Speaking before a diverse audience, Ruiz Guevara articulated her honor in participating in this historic event and expressed gratitude to Maryam Rajavi for the opportunity to speak. Ruiz Guevara’s speech was a clarion call for the global community to stand against the forces that oppress women.
She emphasized the critical role of women in political positions to vocally oppose the pervasive fear and impunity that women face, particularly those subjected to harassment and violence by political figures. “As part of our parliamentary work, as women in political power, we have to raise our causes and our struggles against the harassment and impunity faced by women,” Ruiz Guevara declared.
Turning her focus to Iran, Ruiz Guevara condemned the entrenched misogyny and subordination that relegates Iranian women to the status of second, third, or even fourth-class citizens. She detailed the systematic oppression faced by women in Iran, including discriminatory legislation, minimal economic participation, and forced marriages.
“In Iran, misogyny and the subordination of women have made them second, third, or fourth-class citizens,” she stated. “They have been victims of a regime that denies them their most basic rights from birth, simply for being women.”Ruiz Guevara drew parallels between Iran and other authoritarian regimes where women’s rights are similarly sacrificed, highlighting examples from Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Russia.
Costa Rican MP @MontseRuizGue: "Thank you for inviting us here to stand on the right side of history. It is an honor to represent the many women and men united in the common cause of fighting for freedom in Iran."#MaryamRajavi4FreeIran #FreeIran2024https://t.co/8KFJq8h5ky
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) June 30, 2024
She commended Maryam Rajavi for her courage and leadership, asserting that the fight for freedom is a cause worth pursuing. “With the courage of our dear Maryam, we see that living in freedom is worth it and that we must fight for it,” she affirmed.
The Costa Rican MP called for a united effort from women, girls, men, and all who are willing to join the cause for freedom and justice. She reminded the audience that while rights are enshrined in conventions and laws, they are ultimately won through collective action. “Rights are written in conventions and laws, but they were conquered in the streets before that. Women’s rights are human rights,” Ruiz Guevara emphasized.
Her call to action underscored the importance of global solidarity in the fight against oppression. “The fight of women today is synonymous with hope, freedom, and rights. Throughout history, our resistance has been collective, and we have shown that in the face of so much male violence, resistance is feminist,” she concluded.
As the summit drew to a close, attendees were left with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to the cause of a free Iran and the broader struggle for women’s rights worldwide. Monserrat Ruiz Guevara’s powerful words served as a reminder that the fight for equality and justice is far from over, but with courage and unity, progress is inevitable.
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
