When freedom of thought turns into forced sedition towards a political rule it ceases to be a freedom.

It is absolutism.

When freedom is promised under a loose disguise of acceptance of equality.

It is a lie.

32 women arrested in Iran for protesting. They were standing as an act of solidarity for 5 women's rights activists on trial and facing charges including endangering public security, propaganda and taking part in an illegal gathering.

The women were holding signs that read "We have the right to a peaceful protest". The women were attempting to draw attention to discriminatory Islamic laws that often cause great suffering to women.

We can bring down governments for harbouring imaginary weapons, isolate countries with differing opinions, destroy countries seeking criminals that never ultimately get caught, however, we cannot work together to ensure that the rights of women are protected.

Especially when they most clearly are not.

We all have the right to freedom of assembly under international human rights law, and Iran is party to this. However, this is not the first time women's right have been infringed upon by virtue of their sex.

Or age.

Look at the recent trial of 18 year old Nazanin Fatehi. She was sentanced to death for the murder of one of three men who attempted to rape her and her 15-year-old niece. At the time she was 17 which ought to protect her under international treaties that forbid the execution of anyone under the age of 18. Iran is signatory to these treaties yet continue to violate them.

Thankfully, Nazanin has since been acquitted and released. However, it was not through the work of international advocacy groups or governments. It was the work of Canadian/Iranian woman Nazanin Afshan-Jam, a woman I met through Miss World Canada, where she held the title that I unsuccessfully sought.

When freedom of thought turns into forced sedition of Islamic law it ceases to be a freedom.

It is absolutism.

When a government violates international rights by persecutes female activists seeking peaceful change.

It is intolerance.

Intolerance we are tolerating.

Because they are women.