Dr. Fariba Parsa
Women, Democracy, and Global Leadership
From escape to impact: empowering women, advancing democracy, and shaping global conversations on freedom and leadership.
About Dr. Fariba Parsa
Dr. Fariba Parsa is a scholar of Iranian politics, women’s rights, and democratic movements in the Middle East. She holds a Ph.D. in social sciences from Roskilde University and has held academic and research positions at Harvard University, George Mason University, and George Washington University. She is the founder of Women’s E-Learning in Leadership (WELL), a nonprofit organization empowering Iranian and Afghan women through leadership education and mentorship.
Professional Affiliations
Organizations, institutions, and initiatives that have shaped Dr. Parsa’s academic and professional journey.
Current Affiliations & Engagements
Former Affiliations & Engagements
Featured Signature Keynote
From Escape to Impact: Building a Global Voice for Women’s Leadership and Freedom
Signature Keynote
From escaping revolutionary Iran as a young girl to becoming a scholar, author, and global advocate for women’s leadership, Dr. Fariba Parsa shares a deeply personal and transformative story of resilience, courage, and purpose.
Why the Women, Life, Freedom Philosophy Is Reshaping the Global Fight for Democracy
Signature Keynote
The Women, Life, Freedom movement that emerged from Iran has become more than a protest slogan—it is now a global philosophy challenging authoritarianism, political Islam, and gender oppression.
The Future of the Middle East: Women, Democracy, and the Decline of Political Islam
Signature Keynote
For decades, political Islam shaped the political and cultural landscape of the Middle East. Today, however, women and younger generations are leading a profound cultural and democratic transformation across the region.
Insight That Connects Lived Experience to Global Policy
Dr. Fariba Parsa delivers powerful, evidence-based talks on the evolving role of women in democratic movements across Iran and Afghanistan. Her work helps audiences understand not only the realities on the ground, but also the broader implications for global policy, leadership, and international stability.
Audiences will gain:
- A deeper understanding of Iran’s internal dynamics and opposition movements
- Insight into how women are shaping democratic change
- A clearer view of the future of political Islam and regional transformation
WHO Dr. Fariba Parsa SPEAK TO
Womens leadership and global development programs
International NGOs and foundations
Policy and government organizations
