Britain hosts a conference on women's rights in Iran
February 28, 2020, 9:40 am

Britain hosts a conference on women's rights in Iran

On Tuesday, the British Parliament hosted a conference at which deputies from both the opposition and power parties, as well as prominent jurists and figures concerned with women's rights, discussed women's rights in Iran and what the UK government should do to support the struggle for women-led democratic change.

In his intervention, Mr. David Ames, a member of the House of Commons, stated: "In Parliament, we all stand for equality: The UK government must support the popular uprisings in Iran against the regime, and support Maryam Rajavi and her 10-point democratic plan for Iran as a viable alternative to the current religious dictatorship."

Ames added that the UK government should review its current policy on Tehran, support the country's popular uprisings against corruption, intimidation of women and repression, and support Madame Rajavi and its 10-point democracy.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Rajavi said: “The regime’s failure to intimidate people to go to the polls reflects the honor of the Iranian people for the 1500 martyrs of the November 2019 uprising and warns of subsequent uprisings.”

While Dr. Matthew Offord, a member of the House of Commons, stressed that “there is a consensus between MPs and peers calling on the UK government to support the democratic aspirations of the Iranian people and the National Resistance Council, saying that“ the leadership style and energy that women bring to protests in Iran and the organized opposition of the PMOI and the National Council Iranian resistance is a decisive factor for their ultimate victory over this brutal dictatorship. ”

While Professor Alton of the House of Lords noted in his intervention during the conference: “As part of international pressure, the UK government must take immediate steps at the United Nations Security Council to declare leaders of the religious system as perpetrators of crimes against humanity for decades of systematic violations of human rights.”

He added: “This must include accountability of regime officials for the 1988 massacre of 30,000 political prisoners. If he is challenged and banned, the UK government must help establish an international court to bring those responsible to justice. ”

Also, His Excellency David Jones, Member of Parliament from the House of Commons confirmed in a speech delivered at the conference: “I think that brave women should be recognized in Iran, especially in 2020, given their unique and prominent role in the anti-regime protests that the world has been witnessing since late 2017.”

Baroness Verma told a conference in the British Parliament that "Maryam Rajavi is a prominent figure for all of us, and governments and ministers around the world should show the same courage and defend the rights of women not only in Iran but all over the world."

Baronet of Eaton touched upon her intervention during the conference: “We call on all individuals who love human rights and democratic governments around the world and the United Kingdom to support these brave women and their legitimate opposition represented by the National Council of the Iranian Resistance and its great leader Maryam Rajavi.”

She added, “An increasing number of women and girls are joining the protests and the Iranian resistance movement against the regime. The UK government should support these brave women and their legitimate opposition within the framework of the Iranian National Resistance Council for Change."

Elections and Internal Crisis in Iran EU fears all-out war over Syria conflict

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.