we see that we don’t like, a lot of the fundamentalism, is cultural baggage, it is a culture that existed before Islam and if Islam never existed, these practices would still happen. So we have to remember that Islam is for the progress of women.”
Prof. Chang Hiyun Kyung expressed her gratitude for the two distinguished Iraqi scholars attending the conference and asked the audience to rise to voice support for peace and an end to war in Iraq. The audience stood in standing ovation for the two Iraqi women scholars attending the conference.
The last speaker on the first panel was Ms. Karin Weber, who said, “If women come to believe in their own power and unite, we will surely achieve peace and equality. The prerequisite for this is education, movement without fear; travel to neighborhoods, towns, and all over the world. Women’s independence is also necessary. But in the first place, women need to have self-confidence and courage. And they can attain such self-confidence and courage in conferences such as the one we see today. The Iranian Resistance must implement its ‘Third Option.’ The possibility must exist for intellectuals to realize the 16 point platform of your President-elect, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi. And this must not be implemented against or for women. It should be implemented with women and by women. I promise here to take the solidarity with Iranian women and the Iranian nation to my own country and to the international community. I will with my colleagues do our best to attract the left in the German Bundestag and the European Parliament to seek the removal of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran from the list of terrorist organizations.”
The second panel dealt with the issue of women leadership.
The first speaker was Anissa Boumedienne. She said, "In Algeria in 1986, fundamentalists used the state of poverty and destitution and social crisis to dominate the population and misused the mosques as staging grounds to loosen government control. Simultaneously, the corruption plaguing the government set the stage for the fundamentalists’ advance. The Islamic Republic of Iran was also supporting them and providing them with money. The Saudis were also helping them and they were receiving training in Afghanistan. I want to salute Algerian women. Algeria remained steadfast because of the courage of Algerian women who did not bow to fundamentalism and withstood their pressures. Now, we must see how we can help women to confront fundamentalism. We must not underestimate the fact that with the ascension of fanaticism in Iran, when coupled with nuclear weapons, we will see a threat against world peace."
Prof. Sushma Dilip Pankule said, "The use of religion is an effective means to control the people and particularly women in our various national contexts, to prevent us from reaching our full potential as a human being. And it constitutes a violation of our human rights. The women’s reproductive rights movement has faced challenges from all orthodox religions as well as recent religious fundamentalist movements. Otherwise pitted against each other politically, religious fundamentalists appear to share a common agenda in opposing women’s rights."
Ms. Nalima Sinha said, "We have had a number of women leaders… But as we all can understand these efforts are just like a drop in the ocean and we need to come up with a lot of ideas not only just ideas but things that can be put into practice."
Ms. Raheel Raza, a writer and journalist From Canada, said in part of her speech, "I was profoundly moved by this conference and the topic it addressed, namely the issue of women leadership. I have to say that I’m very impressed and moved and touched by the leadership shown here today by the Iranian women. I mean they have the leadership all over the world at the support and the solidarity that is given to them. Future generation of women must try to achieve their leadership roles. Regrettably, the fundamentalists took control of religious affairs and marginalized women in society. In Islam, emancipated women are symbols of a progressive Islam. Regrettably, today religion is used to suppress and discriminate against women. Women are the first target of fundamentalism… We need women as religious, political and social leaders at the helm of anti-fundamentalist movements."
Ms. Emmanuelle Latour, said, "I am pleased to take part in this conference alongside experienced and influential women… What was said today and the issues that were raised underline the necessity of reviewing the connection between the situation of women in one country with the situation of women in other countries as well. In France and elsewhere, nothing could advance without the role of women and without understanding the role of women. I was very impressed with what Mrs. Rajavi said about the dual effect of misogyny and religious fundamentalism. This is a common issue with respect to women’s liberation, their freedom of thought and their return to public and social responsibilities. As for women’s place in France’s politics, we must review how expert women are driven from power, from leadership and from politics. In this country, recognized as a country of human rights, for a long time they gave citizens’ rights only to men. Women are not consulted in citizen’s rights… We must accept that women are human beings too and not just men. France’s constitution must be reviewed and changed so that women could have equal access to all positions that are determined by elections."
Ms. Chafia Mentalecheta said in part of her speech, "Allow me to use this opportunity to offer my greetings to two women who are very important to me. The first is Mrs. Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran whose courageous sense of responsibility represents not only a hope for Iranian women but for all women in the world, because we need women leaders on a global level. I think, Mrs. Rajavi is on a correct and righteous path to become a world leader and we will soon call her the President of a democratic Iran and not just of the National Council of Resistance of Iran. I also wanted to acknowledge another woman, whom I admire a great deal. Louisa Gilaris, who passed away a short while ago. She was a great woman from the Algerian Resistance who fought to the last breath. I am the Secretary General of the Council of Democratic Muslims in France. In my view it is important that in France, we do not confuse Islam and terrorism; Islam and fundamentalism. Islam and democracy are compatible to one another. Our council seeks to guarantee the elevation of Muslim women in the political arena. The Socialist Party adopted the equality law, but does not know how to implement it. While political parties are determining their candidates for the next election, it is very difficult to tell people the time has come that women could replace you and take responsibility."
Ms. Eleni Portaliou said, "We seek women’s active participation in politics and support equal rights. The women’s movement must have a close relationship with politicial movements in order to implement laws in countries where human rights are violated. In countries like Iran, fundamentalist regimes are the main threat to women’s lives and dignity. They have created an invisible prison for women and eliminated them from participation in social affairs. Therefore, it is our duty to overthrow these dictatorships in order to achieve the emancipation of women and all of humanity."
Dr. Meredith Bergmann was the last speaker of the second panel in the International Women’s Conference. She said in her speech, "Australian women support the movement against fundamentalism and misogyny. I believe that this struggle would be strengthened by supporting a democratic and secular opposition in Iran. If the democratic opposition, the National Council of Resistance of Iran and the People’s Mojahedin are removed from the terrorist list, it would be more powerful and stronger."
Ms. Nosrat Hosseini, a young Iranian who received the City of Melbourne, Australia’s exemplary Award for her activities in defense of human rights, also spoke and told of the inspiration she receives from Mrs. Rajavi and presented her award to her.
At the conclusion of the second panel of the International Women’s Conference a question and answer session was hosted by the panel.
A video of several artistic performances by the National Liberation Army’s all female orchestra in Ashraf City was also aired which was welcomed by the audience. At the close of the conference, the renowned Iranian singer, Marjan, and the young French vocalists Melanie, Sandrine and Audrey performed for the audience.
An exhibition consisting of works by women artists from different countries and a history of the women’s movement in Iran was also set up on location.
