International Support for Persecuted Women’s Rights Campaigners
in Iran
حمایت گسترده بین المللی از زنان ایران در 8 مارس
“The Iranian women’s rights movement is facing unprecedented obstacles and threats. On the occasion of March 8, International Women’s Day, we express our solidarity with Iranian women in their quest for equal rights and an end to pervasive legal discrimination against women,” they stated.
The six Nobel Peace Prize Laureates include Wangari Maathai (2004), Shirin Ebadi (2003), Jody Williams (1997), Rigoberta Menchú Tum (1992), Betty Williams (1976) and Mairead Corrigan (1976), of the Nobel Women’s Initiative, who joined hundreds of representatives of women’s rights organizations from around the world attending a meeting of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York and other civil society leaders in endorsing the statement.
A particular target of Iranian authorities has been activists in the One Million Signatures Campaign, which aims to revise discriminatory laws against women. The government has routinely detained and prosecuted the campaigners.
To date, the government has detained and prosecuted 43 members of the One Million Signatures Campaign, claiming they were “endangering national security.” Two campaigners, Hana Abdi and Ronak Safazadeh, have been in detention for over five months. On Sunday, March 2, intelligence agents prevented Parvin Ardalan, one of the Campaign’s founders, from attending a ceremony in Sweden to accept the prestigious Olof Palme Prize.
The statement called on the Iranian government “to remove all restrictions on peaceful assembly and expression as required by the Iranian Constitution and in accordance with Iran’s obligations under international human rights treaties.”
Statement in Support of Iranian Women
On the Occasion of March 8
On International Women’s Day,
We Stand In Support of Women’s Human Rights in Iran
Today, the international community’s attention is focused on Iran’s nuclear activities and a possible military confrontation between the United States and Iran. We strongly oppose any military action against Iran that would result in great loss of life and do irreparable harm to the security of the Iranian people and destabilize this already volatile region for many years to come. At the same time, the Iranian government is exploiting the international community’s preoccupation with the nuclear crisis to further repress peaceful human rights and women’s rights activists. A most recent case in point is the closure of Zanan magazine, the only remaining independent print medium in Iran focusing on women’s issues.
The Iranian women’s rights movement is facing unprecedented obstacles and threats. On the occasion of March 8, International Women’s Day, we express our solidarity with Iranian women in their quest for equal rights and an end to pervasive legal discrimination against women.
The Iranian government is preventing women from freely celebrating this important day of international solidarity. Its effort to stop expressions of support for women’s rights is part of a general denial of basic social and economic rights in Iran. We call on the Iranian government to remove all restrictions on peaceful assembly and expression as required by the Iranian Constitution and in accordance with Iran’s obligations under international human rights treaties.
Iranian women’s rights activists have launched several peaceful campaigns for gender equality. Change for Equality, for example, is a grassroots campaign to collect one million signatures asking that Iranian laws to conform with international law requiring non-discrimination based on gender. The Iranian government continues harshly to persecute (and prosecute) the campaign’s activists. Dozens of women’s activists have been detained over the past two years and have court cases pending against them. Several have been sentenced to lengthy prison sentences. Security and intelligence forces routinely interrogate, harass, and intimidate campaign activists. We call on the Iranian government immediately to halt repressive actions against women’s rights activists and to work together with them to make Iran a place where women and men enjoy equal rights, and a country that upholds international human rights laws and standards.
On this occasion of the International Women’s Day, we, the undersigned, express our solidarity with Iranian women and men committed to universal human rights--now, and in the future.
ENDORSED BY:
1. Abril, Melanie; Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)
2. Acuna, Helene; The Foundation for the Support of the United Nation (FSUN) Philippines
3. Aladeselu, Nosa; African Women Empowerment Guild (AWEG)
4. Alberg, G.
5. Aledesel, Hosa; African Women Empowerment Guild (AWEG)
6. Ambwaya, Leah; Street Children International
7. Anderson, Katrina
8. Antony, Prema; IPA
9. Arinola, Oluwo; Women Advancement and Youth Research Foundation (WAYREF)
10. Asselin, Ariane; Canadian Federation of University Women
11. Atashband, Mantreh; Public Health Toronto
12. Ausfor, Juya; ACC
13. Automio, German; Rode Mulhen
14. Awori, Violet; Federation of Women Lawyer Kenya
15. Awusika, Keziah; Association for African Women On Research and Development (AAWORD)
16. Azizah, Princess; the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW)
17. Balasundaram, Nirmanusan; International Friends for Global Peace; Sri Lanka
18. Ballinger, Ann; Scottish Secondary Teachers Association (SSTA)
19. Bashola, Rinku; Adhikaar for Human Rights and Social Justice in Nepal
20. Bearis, Kara; Woman Kind Worldwide
21. Beck, Paddy; United Nation Association –UK and UNIFEM –UK Yorkshire
22. Belhassen, Souhayar; FIDH
23. Bell, Mu H. M.
24. Bello, Judith; Rochester Against War, United States
25. Berry, Virginia E.; Anglican consultative council
26. Biggadile, Maulin; International Anglican Women’s Network (IAWN)
27. Blunch, Andrea Andrea; Center for Raising Tolerance
28. Boeker, Mariou; International Alliance of Women (IAW) and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)
29. Braak, Joyce E.; Institute for research on women’s health
30. Bradbury, Susn D.; Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP)
31. Breeber, M.; International Council of Jewish Women (ICJW)
32. Brock, Laura; World Federation of Mental Health
33. Broderick, Elizabeth; NARAL Pro Choice
34. Brnteino, Joe; MINADER- Angola
35. Bucur, Beverly; SI
36. Bufdiway, Hannah Odjenus; NETRIGHT (PASOAF FOUNDATION),
37. Bugajer- Gleitman, Hava – Eva; Women’s International Zionist Organization (WIZO)
38. Bulcachi, Marren Akatsa; The Eastern African Sub- regional Support Initiative (EASSI)
39. Busdachin, Marino; Underrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO)
40. Butler, Amy; Baptist World Alliance (BWA)
41. Burrows, Vinie ; Women’s International Democratic Federation
42. Cabe, Gliny; Dalhouise Women’s Center
43. Chandler, Mary; Women Founders Collective
44. Chheti, Narbaela; Adhikaar for Human Rights and Social Justice in Nepal
45. Chmedza, Naly; WIAD – MOE
46. Chodiz, Eloenulr; Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Algeria
47. Chracer; Society for Public Health Education SOPHE
48. Christle Marge; International Anglican Women’s Network (IAWN)
49. Cleary, Louise; UNANIMA International
50. Clwrdy, Selinca; NETRIGHT; the Network for Women’s Rights Ghana
51. Cobert, Shirley; League of Women Voters of UN
52. Colombo, Danielle, The Italian Association for Women in Development
53. Coman, Adrian; IGLHRC
54. Cook, Margarret
55. Corrigan, Mairead; Nobel Peace Laureate 1976
56. Croce, Celina Della
57. d’Almeida, Massan; AAWORD/AFARD/ROFAR
58. Dainow, Susannah; McGill University
59. Daniall, Maria; Angelica Consultative Council
60. Dharmadasa, Visaka; Association of War Affected Women; Sri Lanka
61. Das, Arpita; Tarshi
62. Dastoor, Dolly; FEZANA and Zonta International
63. Davis, Barbara; Pathrenago to Peace
64. Demers, Mirlande; National Anti – Racism Council of Canada
65. Dike, Egim; Urban Justice Center
66. Dimaporo, Alianh; World Youth Alliance (WAY)
67. Disney, Ablyaol; Daphne Foundation
68. Doherty, Winfred
69. Douon, Auedh; Dalhouise Women’s Center
70. Driggers, Monica,Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW)
71. Drissi; The African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET),
72. Easter, Maud; Steering Committee of Women Against War; United States
73. Ebadi, Shirin; Nobel Peace Laureate 2003
74. Enube, Heller; The International Alliance for Women (TIAW)
75. Erinosho, Stella; Associate for African Women Research and Development (AAWORD)
76. Ezeuko, Adiba; FIDA
77. Faizi, Rakshenda; International Federation of Business and Professional Women (IFBPW)
78. Falla, Vicky de; Conseso INTERNcional de Mujeres
79. Falah, Soraya; Kurdish Women’s Rights Committee
80. Farnan, Ashly
81. Formicola, Jiozella; European Law Student Association
82. Fountain, Knu; NYC Anti Violence Project
83. Gallagher, Meg; Maryknoln Office for Global concerns
84. Gangnly, Jian; League of Women Voters of UN
85. Gauld, Tayce;; WNC
86. Gibbs, A. ; National Council of Women of Great Britain (NCWGB)
87. Goldberg, Joan; ICJW
88. Goncaluz, Adelning; MINADER – Angola
89. Gonzalez, Jessica
90. Gopalan, Sarala; All India Women’s Education Fund Association (AIWEFA) and IFA Paris
91. Gousfoul, Aishin
92. Gratch, Sallie; Women Founders Collective
93. Griffin, Rebecca; Peace and Action West; United States
94. Grosch, Sudy; Millevelk Circle IPPI
95. Gurumo, Tumaini; WSCF
96. Hadjipopov, Donna; Pathrenago to Peace
97. Hanifa, Anberiya; Muslim Women’s Research and Action Forum; Sri Lanka
98. Harrison, Hamida; ABANTU for Development
99. Hatfield, Radene; IFHE
100. Hesse, Nana Oye; Directorate of Gender Affairs
101. Hing, Christina; International Anglican Women’s Network (IAWN)
102. Hioga, Tihlope; Center for 21st Century issues
103. Hodges, Fiona; Conservative Women’s Organization (CWO)
104. Howland, Margaret; Presbyterian Church USA
105. Howar; Kathryn; International Anglican Women’s Network (IAWN)
106. Hughes, E. ; SI
107. Hwang, Horim; World Youth Alliance
108. Ijmi, Salma; United Women Association
109. Ikoghode, Elata; Girls’ Power Initiative
110. Jamal, Abide; the GRAIL
111. Jamal, Abide; the GRAIL
112. Jaremus, Christina
113. Jemilugha, M.O.; Young Women Christian Association (YWCA)
114. Jores, Janet; Communication Workers Union (CWU)
115. Jores, Vinan; Communication Workers Union (CWU)
116. Joslyn, Shan
117. Jerez, Monuela
118. Kaimanzira, Beatrice; Zimbabwean Women Against Aids, Poverty, Violence (ZWAAPV)
119. Kamau, Irene; Action Now Kenya
120. Kamel, Azza; ElKarama movement towards a life free of violence for women across the Arab Region
121. Kamimura, Malli; UNICEF
122. Karim, Hamimah A.; Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW)
123. Karna, Meena; BWP Nepal
124. Kawbisch, M. ; OSMTH
125. Kdmujinya, Prudence, ACC
126. Keefeder, Angelia; IPPI
127. Klein, Elain; Schenectady Neighbors for Peace
128. Kohn, Taylor
129. Kouel, Narguente Yolibi; West Africa Network for Peace building – Coto d Iuorde (WANEP- CI)
130. Kurland, Heather; Metz Gilmore Foundation
131. Kuru-Utumpala, Jayanthi; Women and Media Collective, Sri Lanka
132. Lacy, Patricia E. ; United Methodist Women (UMW)
133. Lahidji, Karim; FIDH & LDDHI
134. Lahola, Peter; CWL
135. Landy, Joanne; Campaign for Peace and Democracy; United States
136. Lee, J. H. ; World Youth Alliance (WYA)
137. Lemonds, Dawn Marie; Soroptimist International
138. Liourchi, Najeh, Women Rising
139. Lissard, Kitt; WSI
140. Lotierzo, Gerald R.; Peace and Action of Central New York
141. Lurain, Helin B; ICJW
142. Lyness, Gillian; Northern Ireland Assembly
143. Maathai, Wangari; Nobel Peace Laureate 2004
144. Macauley, Dunstanelte
145. Madunagu, Bene; Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era (DAWN); Nigeria
146. Mairs, Alice; YMCA
147. Majura, Joyce; FIDAK
148. Malusaba, Pauline; GRAIL Kenya
149. Mammadova, Ulviyya; Gender Equality and Women’s Initiatives SU
150. Manata, Vanessa; Soroptimist
151. Margi, Nathalie; Center for Women’s Global Leadership
152. Martinez, Pauloma Global Justice Center
153. Mary, Ashu
154. Maryan, Hussein; Women Advancement
155. Mashonga, Netsai; Women Coalition of Zimbabwe
156. McBroomSmall, Marcial; For our Children’s Sake Foundation (FUCS)
157. McCormack, Elizabeth; Dalhouise Women’s Centre
158. McCray, S.; Falls Women’s Centre
159. McLaugutin, Janet; Elizabeth Seton Federation
160. McManibal, Paul; PTP
161. Medcof, Alice
162. Medira, Larin; Sofei
163. Kar, Mehrangiz
164. Meior, Sunita; Breakthrough
165. Meis, Elizabeth; Dalhouise Women’s Center
166. Metro Justice Peace Action and Education, United States
167. McKinley, Bebhirn; Woman into Politics
168. Mencher, Joan; The Second Chance Foundation
169. Menchu Tum, Rigoberta; Nobel Peace Laureate 1992
170. Mercer, Joanne; Angelica Consultative Council
171. Messier, Jennifer; Moderates for Peace
172. Miland, Brenda; United Methodist Women
173. Milgram, Rabbi Goldie; PNAI Yanchadut
174. Milice, Denise; The GRAIL
175. Minde, Elizabeth Maro; Kilimanjaro Women Information Exchange and Consultancy Organization (KWIECO)
176. Mlekwudlen, Mgozi; Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Algeria
177. Mohayat, Avogal; National Network of Presbyterian College Women (NNPCW),
178. Monroy, Marimar; GIRE
179. Monteiro, Stella; MINADER- Angola
180. Moore, Aally; Voice of Women (VOW)
181. Morin, Alexandra Simard
182. Moussati, Naima; Mama Cash; The Netherlands
183. Munde, Elizabeth; Kilimanjaro Women Information Exchange and Consultancy Organization (KWIEC)
184. Mure, Mepda
185. Murtege, Kathleen J. ; Gather the Women
186. Mycenze, Lynn; Zonta International Foundation
187. Namuche, Raquel; Latino Institute
188. Nbonbo, Stephanie
189. Ndeteia, Hou
190. Nolan, Clare; Sisters of Good Shepherd
191. Nutez, Ingrid; PACERS
192. Nwanekwu, Hilds; Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) Nigeria
193. Nyamuluuo, Gloria; Oxfam – MOZ
194. Nyolea, Agnes; South Sudan Women Christian Mission for Peace
195. Nyundi, Pat; FIDA-IC
196. Ochi, Mina
197. Ochieng, Ruth; Women’s International Cross Culture Exchange (ISIS- WICCE)
198. Ohvatuuy
199. Okpalo, Chinelo; FIDA
200. Olejerneh, Christie; Gender Rights Projects
201. Oliver, Lauren J. ; Circles Work Development
202. Oliveri, R.
203. Olivid, Laurin; Venegre
204. Onyekachi, Chinonso
205. Osman, Hibany; ElKarama movement towards a life free of violence for women across the Arab Region
206. Otsuki, Rie; Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) Kyoto
207. Outaleb, Fatima; UAF MAROC AFUB
208. Paden, Ainua; Children in Slavery
209. Paucigion, Mary; SI
210. Paueline, SWCC
211. Peak, Constance; The Foundation for the Support of the United Nation (FSUN)
212. Perera, Sumika; Women’s Resource Center; Sri Lanka
213. Petersen, Marissa; World Federation for Mental Health
214. Pinkson – Bruke, Tia; Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)
215. Plunkett, Don; ULG
216. Pootchway, Hannah; NETRIGHT; the Network for Women’s Rights Ghana
217. Preze, Luisa
218. Quindiagon, M.; Tiye, International world online
219. Rahman, Mujeeb; MIC; Sri Lanka
220. Rajaa, Alaoui; UAF MAROC AFUB
221. Ramsden, Nancy; Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)
222. Ranjit, Luna; Adhikaar for Human Rights and Social Justice in Nepal
223. Rapoport, L. Zora; Center for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL)
224. Read; Tracey
225. Redfield, Claire; Group Panthers Organization
226. Real Mary Jane; International Women’s Human Rights Defenders
227. Reaume, Amanda; Antigone Magazine
228. Reeiz, Susy N. ; IPPI
229. Reeves, Kei; Baptist World Alliance (BWA)
230. Ribadeneira, Nadia; Jovenes Ciudadanas
231. Riendeau, Louise; RPMHTFVVC (La Violence Sexuelle)
232. Rock, Pat
233. Rona, Bandara; Saathi Nepal
234. Rudra, Urjasi; Gender Working Group at Heler School of Social Policy
235. Russow, Joan; Voice of Women (VOW)
236. Saito, Yumeko; Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) Kyoto
237. Salas, Diana; Women of Policy Network
238. Salazar, Janet; The Foundation for the Support of the United Nation (FSUN)
239. Salazar, Luz; Unamima International
240. Saneda, Asuka; Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) Kyoto
241. Sardenberg, Cecilia Maria Bacellar; NEIM/ FFCHI Brazil
242. Scott, Marry; WCWG
243. Semler, Vicki ; International Women Tribune Center (IWTC)
244. Sheehy, Louise
245. Sherkat, Shahla
246. Shimprky, Jamel; ACC
247. Shivdas, Meena; ARENA
248. Shrentha, Ratna Laxmi; Business and Professional Women (BPW) Nepal
249. Sipory, FHP
250. Sithole, Irene; Women’s Action Group
251. Sloane, Jane; International Women Development Agency (IWDA)
252. Small, Louis; For Our Children Sake Foundation (FUCS)
253. Smith, Whitney
254. Sorensen, Johanne; Project Five – O International
255. Srea,; LTSP
256. Stall, Fight; Baptist World Association
257. Stebbing, Alyssa; International Anglican Women’s Network (IAWN)
258. Steinem, Gloria
259. Stien, Bob
260. Suttor, Jonino; WIZO
261. Swan, Kay T. ; IFHE
262. Tandoeiz, Leah; FEIM
263. Tmez, Valeria
264. Tohidi, Nayereh; California State University, Northridge
265. Topiter, Pat; International Association of Peace Messenger Center
266. Traynor, Carol; Global Action on Aging
267. Trenton, Vanessu; Dalhousie Women’s Center
268. Tricot, Christiane; European Union of Women National French Council of Women
269. Tsegba, Franciscan N.; Ngueinja Initiative for Self Help And Development (NISHAD)
270. Tsumba, Lilian; FIDA Nigeria
271. Tzaneva, Rada; Amnesty International
272. Vaisben, Michal; World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA)
273. Van den Bruik, Mathilde; National council of women
274. Van Steenwijk, Margaret de Vos; International Network of Liberal Women (JNLW)
275. Weber, Linda; Baptist World Alliance (BWA)
276. Weiss, Gindi; Gray Panthers USA
277. Wellhausen, Souya; Dalhouise Women’s Center
278. Wikinson, Kristen; Feminist Alliance For International Action (FAFIA)
279. Willard, Monica; United Religious Initiative
280. Williams, Betty; Nobel Peace Laureate 1976
281. Williams, Dolly; The National Action Committee on the Status of Women (NAC)
282. Williams, Jody; Nobel Peace Laureate 1997
283. Winchester, Johnanne; Planet Earth Roundtable
284. Woods, Emira; Institute for Policy Studies; United States
285. Wu, Chuchun; Simply Help
286. Zeese, Kevin; Voters for Peace; United States
287. Zhong, Lu; Ohio State University
288. Zillen, Eva; Kivinna till Kivinna
289. Zinzi, Janna
