Free Iran Convention 2025 Side Event, featuring Saliha, WomenNC Delegate Free Iran Convention 2025, Washington, DC WomenNC students attend 2025 Free Iran Convention WomenNC students and leaders had the powerful opportunity to participate in the 2025 Free Iran Convention in Washington, D.C., organized by NCRI—a gathering that united activists, policymakers, global youth, and members of the Iranian diaspora in the call for freedom and human rights in Iran. Our Scholars and Youth Leaders attended sessions featuring testimonies from Iranian youth, messages from political prisoners, and updates from the resistance movement inside Iran. They learned directly from advocates navigating censorship, gender apartheid, surveillance, and systemic oppression—hearing firsthand how young people in Iran continue to risk everything in the fight for democracy and women’s rights. One of the most moving parts of the convention was the International Youth Panel, where youth from Iran, Afghanistan, and Ukraine shared their stories of displacement, resilience, and hope. Some described the heartbreak of leaving the only home they’ve ever known; others reflected on the struggle of fighting for a homeland they have never been able to see. They spoke about finding identity through conflict, learning to advocate through crisis, and discovering strength in community. Their stories reminded all of us that youth are not just witnesses to global crises—they are leaders shaping the path forward. WomenNC was honored to participate in such a timely and global convening. Our students returned inspired, informed, and even more committed to advancing women’s human rights—both here in North Carolina and around the world. Experiences like this deepen their understanding of global solidarity and reinforce the essential role young people play in every movement for justice and freedom. Edan Ward, WomenNC Delegate from Wake Tech, appears on IrannTv Annie Clark, 2010 WomenNC Alumni, appears on IrannTv

October 2025: Youth Voices for Global Change: Celebrating 80 Years of the United Nations WomenNC kicked off the fall season with an energizing and inspiring October event presented in partnership with UNA Wake. “Youth Voices for Global Change: Celebrating 80 Years of the United Nations” brought together students, community partners, and supporters committed to advancing women’s human rights. We were honored to receive a message of support from Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, who emphasized the importance of WomenNC’s programming and the vital role our youth leaders play in shaping North Carolina’s future. A central highlight of the evening was the powerful keynote from Dr. Kazerounian, who provided a compelling overview of the human rights crisis in Iran. He explained the ongoing violations, uplifted the bravery of Iranian youth, and drew critical connections to young advocates here in the United States. His remarks underscored a core truth: youth leadership is essential to every movement for justice, freedom, and equity—both globally and locally. We also celebrated the work of this year’s WomenNC Scholars and their FEMtors, who are conducting impactful research on women’s human rights issues across North Carolina. In addition, we proudly introduced our new high school initiative, Youth Leaders for Change, which expands our commitment to developing young advocates. With the support of our sponsors, partners, and community members, we raised funds to directly support student scholarships and leadership development. The October event reaffirmed our belief that investing in youth—and amplifying their voices—is key to building a more equitable future for our state and our world.

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