On October 8th, Azadi Network, in collaboration with MP Sarah Olney, hosted a powerful gathering on the Pavilion Terrace in the UK Parliament, marking the second anniversary of the *Iran Woman, Life, Freedom* movement. This commemorative event highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by Iranian women and minority groups under an oppressive regime, amplifying calls for justice, solidarity, and action.

The anniversary breakfast brought together an inspiring array of voices, including parliamentarians from across the political spectrum, activists, and community leaders. It served as a platform to honor the courage of Iranian women and to promote meaningful international support against the systematic human rights abuses they face.

Highlights and Key Speakers

1. Jude Kelly, CBE, founder of the WOW Foundation, underscored the essential role of solidarity in addressing gender inequality. She encouraged men to join this critical conversation, amplifying the voices and struggles of Iranian women.

2. Sarah Olney MP, host of the event, praised Azadi Network’s work in raising awareness and called on her fellow parliamentarians to deepen their engagement with human rights issues in Iran, emphasizing the significance of this cause to the global community.

3. Baroness Helena Kennedy advocated passionately for the recognition of “gender apartheid” as a crime against humanity in international forums, urging the UN to address this systemic discrimination.

4. Emily Thornberry, MP and Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, reaffirmed her commitment to women’s freedom of choice, pledging solidarity with Iranian women and urging continued pressure on the Iranian government.

5. Hamish Falconer, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, expressed the UK government's stance on holding Iran accountable through sanctions and honoring victims like Mahsa Amini, who tragically became a symbol of resistance.

6. Sacha Deshmukh, CEO of Amnesty International, highlighted the urgent need for structural investigations into human rights abuses in Iran and the importance of international cooperation to bring justice to those affected.

7. Negin Shiraghaei, Founder of Azadi Network, delivered an impassioned call for unity across borders, stating, “oppression does not stop at borders, so why should solidarity?”

The event also showcased visual narratives, featuring videos and art pieces from global partners like "Combatants for Peace", "Stop Honour Killing Campaign", and "Yalda Moaiery", all of which powerfully portrayed the resilience of the Iranian people.

Proposed Actions and Continued Advocacy

The event resulted in a list of actionable steps for parliamentarians and the broader community to support Iran’s fight for justice:

Parliamentary Actions: Encourage MPs to table questions, request debates, and prioritize human rights in diplomatic engagements with Iran.
UN and International Pressure: Advocate for the UN to document Iran's repressive actions and recognize gender apartheid as a crime against humanity.
Community Engagement: Empower local communities to reach out to MPs, raise awareness on social media, and participate in campaigns supporting Iranian women’s rights.
  
The gathering was a reminder of the strength in unity and the shared global responsibility to protect fundamental human rights. Azadi Network extends gratitude to all who attended and encourages continued support in promoting democracy, gender equality, and freedom for Iranian women and beyond. Together, we can pave the way for a future where human rights are universally upheld and respected.