YOUTUBE
Iranian activist & Belgian MP
A life for women's rights, democracy and social justice
Together for women’s rights, peace and a stable future
The Biography of Darya Safai
Iranian roots, Belgian home
Born in Iran, Darya Safai first fled to Iraq and finally to Belgium in 1999. Her escape from Islamist repression shaped her later commitment to human rights.
In Belgium, she built a new life and successfully integrated into society, while preserving her cultural roots.
Higher education
Darya Safai completed her studies and gained an academic qualification in the social sciences.
Alongside her studies, she was already actively involved in the Iranian diaspora and continued to develop her political position.
1
1999
Flight from Islamist repression in Iran to Iraq
2
1999
Emigration to Belgium and building a new life
3
Membership
Joining the Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie
4
2019
Elected to the Belgian Parliament as an MP
The Path into Politics
Darya Safai was driven to become a human rights activist by her own experience of authoritarian regimes. She first became involved in the Iranian diaspora and steadily developed her political stance over time.
As a member of the Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie (N-VA.be), since 2019 she has represented the Belgian public with a particular focus on integration, freedom of expression, and women's rights in her home region.
Political Career in Belgium
Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie
Member of the N-VA.be, for many years, a Flemish political party that stands for regional autonomy and liberal values.
Belgian Member of Parliament
Representing her constituents in the Belgian Parliament with a focus on social and integration policy.
Committees & Mandates
Active participation in various parliamentary committees, particularly in the areas of human rights and integration.
As a Member of Parliament, Darya Safai represents progressive values and advocates for an open, tolerant society. Her work focuses on improving the living conditions of migrants and promoting freedom of expression.
Key Political Achievements
Legislative Initiatives
Darya Safai successfully introduced legislative proposals to strengthen freedom of speech and to promote the integration of migrants in Parliament.
  • Initiatives to improve integration programmes
  • Draft legislation for greater transparency in public administration
  • Measures to strengthen citizens’ rights
Media Presence
Her bold way of expressing her views made her a sought-after voice in the media.
  • Frequent guest on political talk shows
  • Written contributions in leading newspapers
  • Lectures at universities and educational institutions
Human Rights and Women's Rights Activism
Darya Safai is a vocal advocate for women's rights in Iran and actively campaigns against the systematic oppression of Iranian women.
Hijab protests
Launched campaigns against forced veiling in Iran and supported the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement
Sporting events
Organised protests at international sporting events to draw global attention to human rights violations
For women
Supports programmes that empower women from Iran and helps them flee repression
"The freedom of women is the freedom of society"
Political Views & Positions
Integration
Successful integration requires mutual respect. Migrants should learn the language and values of their new home country, while society provides them with fair opportunities.
Freedom of expression
Freedom of expression is non-negotiable and must be protected everywhere – especially for women and minorities, who are often silenced.
Secularism
Politics and religion must remain separate. A secular system guarantees freedom of religion for all citizens, regardless of their beliefs.
Immigration policy
Fair immigration policy means clear rules for legal migration, alongside humanity and respect for refugees fleeing persecution.
Goals & Vision for Belgium
An open, tolerant future
Darya Safai dreams of a Belgium in which every person, regardless of their background or faith, has the same opportunities.
Socio-political goals:
  • Strengthen education and language support for migrants
  • Promote more women into leadership positions
  • Enforce equal opportunities in the labour market
  • Support critical engagement with authoritarian regimes
Policy proposals
Proposals to improve integration and strengthen freedom of expression in Belgium.
Education
High-quality education system for all
Equality
Equal opportunities regardless of background
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect as a foundation
Freedom of speech
Protection and promotion of the right to speak
Challenges & Controversies
Every political path brings debates and criticism with it. Darya Safai faced these discussions with openness.
Conservative criticism
Her clear positions on secularism and women's rights met with resistance from conservative forces. However, she consistently defended her views in public debates.
Media criticism
Individual media reports fuelled controversy around her background and political views. She responded with transparent communication and clear explanations.
Security
Her criticism of the Iranian regime brought personal security risks with it. Nevertheless, she did not allow herself to be silenced and continued to stand up for human rights.

Despite the challenges, Darya Safai remained true to her convictions and used controversies as an opportunity to communicate her positions more clearly and advocate for her values.
Personal Life & Future Plans
Private Life
Darya Safai lives with her family in Belgium. Her own experiences with migration and integration shape her daily work.
Hobbies
She enjoys reading, travelling and engaging with people from different backgrounds.
Current Projects & Future Plans
01
New Legislative Initiative 2024
Working on additional legislative proposals to strengthen civil rights
02
International Networking
Expanding cooperation with human rights organisations worldwide
03
Youth Development
Increased commitment to political education for young people
04
Continuing Activism
Continued unwavering support for the women's rights movement in Iran
Campaign Planning
Developing new awareness campaigns
Public Relations
Further media presence and public appearances planned
Team Expansion
Building a larger support team for upcoming projects