Leader Issues Message to Congress "7,000 Martyred Iranian Women"

Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution issued a message - which was read out by Hojjatoleslam wal Muslemin Rahimian, the Leader's representative in Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs - this Wednesday to the congress on 7,000 Martyred Iranian Women. His Eminence described the role of Muslim Iranian women in portraying a new picture of women as a historic role. He referred to the presence of thousands of women with Karbala-like spirit in the events which led to the victory of the Islamic Revolution and during the Sacred Defense Era, reiterating: "The blood of these mujahid martyrs has made new power and attraction appear in the present era. Sooner or later, this will influence the fate and position of women throughout the world."

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution discussed the outstanding role of martyred Iranian women in changing the course of history, further adding: "This army of angels, who laid down their lives in the way of Islam, stepped into the arena of action and they took on the role of the new architects of Iran."

Ayatollah Khamenei stated that western and eastern governments consider women as sidelined elements or instruments that men can use for pleasure. He mentioned that during the Revolution and the Sacred Defense Era, brave Iranian women were new role models who were neither like eastern nor western women.

Describing the characteristics of this new model, His Eminence said: "Muslim Iranian women have opened a new chapter in history for women throughout the world and they proved that it is possible to be a woman, to be modest, to wear hijab, to be noble and at the same time to play a pivotal role and make great achievements."

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stated that during the Revolution and the Sacred Defense Era, Iranian women combined their womanly feelings, kindness and affections with the spirit of jihad, martyrdom and resistance. He said that Iranian women conquered male-dominated arenas with courage, purity and self-sacrifice. His Eminence reiterated that Iranian women have the power to break any major impasse.

Ayatollah Khamenei added: "As long as the light of Hazrat Khadijah al-Kubra (s.a.) and Hazrat Fatima Zahra (s.a.) continues to shine, the old and new anti-woman plots will not reach any results."

He reiterated: "Not only did thousands of Iranian women with Karbala-like spirit stand up against the apparent cruelties against women but they also revealed the true nature of modern cruelties to women. They showed that women's divine right to dignity is the most important right of women, a right that has never been recognized in the so-called modern world and it is time for this right to be recognized."

His Eminence highlighted the necessity of showing how Muslim Iranian women engaged in great jihad, further stressing: "I hope that by the blessed blood of these noble and mujahid women, the media, artists, intellectuals and the cinema can show the world how Muslim Iranian women engaged in great jihad."