Organizations
At present, 22 Iranian women’s organizations from various regions worldwide have united under the collective initiative of “Collective Action of Independent Iranian Women’s Organizations.” By preserving their distinct group identities, they stand together to express their solidarity with women in Iran and around the world.
Iranian Circle of Women for International Networking
ICWIN is a non-profit organization that has been active in Southern California for over 5 years. Its mission is to empower women and achieve gender equality and justice. ICWIN focuses on raising awareness about issues affecting Iranian women, both within Iran and in the diaspora. The organization aims to serve as a bridge, fostering connections not only between Iranian women’s communities but also with women from diverse backgrounds, races, ethnicities, and socio-economic statuses globally.
ICWIN is active on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We invite you to join us on these platforms and visit our website at ICWIN.org to learn more about our activities.
Iranian Activist Women in Exile in Berlin
We are a collective of activist women in exile, dedicated to advocating not only for women’s issues but also for political prisoners, refugees, and the LGBTQ+ community. Each year, on March 8th, we organize a range of events and participate in international actions to honor this day, which represents the enduring struggles of women worldwide against patriarchal power and systems. This year, we are particularly excited to join forces with fellow activists from around the globe to spotlight the resistance and resilience of women imprisoned in Iran as part of our International Women’s Day celebrations.
Iranian Women’s Association in Montreal
The Iranian Women’s Association in Montreal is a democratic organization dedicated to advancing cultural and social awareness and defending the civil and human rights of women. Those who champion democracy cannot remain indifferent to gender inequalities. Feminist thought advocates for human equality; thus, this association does not seek to replace male dominance with female dominance but strives for true equality among all people. The association views the women’s movement as part of a broader social movement towards achieving a free, prosperous, and independent society. The Iranian Women’s Association in Montreal is a non-profit organization that is independent of any particular group, organization, or ideology.
Women for Sustainable Freedom and Equality
We are a group of equality advocates who believe that achieving comprehensive progress and development based on democracy and freedom in our country is not possible without the widespread and active participation of women. Despite our differing political perspectives, we unite to pursue the following common goals and strategic plan:
- A complete transition from the Islamic Republic to a secular and democratic system based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- Establishing freedom, democracy, and equal rights for all citizens grounded in human dignity, as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- Eliminating all forms of discrimination and achieving equality and justice for all individuals, regardless of gender identity, in political, economic, legal, educational, social (civil), and cultural domains.
- Adhering to the Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations General Assembly’s 2030 Agenda.
You can follow us on Facebook at Women for Sustainable Freedom & Equality and on Instagram at w.s.f.e_2020.
Iranian American Women in Network
Iranian Women In Network, IWIN, is an all-inclusive, forward-thinking and inspiring group of Iranian women. We strive to facilitate advancement of women and girls by providing a platform for networking, learning, self-improvement, and mentorship as well as educational and leadership opportunities to help and support Iranian women on their way to becoming the best version of themselves in their professional and personal lives.
www.iwiniwin.org
www.instagram.com/IWIN_Community
www.youtube.com/IWINIWIN
Telegram: https://t.me/IWINIWIN
North California Women’s Group
The Women’s Group was established in 1996 by eleven active women from Northern California with the goal of creating a network for Iranian women to exchange views on women’s issues. The group’s email list includes over 300 Iranian women from various countries. For the past 28 years, we have held monthly meetings on a wide range of topics, from literature to politics, art, philosophy, and psychology. We also organize an annual event to celebrate International Women’s Day. Additionally, we have hosted two conferences for the Foundation for Iranian Women’s Studies at UC Berkeley in 2000 and 2008. We are thrilled to be part of this collaborative effort alongside 23 other Iranian women’s organizations.
https://www.facebook.com/zanangroupinnortherncalifornia
https://www.instagram.com/zanan_norcal
Dallas Iranian Women Association
Dallas Iranian Women Association (DIWA) is an independent and democratic organization with no affiliations to any political or religious groups. Founded in 2010 by a group of Iranian women committed to gender equality in all legal, social, cultural, and political spheres in Dallas, DIWA brings together women with diverse social and political views to work towards advancing women’s rights. Our activities focus on promoting gender equality and combating both overt and subtle forms of violence against women in the community.
Contact us at diwacontact2010@gmail.com.
The Organization for Emancipation of Women
“The Organization for Emancipation of Women,” also known as “Rahaei Zan,” is an independent organization dedicated to women’s equality and freedom. Although its primary focus is on Iran, the organization has also launched or participated in numerous campaigns defending women’s and human rights around the world. Founded in 2004 by a group of well-known activists and advocates for women’s rights, Rahaei Zan has continuously expanded its activities since its inception.
The Iranian Women’s Association Parto
The Iranian Women’s Association Parto is an organization based in the Ruhr area of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is committed to raising awareness among women and supporting their pursuit of equal rights with men. Parto also works with Afghan women to facilitate cultural integration into German society. Through participation in and organization of annual seminars and conferences, Parto actively fosters connections among women throughout Germany.
Parto e. V. · Girardetstr. 21 · 45131 · Essen
Stop Honer Killings Campaign
We are a group of women’s rights and gender equality activists, both inside and outside the country, responding to the escalating and systematic violence against women, including the increasing number of murders of women and girls by male family members under the guise of “honor” and protected by religious law. We are also addressing the ineffectiveness of laws and the judicial system in preventing such crimes, as well as legal discrimination in the punishment of perpetrators. To combat this, we have launched the “Stop Honor Killings” campaign with the aim of ending these murders.
Frauen Tribunal
The Iranian Women’s Conference was officially established in February 1996 in Hanover. This conference aims to support sexual freedom and women’s rights, combat systemic violence and discrimination against women, advocate for independent asylum rights for women, and promote international feminist solidarity. Its activities include publishing 96 issues of a quarterly journal, organizing seminars for both lesbian and heterosexual Iranian women, hosting the International Conference of the Foundation for Women’s Research in 2009, and participating in international women’s alliances such as La Raza and the International March 8 Alliance in Hanover.
Feminism Everyday
The “Feminism” group is composed of a new generation of feminists with diverse cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds, representing various strands within the feminist movement. The members of the “Feminism” group work voluntarily to share their experiences and those of women from around the world about life as a woman. They aim to highlight the impact of feminist struggles on the daily lives of women.
IKWRO – Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organization
IKWRO – Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation is a secular and independent organization with no affiliations to any political or religious parties. Established in the UK in 2002, IKWRO is dedicated to creating a world free from violence against women and girls, and to advocating for the freedom and rights of both women and men.
IKWRO specifically focuses on fighting for the rights of Iranian, Kurdish, Afghan, Arab, and Turkish women. Our primary efforts are directed against all forms of violence, including domestic violence, honor-based violence and murders, forced marriages, child marriages, female genital mutilation, and mutilation.
Our work in the UK includes providing free advisory services to ensure the safety of women against all forms of physical, emotional, psychological, financial abuse, and control. We operate a safe house managed by experienced advisors, and offer free psychotherapy services through our skilled psychological team.
IKWRO also engages in significant campaigns and advocacy efforts, including the criminalization of honor-based killings and forced marriages in the UK and globally. Currently, our campaigns for the abolition of virginity testing and child marriage in the UK have reached the country’s Parliament. We conduct educational programs for women, youth, and children in schools to raise awareness about women’s and human rights. Additionally, we provide training for government and non-governmental workers to help them understand and address the issues faced by women.
We believe in working collaboratively with other organizations, especially women’s groups, to strengthen our advocacy and ensure that these struggles gain social prominence.
Orange County Women Study Group
The Orange County Women Study Group was established on November 2, 1992. The group initially held its meetings bi-weekly on Thursdays at the home of a different member each time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings transitioned to Zoom and are now held monthly.
The group’s studies and discussions cover a wide range of topics related to women’s social, cultural, and political issues, as well as global news and events. These sessions feature contributions from group members and guests, including figures such as the Mayor of Irvine, Iranian female filmmakers, activists, and artists.
One of the group’s greatest achievements has been the solidarity and mutual support among its members. Over three decades, this solidarity has enabled the group to remain resilient through the ups and downs of personal and social life. Regular members actively participate in most global Iranian women’s conferences and bring reports to meetings for discussion. Celebrating International Women’s Day and collaborating with other women’s groups have always been central to our activities.
We are proud to stand with other women’s groups in the “Joint Action” to support the struggles of the women’s movement, life, and freedom, and to amplify the voices of courageous women and the noble people of Iran to the global community.
Associzione Donne Libere Iraniane
Associzione Donne Libere Iraniane was founded in 2011 to amplify the voices of Iranian women and others who need to be heard, especially in the Middle East. Its mission includes promoting women’s knowledge and culture and combating various forms of discrimination. In recent years, the association has organized numerous conferences and participated in women’s events both in Italy and internationally. Notably, in 2017 and 2019, the association hosted two significant conferences on culture and women’s rights, featuring music, artistic performances, and speakers from both Iranian and Italian backgrounds.
Iranisch-Deutscher Frauenverein Köln e.V
The Iranian-German Women’s Association of Cologne is an independent and feminist organization established in 1986 in Cologne, Germany. As an independent entity, it is not affiliated with any government, political party, or group. As a feminist organization, it is committed to the conscious struggle of women for their independent identity and considers combating gender dominance in all social, legal, cultural, moral, and political dimensions as part of its mission.
The association consists of women who, regardless of their beliefs, ideologies, or nationalities, volunteer to work towards its goals. The association does not view the fight against patriarchy as a quest to replace male dominance with female dominance, but rather aims for the liberation of women and, consequently, the liberation of society from oppressive and hierarchical relations.
The association considers the imposition of Islamic laws as the biggest barrier to improving the status of women in Iran over the past forty years and advocates for the complete separation of religion from the state. Since the Islamic Republic regime enforces these laws, the association positions itself in opposition to this regime. The Iranian-German Women’s Association of Cologne believes that raising awareness, maintaining independent organizations, and fostering strong connections between the Iranian migrant women’s movement and women of other nationalities are essential for overcoming multiple forms of oppression.
Union for Secular Republic and Human Rights in Iran
We are dedicated to transitioning from the current theocratic autocratic regime to a republic based on human rights in Iran. We support all forms of struggle that align with civil and human rights principles.
We view the Islamic Republic’s constitution as undemocratic, discriminatory, and contrary to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We advocate for drafting a new constitution that is in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its supplementary documents, and we uphold the right of the people to determine their future system of governance in Iran.
We call for an end to all forms of discrimination based on religion, belief, gender, and ethnicity in Iran, and we support equal rights for all citizens under the law. We believe in secularism, the separation of religion from state structures, and the freedom of religion and beliefs. We demand non-interference of the government in the religious and spiritual affairs of the people.
Alliance of Left Women
The Alliance of Left Women began its work three years ago, identifying itself as a defender of gender equality. We are committed to advancing this cause, firmly believing that gender equality is a fundamental human right. Everyone deserves to live free from harassment, discrimination, violence, and other forms of human rights violations.
Manav LGBTQ+ Foundation
The primary goal of the Manav Queer Ecofeminism Foundation (for LGBTQ+ individuals, including lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans, and non-binary people) is to achieve a society that embraces diversity while respecting human differences, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. This includes how individuals express their identities or orientations. In this context, the Manav Foundation believes that all individuals should have equal opportunities, rights, and responsibilities for living a fulfilling life.
Women, Life, Freedom Collective – Rome
Women, Life, Freedom Collective – Rome
Established in response to the Jina (Mahsa Amini) movement, the Women, Life, Freedom Collective in Rome was formed by a group of active Iranian migrant women. This initiative arose from the need to create a supportive space for the Women, Life, Freedom movement and has evolved in tandem with the activists in Iran.
The collective has set specific goals, including supporting vulnerable populations, marginalized groups, and anyone in need of a voice. At the forefront of our activities is the overthrow of the fascist-Islamic and patriarchal regime of the Islamic Republic. We stand against all forms of gender, class, ethnic, and other discrimination.
We condemn any opportunism, fraudulent, and profit-driven activities. Our commitment is to protect the progressive Women, Life, Freedom movement and to distance ourselves from exploiters, profit-seeking institutions, and dominant factions that seek to co-opt Iran’s progressive revolution. We hope for continued efforts and a near victory.
Together for Women’s Health Association
Together for Women’s Health Association
Established in 2011 by Firouzeh Raad, this association focuses on addressing the impacts of poverty, violence, and war on the health of women, particularly single mothers, and children both in the Netherlands and globally.
At its inaugural meeting in November 2011, the association highlighted the importance of addressing women’s health issues, especially those affecting migrant women in the Netherlands. Since then, the association has organized seminars and conferences annually on various global occasions, tackling issues such as peace and disarmament, poverty, social deprivation, violence, and their effects on the health of women and children, as well as violations of basic human rights.
All these events have been supported intellectually and morally by up to twelve related organizations. Over the past decade, the association has organized twenty-five conferences and seminars, along with several training programs for women.
#MeToo Movement Iran
#MeToo Movement Iran here to create a safe space for women and sexual and gender minorities and to make it unsafe for perpetrators.
We examine and publish narratives from women about sexual abuse and violence. To the best of our ability, we support both the narrators and their stories, and we strive to hold those who support the abusers accountable.
We collaborate with volunteer psychologists and lawyers to provide counseling services to those in need. Above all, we work collectively with you, rebuilding our collective power and viewing change not just as hope but as an attainable goal, for which we must stand firm and fight.
https://www.instagram.com/me_too_movement_iran