Each year, International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate progress, demand equality, and amplify the voices of women around the world. But for many Iranian women, this day is not only symbolic—it is deeply political, rooted in an ongoing struggle for basic rights, dignity, and freedom.

This year’s global theme, set by the United Nations—“Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”—calls for dismantling structural barriers to equality, ending discriminatory laws, and taking collective action to ensure fundamental rights for women everywhere.

In this spirit, a workshop was held in Paris on the afternoon of February 21, 2026, bringing together 21 participants from at least 10 different countries, spanning Europe, North America, and North Africa. The event was chaired by our member, Mrs. Dorien Rookmaker, who guided the discussions and ensured a platform for meaningful exchange. The gathering highlighted global solidarity with Iranian women and provided a forum for sharing experiences, amplifying voices, and fostering collaboration across borders.

For decades, women in Iran have lived under a system that enforces strict social and legal restrictions. From compulsory dress codes to limitations in public and political life, these policies have shaped everyday existence. Yet, despite these pressures, Iranian women have consistently stood at the forefront of protest movements, challenging authority and demanding change.

As one participant remarked:
“All acts of kindness are lights in the world.”

Another reflected on the importance of education and engagement:
“I am earning a master’s degree in human rights, and I listen to the pain and suffering of women. I understand that studying alone is not enough. Speaking out and participating in these conferences is essential.”

Speakers highlighted the central role of Iranian women in shaping society:
“Women in Iran are active in society, and I have seen their impact. The struggle of women takes place in a living, active society. For years, the regime has imposed control and repression, but women have been at the center of resistance, demanding a democratic republic. We have entered a new phase of women’s leadership in the world, including Iran. When women lead, change happens. Democracy in Iran passes through its women.”

Other quotes emphasized courage and historical continuity:
“They led tens of thousands in protests, stood unarmed against the Revolutionary Guards, and made sacrifices. They are the voice of a generation and continue the path of women’s generations. The large protests have diminished, but now these women are in the second phase of the revolution.”

“Being a woman in Iran is an act of heroism. I know the cost of resistance. Women stand, the regime trembles, and they honor the martyrs and female fighters.”

The workshop also addressed mechanisms for international accountability:
“Accountability mechanisms through the UN, ICC, sanctions, and legal actions. The fact-finding mission has had its mandate extended to continue its work. Preserving evidence is essential. Justice and no impunity depend on safeguarding records. These are actions the international community can support.”

The momentum of resistance in Iran has only grown in recent years. Protests erupted across the country and became one of the most significant challenges to the authorities in decades. Women and girls led chants for a free Iran, that echoed far beyond Iran’s borders.

Participants emphasized that these acts are part of a broader, long-standing movement. They highlighted the courage of those who continue to protest despite arrests, imprisonment, and, in some cases, execution. The stories shared were not only of suffering but of resilience—of women who refuse to be silenced.

Art, testimony, and remembrance were central to the gathering. Images of women in protest, stories from former detainees, and tributes to those who lost their lives created a powerful atmosphere—both mournful and defiant. It was a reminder that behind every headline are individuals whose lives have been profoundly affected.

Ultimately, the workshop was not only about marking a date, but about reaffirming a commitment: to continue speaking, resisting, and standing in solidarity. On this International Women’s Day, the message from Iranian women is unmistakable—freedom is not a distant ideal but a demand, and it will continue to be pursued, no matter the cost.