The Path to a Free Iran: Why the World Needs to Hear Maryam Rajavi
Imagine growing up in a country where speaking your mind or seeking justice can land you not only in prison, but can lead to torture and execution. A country where half the population are treated as second-class citizens and are systematically suppressed.
Unfortunately, for millions of Iranian youth, this is not a farfetched sci-fi movie—it’s their reality. But from day one, the Iranian people have never given in and there’s a growing movement pushing back, and at its heart stands a woman who has dedicated her life to freedom, equality, and justice: Maryam Rajavi.
Maryam Rajavi is the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), a democratic coalition that envisions a secular, pluralistic, free Iran. For over four decades, the NCRI and its core member organization, the People’s Mojahedin (PMOI/MEK), have led the fight against Iran’s brutal theocracy. And they’ve paid dearly. Thousands have been executed, tortured, or imprisoned by the regime, in the quest for freedom and standing for the principles of this resistance. But what keeps this movement alive—what gives it its power—is a vision of a secular democratic republic in Iran and putting an end to tyrannical rule in Iran, be it crowned or turbaned.
A Plan for Tomorrow
Maryam Rajavi’s 10-point plan for a free Iran serves as a roadmap for any country that values democracy and human rights. It calls for free elections, gender equality, separation of religion and state, an end to the death penalty, an independent judiciary, a market economy, and peaceful coexistence with the world; serving as a foundation for a modern, democratic Iran where all voices matter. What is important is that it isn’t just mere words or empty promises, these are values and pillars which have been put into practice for decades within the resistance.
Maryam Rajavi presents an Iran where not only are women not treated as second-class citizens, but serve in key positions of leadership. A country where no one is jailed for tweeting or posting on Instagram, and where your dreams aren’t crushed because of your gender, ethnicity, or beliefs. That’s the Iran that the NCRI fights for.
Resisting a Brutal Regime
The Iranian regime is one of the world’s most repressive. It funds terrorism beyond its borders and represses opposition within. With over 1500 executions in the past year, it is unfortunately the leading county in executions per capita. Over 120,000 have lost their lives in the quest for freedom in Iran in the past four decades, but the people of Iran have never given in or succumbed to the brutalities of this regime. The world witnessed three major uprisings from 2017-2022, and the bravery of Iranian women and youth and their defiance.
But these uprisings don’t form in a vacuum. They’re the direct result of 44 years of struggle and continuous resistance, which has served as a beacon of hope for a nation enchained by the mullahs.
The Role of Women: Leading the Change
One of the most inspiring aspects of the NCRI is its emphasis on the role of women in leadership. Maryam Rajavi isn’t a figurehead symbol; she represents a new kind of leadership—one that values compassion, inclusivity, and courage. She ushers in a new era, creating a generation of capable women leading the fight against the mysoginist regime ruling Iran. Her motto is “we can and we must!” yes, we can and we must overcome all odds and obstacles, because a nation and the future of Iran depends on it!
Women hold the majority of leadership positions within the movement. This is not only revolutionary in Iran but in the whole world. In a world where women are still fighting for equal pay and political representation, the NCRI believes the road to freedom is only possible with women’s emancipation and empowerment— reshaping what leadership looks like altogether.
The Iran Solution
Today, as the world seeks a solution on Iran, the Iranian people have a clear roadmap ahead. The message is clear; there is a third option on Iran. The solution is neither war, nor appeasement; it is standing by the Iranian people and their organized resistance in their fight for freedom. The people of Iran do not have to choose between the less of two evils, they have drawn a distinctive line with all forms of tyranny and want to move forward towards a democratic, secular republic in Iran.
You might wonder what Iran has to do with you. The answer is simple: freedom anywhere is tied to freedom everywhere.
The Iranian regime doesn’t just oppress its own people—it exports violence and instability across the Middle East and beyond. It funds terrorist groups, meddles in neighboring countries, and takes hostages as political leverage. Supporting NCRI as the democratic alternative, not only helps Iranians; it promotes peace, stability, and human rights worldwide.
Maryam Rajavi once said, “Freedom is not handed over; it is earned.” The youth of Iran are earning it every day—with their protests, their courage, and their refusal to stay silent. We have a responsibility to amplify their voices.
Because someday, when Iran is finally free, we’ll be able to say: We stood with them. And we believed in a brighter tomorrow.
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Human Rights Advocate | Foreign Affairs, NCRI | Speaker | Women’s Rights & Iran Policy
As a human rights advocate and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), I work to amplify the voices of Iranians fighting for freedom and justice.
My activism began as a teenager, shaped profoundly by the loss of my father—a celebrated Iranian writer—who was killed by the regime in 1988. Today, I engage with policymakers, journalists, and civil society leaders worldwide to expose human rights abuses in Iran and support the movement for a democratic, secular republic.
I regularly contribute to international conferences, panels, and media discussions on:
✅ Women’s leadership and resistance in Iran
✅ Accountability for crimes against humanity
✅ The dynamics of Iran’s protest movements
✅ Policy strategies for global human rights advocacy
One of our country’s most important freedoms is that of free speech.
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