Icelandic MP Dilja Mist Einarsdottir: Women and Youth Are Leading Iran’s Movement for Change
Icelandic MP Dilja Mist Einarsdottir addresses an NCRI conference on May 31, 2025
Written by
Amir Taghati
On May 31, 2025, at the second session of the Free Iran Conference near Paris, Icelandic Member of Parliament Dilja Mist Einarsdottir delivered a powerful speech affirming her country’s support for democratic change in Iran. Drawing on her experience both as a political adviser and a parliamentarian, Einarsdottir praised the Iranian Resistance movement and especially the central role women and youth have played in confronting the regime’s repression.
She highlighted the significance of Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan, applauding its commitment to democracy, gender equality, secular governance, and a non-nuclear Iran. Einarsdottir also emphasized the urgency of international solidarity, citing the case of Ehsan Faridi—a student from Tabriz sentenced to death for expressing support for the resistance—and calling for global attention to his plight.
The Icelandic MP proudly noted that a majority of her country’s parliamentarians back the Iranian people’s fight for freedom, underlining Iceland’s longstanding commitment to human rights and gender equality. She concluded by asserting that without gender equality, true democracy cannot exist—and without resistance, there can be no freedom.
The speech follows. Portions have been lightly edited for clarity and flow.
Dilja Mist Einarsdottir: I’m proud that a majority of Iceland’s MPs support the statement backing Iran’s struggle for freedom. There’s no democracy without gender equality, no freedom without resistance. I stand with Iran’s courageous women and people.
https://t.co/8Oz6nxPpEC— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) May 31, 2025
Dear all,
Change in Iran is not a question of if but when.
I came to know this courageous movement a few years back—first as a political advisor to the Icelandic Foreign Minister, and later as a Member of the Icelandic Parliament, Alþingi. As such, I was honored to attend a major meeting and rally in Brussels—and now I join you here today in Paris.
As a woman and a politician from Iceland, a country world-renowned for its commitment to gender equality, the central role that women play in Iran’s resistance movement certainly caught my attention—and earned my respect. This is especially striking given Iran’s current reality, where women face serious oppression.
And yet, women in Iran—and indeed, the people of Iran as a whole—continue to rise with strength and courage. It has been inspiring to meet and follow Mrs. Rajavi’s work, and her plan—her roadmap for Iran’s future. A vision that emphasizes freedom, democracy, gender equality, the separation of religion and state, and a non-nuclear Iran.
This vision is critical for a country whose regime is collapsing under the pressure of growing unrest and a powerful movement—led by women and youth—demanding democratic transformation.
Today, we honor the brave young people within Iran who stand defiant against the regime’s brutality. Their sacrifices are dismantling the atmosphere of fear and reinforcing our duty to amplify their voices internationally.
I want to take this opportunity to highlight the case of Ehsan Faridi—a student from Tabriz sentenced to death simply for supporting the cause of freedom. I have personally given him and his fight my political support and have worked to draw global attention to his horrific situation.
I am immensely proud to announce once again that the majority of Iceland’s Members of Parliament support the joint statement backing the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom and democracy. Our continued support—since 2022—demonstrates a deep commitment to human rights, democracy, and gender equality.
Ultimately, there can be no lasting democracy without gender equality—and no freedom without resistance. I stand firmly in solidarity with the courageous women and people of Iran—the true voices of resistance and freedom.
Thank you.