The Iranian Regime has denied basic human rights to the Iranian people, especially women, for 40 years now, but the pro-democracy movement has remained strong and active, despite vicious reactions by the Regime.

On occasion, this resistance has been visible to the world, such as for the 2009 protests against the rigged election and the nationwide uprising in January 2018. In every uprising, protest, and pro-democracy movement, women have been at the forefront and, according to women’s rights advocate Dr. Maria Ryan, that is no accident.

She wrote for The Hill on Thursday, September 12, 2019, that the mullahs have targeted Iranian women with “repressive, misogynistic laws and execution”, explaining that a female soccer fan died from self-immolation last week because she expected to be jailed for attending a football match.

Women are crucial to resisting Iran's regime https://t.co/6SuivoN5sP

— Maria Ryan (@MariaRyanNH) September 12, 2019

Ryan spoke at the annual conference of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) in July, at Ashraf 3, the new home of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI, Mujahedin-e Khalq or MEK), during a panel entitled “Women in the Iranian Resistance: Defying the Misogynist Regime, Paying the Price of Freedom”.

Ryan wrote of that event: “I met many brave women who survived the mullahs’ brutal crackdown. Many said they had suffered in torture chambers for long years. They shared their stories with me, their personal suffering and the loss of loved ones.”

She continued: “They explained that, while living in Iran, they were not able to choose their own clothes or their professions; a girl as young as nine years old could be married, they said, and a man could have multiple wives. They were forced to leave Iran and were promised safety in camps inside Iraq, they recounted to me, only to be targeted by bombs and gunfire. Several of them said they lost many of their friends to these attacks.”

Ryan said that daily life had become so difficult for many Iranians that growing numbers are turning to drugs to dull the pain or selling their organs to make ends meet. She said that, despite this, the women she met “inspired” her with their “determination, loyalty, patriotism and faith”.

Maryam Rajavi accompanied by lawmakers, dignitaries and women rights activists in Conference “Iran Uprising and The Role of Women”- Paris – February 17, 2018#WomenForce4Change #Iran pic.twitter.com/kpNys2qtCj

— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) February 17, 2018

She explained that the NCRI and its members want basic freedoms and are preparing to serve as an interim government if the Iranian people overthrow the mullahs.

Ryan said: “Whether or not you believe that regime change in Iran is truly just around the corner, I am absolutely convinced that with such women in the ranks of the resistance, the change will come to Iran.”

 Staff writer

President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), Maryam Rajavi’s commitment to freedom and democracy in Iran has been outlined in her ten-point plan for the future of Iran. The NCRI is a coalition of more than 500 distinct Iranian opposition groups, including the People’s Mujahedin Organisation of Iran (MEK). The organization elected Maryam Rajavi as its leader, she runs the democratic Iranian government in exile.

Maryam Rajavi’s ten-point plan for a brighter Iranian future

Maryam Rajavi’s ten-point plan outlines the NCRI’s vision for Iran following the end of the clerical rule. It serves as a roadmap for a new era of democratic rule, with the NCRI and Maryam Rajavi as the head of a tolerant democratic government.

Universal Suffrage

The first point of the plan asserts the NCRI’s commitment to free and fair democratic elections. Legitimacy is earnt at the ballot box, and in a democratic Iran, the NCRI would hold fair elections with universal suffrage, granting every Iranian citizen a vote.

Political Freedom

The NCRI is committed to political freedom. Under its government, citizens would have the political freedom to create political parties, the media would be free of censorship, and all individuals would enjoy unrestricted access to the internet.

The Abolition of the Death Penalty

The NCRI and Maryam Rajavi oppose the use of the death penalty in all cases.

Secular Government

The NCRI is also determined to separate religion from government. Iran would become a place of religious freedom and pluralism, with followers of all religions welcome and free to practice their religious beliefs.

Equality

Maryam Rajavi and her NCRI government would uphold equality in all areas of Iranian society. Women would receive equal participation in political leadership, have the freedom to choose their clothing, their husbands, and be free to divorce.

Independent Judiciary

The NCRI is dedicated to the establishment of an independent judicial system. The accused would be considered innocent until proven guilty and have the right to legal counsel, defense in court, and a fair trial.

In Defence of Human Rights

Following the fall of the mullahs, the NCRI would uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, eliminating discrimination against religious and ethnical minorities. The Iranian Kurdistan region will receive a plan of political autonomy, and all minority languages and culture will receive the necessary protections.

A Market Economy

Maryam Rajavi and the NCRI seeks to instate a market economy, with private property and investment. Investors will receive relevant protections and the NCRI will govern over a revitalized economy and environment.

The Pursuit of Peace

Iranian foreign policy will be based on the pursuit of peace and stability in the region. The NCRI will respect the UN Charter and seek peaceful coexistence with its international neighbors, both in the Middle East and beyond.

A Non-Nuclear Iran

Finally, the NCRI and Maryam Rajavi remain committed to establishing a non-nuclear Iran, free from weapons of mass destruction.

Staff Writer