Follow Azadaneh’s advocacy, research and public actions as we build stronger networks of solidarity.
International dialogue
Azadaneh at the 5th WISE Conference in Mijas
Azadaneh was pleased to participate in the 5th Women’s Independence and Sustainable Equality (WISE) Conference, held in Mijas, Spain, in September 2026.
The conference brought together women from diverse countries, backgrounds, and experiences to exchange perspectives and explore shared priorities around gender equality, women’s empowerment, independence, and sustainable social change.
The WISE Conference provided an important space for dialogue, connection, and collaboration, highlighting the importance of women’s voices and experiences in shaping more equitable and sustainable societies.
As part of the conference, Azadaneh contributed to a panel discussion exploring issues related to gender equality and women’s rights. The panel provided an opportunity to share experiences and perspectives while connecting with women and organisations working towards meaningful and lasting change in different contexts.
For Azadaneh, the conference was also an opportunity to build connections, exchange ideas, and engage in conversations with women committed to advancing equality, empowerment, and sustainable change.
We are grateful to the WISE Conference organisers and to all the participants who contributed to this meaningful gathering and to the ongoing conversation around women’s rights and equality.
Azadaneh Presents Pilot Study on Gender Apartheid at the 5th WISE Conference
At the 5th Women’s Independence and Sustainable Equality (WISE) Conference, held in Mijas, Spain, in September 2026, Maryam Mousavi and Noushin Mirjalili of Azadaneh participated in a panel examining gender equality and the realities of gender apartheid in Iran and Afghanistan.
Maryam moderated the panel, while she and Noushin presented the findings and key insights from their completed pilot study on gender apartheid.
The completion of the pilot study represents an important milestone in Azadaneh’s ongoing work to document and better understand the experiences of women living under systems of gender-based discrimination. The research examines the ways in which systemic restrictions affect women’s rights, opportunities, and everyday lives in Iran and Afghanistan.
The panel created a space for dialogue and reflection on the experiences and rights of women in both countries, bringing together different perspectives on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the importance of documenting and amplifying women’s voices.
The completion and presentation of the pilot study mark an important step in Azadaneh’s research and advocacy work. Building on this initial study, Azadaneh will continue to develop its research and explore ways to strengthen understanding, documentation, and advocacy around gender-based discrimination and women’s rights.
We are grateful for the opportunity to present this work at the WISE Conference and to engage with women and organisations committed to equality, empowerment, and sustainable change.
Panel discussion at the 5th WISE Conference in Mijas, September 2026.
Certificates of appreciation
Presented to Noushin Mirjalili and Maryam Mousavi for their participation in the 5th WISE Conference, dated 12 September 2026. Select a certificate to view the full image.
We are now able to issue official tax receipts ("reçus fiscaux") that allow eligible donors to benefit from the tax deductions provided under French law. This is an important step forward for our organisation. It strengthens our ability to grow, build long-term sustainability, and expand the impact of our work.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us and believed in this project. This milestone is more than an administrative achievement—it represents progress, recognition, and new opportunities to make a meaningful difference.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
International advocacy
Azadaneh at the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty
Noushin Mirjalili attended the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Paris, where she connected with human-rights defenders and organisations working to abolish the death penalty worldwide.
During the Congress, she met representatives of Youth and Justice LAB (Canada) and the Abdorrahman Boroumand Center, among others, to learn more about their work and explore future collaboration.
Running for Life: A Message Against Executions in Iran
Azadaneh took part in the adidas 10K Paris, using the public sporting event to raise awareness about the ongoing use of the death penalty in Iran.
Wearing “No to Executions in Iran” messages on our T-shirts, we joined thousands of runners while carrying a message of solidarity with people facing execution and families affected by state violence.
Azadaneh participants at the adidas 10K Paris, 7 June 2026.
Through visible acts of awareness and solidarity, Azadaneh continues to highlight human-rights concerns in Iran and amplify calls for life, dignity and justice.
Project update
Research Progress: Ready for the Next Phase
Thanks to the support and collaboration of the Association des Chercheuses Iraniennes (ACI), we have completed the interview guide for our project. We are now organising the list of interviewers to move forward with the next phase.
Recognising Courage: Iran and the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative
Maryam Mousavi contributed to a research project with the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, preparing profiles of five Iranian humanitarian figures as part of this year’s nomination process.
Although Iran was not originally among the countries of focus, Maryam’s request to highlight Iranian humanitarian work was accepted. She also prepared two profiles focused on Afghan humanitarian figures, recognising courageous people working in communities facing profound challenges.
We look forward to the selected nominees being announced in summer or autumn 2027 and hope the process brings greater international visibility to humanitarian work across Iran, Afghanistan and beyond.
