TEHRAN - In a pivotal meeting held on February 22 to commemorate International Women’s Day 2025, the Benevolent Iranian Women Association (BIWA) convened to discuss pressing issues surrounding authenticity, diversity, and representation in politics.

The event, which commenced at 4:30 PM, provided a platform to acknowledge the indispensable contributions of Iranian women to society, particularly in the context of scientific advancements amidst ongoing challenges.

A highlight of the program was a keynote address delivered by Imam Abdul Qudoos Al-Azhari, who spoke passionately on the theme “Islam Leads the World in Women’s Rights,” emphasizing the framework within which women’s rights are being advanced in Islamic societies. 

Another speaker Mr. Kysar Trad cautioned against the simplistic framing of Iranian women's experiences within Western media narratives, describing such criticism as “a herald of intended imperial colonialism.”

Senator Fatima Payman, a key speaker at the event, shared her experiences as a woman navigating the political landscape, emphasizing the critical need for genuine representation of women.

The discussions delved into the often-misleading portrayals of Iran in Western media, spotlighting the motivations behind such criticisms. Participants stressed the necessity for heightened awareness and understanding, particularly among minority communities in Australia. The conversation also featured significant dialogue on women’s rights in Iran, with attendees underscoring the importance of responsible media representation.

Following the meeting, BIWA outlined several next steps to further their mission:

- Continue organizing events that promote authentic narratives about Iranian society and women's rights.
- Encourage community members to engage robustly on social media, challenging misrepresentations of Iran.
- Identify and support political candidates who advocate for human rights and fair representation.
- Establish networking opportunities with other organizations to strengthen collective advocacy efforts.
- Encourage the documentation and sharing of personal experiences to challenge mainstream narratives.
- Maintain open communication with Senator Payman for ongoing support and advocacy.
- Track and expose funding sources behind anti-Iran propaganda.
- Encourage local government participation to ensure balanced representation.
- Organize educational sessions focused on women’s rights and advancements in Iran.
- Develop strategies to engage with mainstream media to present alternative perspectives.

Senator Payman expressed gratitude for the progress made but highlighted the need for continued momentum towards achieving true representation. Her account of standing against her own party resonated with attendees, inspiring them to challenge the status quo and advocate for meaningful change.

The event also featured a recorded address from the NSW Minister for Women, who underscored the importance of awareness and understanding in discussions surrounding women's rights in Iran.

In addition, discussions touched on the realities of human trafficking and the importance of addressing these issues within the context of domestic policies, rather than through foreign intervention. 
Participants, including Marzieh Hashemi, an American Muslim with over 20 years of experience living in Iran, provided insights into the advancements in women's rights and education in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. She cited dramatic increases in literacy and university attendance among Iranian women, challenging existing Western narratives.

Tensions arose during a planned panel discussion, partially disrupted by technical difficulties, yet the mood shifted as gifts of appreciation were presented, allowing for continued dialogue among participants. 

The meeting concluded with encouragement for further engagement on issues of human rights, representation, and legislative review processes in Australia, reinforcing the commitment to serving the needs of the community effectively. Attendees left the session inspired, equipped with fresh perspectives and a renewed sense of purpose in the ongoing struggle for women's rights and authentic representation.