Amb. Carla Sands: Women’s Equality in Iran Requires Rejecting Both Monarchy and Theocracy
Madam Rajavi, distinguished guests, it’s a great pleasure to be here among you to discuss the situation of women in Iran. We have all heard and read about the subjugation of women under the theocratic regime. We are familiar with its discriminatory laws, its degrading treatment of women, and the deep institutionalized misogyny that defines the ruling dictatorship.
This regime is, in every sense of the word, a monster—a system whose record in every field is not just zero, but less than zero. Today, I want to focus on two issues: first, a false narrative or, at best, a misguided perception; and second, the achievements of Iranian women rather than only their suffering.
There is a persistent misperception that women had rights under the Shah and enjoyed equality. This claim is false. The Shah’s regime was a brutal dictatorship, ruling by torture, execution, censorship, and fear. That is why the Iranian people do not wish to return to a monarchy and why they see Reza Pahlavi as a continuation of that same legacy.
These women have shown courage that is not just a moment, but a lifelong commitment. They have demonstrated that leadership is not granted; it is earned through resilience, clarity of purpose, and moral conviction. They proved through action and sacrifice that Iranian women are the driving force in the struggle for a free Iran.
Mrs. Rajavi, I deeply admire your leadership. Iranian women have assumed responsibility for guiding a movement to freedom. You shattered old taboos about women’s participation in political leadership. You inspired women to join the Iranian Resistance in fighting the regime.
A free Iran and gender equality are not a dream. They are a commitment and a promise shaped by courage, sacrifice, and the leadership of Iranian women—a force more powerful than any dictator, past or future.
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