On November 5, the UK House of Lords hosted an extraordinary event in collaboration with Women for a Free Iran, bringing together lawmakers and activists to spotlight the courage and resilience of Iranian women fighting for freedom under the slogan “Women, Resistance, Freedom.”

The session opened with Rosa Zarei, the daughter of a former political prisoner, who underscored the critical need to address Iran’s systemic repression of women. “Iranian women are at the forefront of this battle for dignity and equality,” Zarei declared, emphasizing the universal values at the heart of their struggle.  Baroness Beverley Hughes lauded the extraordinary courage of Iranian women, noting their fight goes beyond personal freedoms to challenge the very foundations of oppression in Iran. “Their resistance symbolizes the broader movement for systemic change,” she said, urging global solidarity. 

Baroness Meyer shared personal anecdotes to illustrate her empathy with the Iranian cause, while Baroness Redfern condemned the alarming surge in executions, including the recent deaths of women activists. “The regime’s brutality must end,” she asserted, calling for international action to uphold basic human rights.

Dr. Elaheh Zabihi, president of Women for a Free Iran, provided a detailed account of the 2022 uprisings led by women and youth, highlighting the sacrifices of figures like Maryam Akbari Monfared, who has endured 15 years of imprisonment. She urged governments to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and to sever diplomatic ties with Tehran until political prisoners are freed.

Other speakers shared harrowing accounts of systemic abuses, including chemical attacks on schools, the torture of prisoners, and the execution of dissidents. Dr. Yana Solikova, a researcher, presented grim findings from international reports, while Dr. Shida Oraki recounted the personal loss her family endured under Iran’s regime, emphasizing the critical role of the diaspora in supporting change.

The event concluded with a historical overview by Rana Rahmanfard, who highlighted the consistent leadership of women in Iran’s long-standing fight for freedom. She championed the vision of Mrs. Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan for a democratic Iran, calling it a roadmap for peace and equality.This gathering in London sent a powerful message of international solidarity, urging immediate action to support the brave women of Iran in their pursuit of justice and democracy.

MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI  (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu