Solidarity message to 8 March women’s organisation (Iran Afghanistan)
Tomorrow (8th of March ) is the 31st anniversary of the first demonstration against Iran's Islamic Regime when tens of thousands of women took to the streets in opposition to the imposition of forced veil (hejab) and since then not a day has gone by when Iran in women haven't been engaged in a battle with the religious state. Women's confrontations with the state covers three aspects:
1-social. Interference of the state in every aspect of the private lives of women from imposition of religious dress, code, Sharia based family law to regulations about child custody, inheritance...
women have opposed sexual apartheid in health and education imposed by the clerical state
2-political – women's opposition the the above has taken political forms and the state has repressed all forms of opposition, but in addition women have take an active part in anti dictatorship protests throughout this period.
3-economic- women have been the first victims of the state's neo liberal economic policies, with its terrible consequences of mass unemployment, rampant inflation, non payment of wages and they have fought back the imposition of such policies.
However Iranian are also aware of the plight of their sisters in neighboring countries. They are well aware that US invasion and occupation of Iraq far from liberating women, has worsened their situation considerably. They know that the use of tanks and military power has not and will not liberate the liberate the women of Afghanistan and Iraq.
That is why looking at their own country they are totally opposed to any foreign intervention, military or otherwise and they pin their hopes on change and revolution from below . In their struggles and they demonstrate in Tehran and elsewhere in defence of their political, economic and social demands they need international solidarity from antiwar and anti capitalist forces throughout the world and your participation in today's demonstration was an expression of such solidarity
Long live 8th of March
Yassamine Mather (Hands off the people of Iran)
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Hello everyone,
We are here today to support 30 years of Iranian women’s struggle against Islamic regime of Iran.
Our hearts beat with our Iranian sisters and we can extend our struggle with women solidarity.
In New York 153 year ago, women textile workers were engaged in a fiery struggle. In recognition of their continuing struggle and the struggle of all women, International Women's Day was established, on the initiative of Clara Zetkin. Since that time, 100 years have past. But struggle still continue. I now salute you on behalf of the women who are struggling in Turkey and North Kurdistan.
As a woman when I talk to you, I definitely know that our problem is essentially the same everywhere. However, the struggle in each country has its own specific features like Turkey. The basis of the women's question and the male domination system is private property. This is not only true for Turkey but for the whole world too. The international women's movement has therefore to fight to end the system of private property. We, as women, face the oppression of the reactionary Islamic tradition, honour killing and sexual assault. It is seen as quite legitimate to engage in all kinds of oppression of women. Women have always been seen as second class in this society. Their role in society is ignored by male domination. Wherever we go we face violence.
However, women are struggling against these terrible problems. We lost many women in Turkey and North Kurdistan in the process of this battle against exploitation and for the possibility of a new world.
We strongly believe that, when women are aware of their power and capability, then they will be ready to achieve liberation. Women should not accept a few crumbs and not allow themselves to get sucked into the system. we have to fight for the goal of a different world, shoulder to shoulder with our male comrades. But always several steps ahead. We have to be at the forefront of the battle for our liberation. What we say is we have be the subjective force leading the struggle everywhere. And women, along with their male comrades, can make not only themselves free but all society.
We therefore, as all feminist communist women, need to build International Women's Solidarity and struggle together shoulder to shoulder.
We therefore have raised the slogan “In every different country, we are the same because we are women”
Down with Islamic Regime of Iran!
Long live International Women's day!
Long live 8th March, International Women’s Day, on Its 100th anniversary!
Long Live International Women's Solidarity!
Democratic Women’s Movement in Europe
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Solidarity message to 8 March women’s organisation (Iran-Afghanistan)
To organisers and participants of 7 March demonstration in London
Dear friends and comrades
I am very sorry that I cannot be with you in this important day to both celebrate international women’s day and to show my solidarity with our Iranian sisters and comrades.
As a political activist from Iraqi Kurdistan I would like to extend my best wishes and support to you in this day for your very important struggle for women’s rights in Iran
Iranian women have been in the forefront of a struggle for equality and freedom and suffered much hardship and suppression by the Islamic regime, yet they do not give up on their fair demands.
Their aspiration for liberation, equality and human rights has been inspirational for many people around the world. The Islamic regime of gender apartheid have 30 years of bloody history of oppressing women, denying their rights, killing and stoning them for very basic rights.
The regimes acts of terrorism, violence and systematic oppression against women are known to us all. The courageous fight of Iranian women deserves worldwide solidarity and unconditional support.
Once again I would like to say happy international women’s day to all freedom loving women and men both in Iran and internationally.
Best wishes
Houzan Mahmoud
Representative of Organisation of Women’s Freedom in Iraq.