Iran’s Women Victims of Double Suppression

Discrimination against women is an official policy of the regime ruling Iran. Their persecution, disingenuously justifies on religious pretext, is nothing more than institutionalized abuse of their human rights.

Women face restrictions in virtually every aspect of daily life, and are denied equal educational, professional, legal and personal opportunities and rights.

Medieval punishments for the infractions are condoned  by law. Those who refuse to relinquish their freedom risk dire consequences, including flogging, imprisonment and stoning.

This flagrant disregard of international law and humanitarian standards can not be met with silence.
The plight of Iran’s women challenges us to act in defense of the precious rights inherent to us all.

The National Committee of Women for a Democratic Iran is a non-profit organization advocating since 1990 on behalf of women’s rights in Iran.

NCWDI was formed to fill the vacuum of a women’s organization devoted specifically to monitoring and promoting women’s rights in Iran.  Our tasks range from accurate reporting, to public appearances, to engaging in discussion and exchange with relevant authoritative bodies.

We believe that Iran’s human rights policy can be effectively influenced through international pressure, and that the quality of life for Iranian women can be enhanced through awareness of their inviolable rights.  To this end, NCWDI sponsors and participates in programs designed to strengthen Iranian women’s self, social and political awareness.

In 1993 the organization was re-established. NCWDI has been active in many national and international conferences, including FWCW in 1994. Currently, NCWDI is working with several Universities in US, Europe and Latin America, to introduce the new feminist theory by the female leader of the Iranian Resistance. NCWDI also recegnized as US-based NGO by the United Nations and participates in the annual activities of the UN.

•  To inform the public and human rights community of the deplorable abuse of the rights of Iranian women.
•  To advocate observance and implementation of internationally accepted standards of human rights, in particular those pertaining to women, by disseminating information to interested individuals and groups.
•  To heighten the awareness of Iranian women of their inviolable rights, as guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international covenants.

•  Research in Postmodern, Radical, Liberal, Socialist, Marxist Feminism, and non-western feminism.
• We are currently working with the following schools and international organizations: George Mason University, Eckerd College, University of Rhode Island, York University (Canada), Riverside University, University of North Dakota , Brandise University, Harvard Law School(Human Rights Program), Columbia University (Human Rights Program), American University (Human Rights Program).
• Internatioanl Organizations:Women’s Union of Sao Palo, Latin American Committee for Defense of Women’s Rights (CLADEM).United Nations, Amensty International, Red Cross, National Lawyers Guild.

NCWDI is currently affliated with the following organizations:

Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan
Equality Now
Coalition Against Trafficking in Women
National Lawyers Guild
Latin American Committee for Defense of Women’s Rights (CLADEM)
Human Rights Internet
National Association of Women Studies
National Colition to Protect Political Freedom