In the heart of the French Senate, under its dome that witnessed major decisions that changed the face of history, women’s voices rose loudly in the face of violence and war. From there, from Paris, which has always been the capital of light and thought, a bold humanitarian message was launched calling on the world to stand united against systematic violence against women, especially in conflict areas where bodies and dignity have turned into battlefields.
This international conference was not just a protocol event, but rather a global cry that redefined the meaning of human solidarity. It brought together activists, politicians and experts from various countries to discuss ways of cooperation to combat violence against women during wars, and to hold accountable regimes and militias that use women as a means of intimidation and control.
What distinguished this meeting was the boldness in its presentation, as the talk about violations was not limited to traditional conflict areas, but also included what women in Iran, who face violence, are exposed to. France, which once embraced Khomeini, is today a free platform to expose the practices of his regime, which confiscated women’s dignity and the country’s resources.
In this context, my participation in the conference session came to highlight the danger of militias exploiting violence as a political weapon, and the necessity of activating international pressure against the regimes that fund these groups. I stressed that supporting women in conflict areas is not only a humanitarian act, but rather a defense of the world’s stability and security, and that the silence of the international community means empowering the aggressor.
The struggle of Iranian women at home and abroad proves that change is inevitably coming. These women rejected a life of silence, and decided to transform their suffering into a force of pressure influencing public opinion and European decision-making centers. With the escalation of international sanctions and the increasing isolation of the Iranian regime, talk of overthrowing the regime has become a political reality rather than a revolutionary slogan. The world is beginning to see that this regime has lost its moral and political legitimacy, and that its steadfastness is only a matter of time.
Iranian women have become a global symbol of resistance, and the slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” has become a call echoed in all capitals. It is a revolution of women demanding their rights, confronting violence in all its forms with courage and determination, and today they form a moral and humanitarian front that forces countries and organizations to take clear positions.
The world today is facing a real test: its position on women’s issues in conflict zones will determine the extent of its credibility in defending human rights. It is time for compassion to turn into decisions, and statements into actual policies that deter regimes that use violence as a means of control. Standing with women is not only a moral choice, but a human commitment that guarantees peace and stability in a world that continues to face new forms of oppression.
History may record that the regime, whose rise began with Khomeini’s speeches in exile, may begin its fall from Paris as well, at the hands of women who refused to be silent and chose to be the voice of freedom in the face of violence and injustice against women. Yes, the voice of women today is stronger than bullets, truer than all propaganda, and it is what will create the dawn of a new Iran and establish a more just world for women everywhere.
