Annual conference W.I.S.E.

„Zan, Zendegi, Azadi“ – "Woman, Life, Freedom" has become a symbol of resistance against oppression and an emblem for women's rights in and beyond Iran. Many Iranians living in exile have networked with one another and advocate for social change outside their country.

W.I.S.E. – Women's Independence and Sustainable Equality Network is an organization that has continuously built networks for these goals, primarily across Europe. This year's conference on September 6, 2025, in Berlin, "Solidarity for Democracy, Equality and Sustainable Peace," was devoted to the question of possible avenues for action. A key question was: How can we succeed in creating new democratic structures in Iran without losing ourselves in ideological debates?

Answering this question requires a process of dialogical learning between generations, as well as between men and women. A core competence that, as many participants agreed, has not been and is still not being taught in Iran's schools and in other areas of society.

In addition to panel discussions, various members of W.I.S.E. presented projects they had developed abroad, including on topics such as "Intercultural Coaching," "Against Domestic Violence," "Children's Rights," and "Political Strategies." Another important element of the event was dance and music by and for women as lived freedom — something that is forbidden for women in public spaces in Iran.

The PFG provided financial support for the conference.