Ebadi received her Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 and is known for defending the rights of women and children. She is still under immense pressure from the Iranian government but has never given up: "They may close our office but not our mouth".
Global discrimination
Shirin Ebadi started off by explaining that discrimination takes place all over the world, but that the nature of this discrimination may vary. In Europe and the US, women may have gained equal rights but they still have not gained the same opportunities and treatment. On other continents, tribal and cultural laws contribute to discrimination. Ebadi talked of Saudi Arabia, where women do not even have their own identification papers, and are therefore excluded from many other rights, such as the right to drive. She also mentioned abortion, and how abortion among women who know they carry a girl is more common than among those who know they carry a boy. Fighting for equal pay, polygamy, dowry, the burning of girl schools and female circumcision. All these are things which modern women face all over the world. Ebadi also mentioned Iraq: "the military invasion led to increased fundamentalism. The situation for women is now far worse than they were under Saddam". This awoke great applause from the audience.
The situation in Iran
Ebadi went on to elaborate on Iran, and how women's situations are contradictory to their powerful position in society. In Iran, 65 per cent of the students in the Universities are women, and women hold several powerful positions. Still, there have been passed several discriminatory laws. For example, it is stated that the life of a woman is worth half that of a man's, and that a woman needs a permission from a man if she is to work or travel. "This illustrates how regressive these laws are compared to the culture". Consequently, there is a strong feminist movement in Iran and though their achievements are small and minor they "seek full equality and will not stop".
The patriarchal culture and democracy
Ebadi continued by exploring the reasons for these different discriminatory laws and culture, and underlined her conviction of this not being a question of religion, but rather of the patriarchal culture around the world. "By this I do not mean men, but a culture which does not believe in the equality of human beings". This is also carried by women: "Even male tyrants were once raised by a mother". It is this culture which interprets everything - including religion - so that it favours its interest. Therefore, there is a connection between the situation of democracy and the situation of women's equality. The international community can play a vital role in the shaping of democracy if they focus on women's rights. "Rather than to drop bombs, they can help women to achieve their true rights", Ebadi concluded, to standing ovation by the audience.
"Do not do them a favour, just give them their rights!"
When asked what the best tools are for making women take part in politics, Ebadi underlined the importance of giving women confidence to move forward, for example by ensuring women's economic independence. We must "identify the patriarchal culture surrounding us". Another in the audience wondered what he could do to ensure women's equal rights. "You must respect women in the same manner as you respect yourself", Ebadi answered. "And if you ever become a politician, please don't do them a favour, just give them their rights!"
