Iranian Women Strive for Freedom!
On the Eve of International Women's Day
March 4, 2025, 12:04 pm

Abdul Rahman Korki

The organized Iranian resistance is distinguished by a prominent feature: "women" are at the forefront of its hierarchy. Thus far, such a remarkable attribute cannot be found at any point in history for a social organization! Therefore, it is important to reflect on this matter and draw lessons from it.

The Iranian resistance annually celebrates "International Women's Day," where hundreds of female figures from different countries participate. All participants praise the "status of women" within the ranks of the resistance, many of whom come from diverse cultures and beliefs. They emphasize that no organization like this has ever existed anywhere in history or the modern world. For this reason, the perspective on "women" and their status in the Iranian Resistance is an unparalleled treasure that must be appreciated. Perhaps this strength and wealth remain unrecognized or misunderstood by some!

If we trace the extent of women's participation in the world and their support for the Iranian resistance, we might say it has extended to the farthest corners of the earth. So what is the reason? Why is this the case?

A Power Beyond Borders!
The increasing widespread participation in support of women in the Iranian resistance is, above all, a sign of such resistance's strength that transcends the geopolitical boundaries of a country or several countries. This is not only asserted by the Iranian resistance but also by women worldwide.

The element of "woman" finds its meaning and significance in political equations within the Iranian resistance. This is because this resistance is facing one of the most heinous dictatorships in history—a "woman-hating" dictatorship that seeks to halt the march of history towards the future. The current regime, the institutional mindset of this state and its officials, and thus the status of women in Iran today all stand testament to this truth.

Women: The Driving Force for Change
The Iranian resistance has repeatedly announced its belief that "women are the driving force for change in society." Today, the leadership of the resistance, both outside Iran and especially within Iranian territories, lies on the shoulders of "women" who are actively functioning in "resistance units." The Iranian resistance's aforementioned belief does not imply the exclusion of men or minimizing their influence in confronting dictatorship. The reality is that "free women" and "free men" complement each other; in other words, they are two sides of the same coin. Liberation from the confines of slavery to advance the downfall of dictatorship in Iran is an essential necessity. Without liberation from these constraints, it will never be possible to uproot a dictatorial regime in Iran!

As stated by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the elected president of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, tyrants elevate themselves to the status of "gods," claiming that their illegal authority is a "divine gift." A gift denied to "women" and exclusive to male offspring generation after generation. Mrs. Rajavi pointed out the constitution of the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist dictatorship, which considers itself the "holder of absolute power" and "God's representative on earth."

Women’s Movement in the Iranian Resistance
In the face of dictatorship, the Iranian resistance has benefited from the organization that women have built, which has been foundational to the resistance for decades. Free women and men are fully aware of what they seek: freedom, democracy, independence, and a democratic republic, tangible in the program announced by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi years ago.

In driving the struggle against dictatorship forward, women are "pioneers" and play a "decisive" role. This reality is the result of centuries of struggle by Iranian women against dictatorial regimes. They have fought alongside men against tyranny. Their main demand does not differ from that of their compatriots: "freedom and independence." However, dictatorial regimes, in all their forms, are anti-women, with the essence of that being "coercion" and women's subordination to men.

No to Coercion!
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi has repeatedly declared her position against dictatorships, saying: "No to compulsory hijab, no to compulsory religion, no to compulsory rule." Although Iranian women have paid a heavy price to reach this status, achieving it would not have been possible without the presence of free men. In short, "International Women's Day" is indeed "International Men's Day" as well. Free men rediscover themselves on "International Women's Day"; they not only draw inspiration from it but also take pride in it. This trend has now reflected globally!

Mrs. Maryam Rajavi states: "The participation of women and their leadership role in the struggle against religious tyranny is a prerequisite for the overthrow of this fascist regime. This role and this responsibility are also necessary conditions for achieving true democracy and sustainable economic and social development in a free Iran."

By Abdul Rahman Korki (Mahabadi)

The Iranian Regime Today is Weaker and More Fragile Than Yesterday! Hamas: Resistance Weapons are a Red Line and There is No Room for Compromise

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.