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A very successful conference was held on 6th March 2010 in Gothenburg, Sweden organised by “European Feminist Initiative,IFE-EFI “ and “Organisation for Women’s Liberation”. The speakers were amongst well known activists of women’s rights movement from different countries, namely Afghanistan, Egypt, Iran, Algeria and Europe. The honorary guest speakers were Nawal El Sadawi, the famous author, veteran women’s activist from Egypt; and Malalai Joya the brave young ex-parliamentarian woman defending women’s rights and secularism in Afghanistan. Other speakers were Hugo Estrella, Maria Rashidi, Nina Sankari, Parvin Kaboli, Maria Guzman, Azar Majedi, Lilian Halls-French and Marieme Helie- Lucas.

The conference started with a new version of the Pink Floyd video “Another brick in the Wall” depicting the recent protest movement in Iran against the Islamic regime. The opening session heard few words from Maryam Kousha (the moderator), Shahla Noori (on behalf of the organising committee), Lilian Halls-French (President of European Feminist Initiative; EFI) and Azar Majedi (Chair of Organisation for Women’s Liberation; OWL; and member of the executive committee of EFI).

Maryam Kousha briefly mentioned the history of 8th March and presented a few questions about the roots of women’s suppression to the conference and the speakers. Then Shahla Noori had a power point presentation discussing the magnitude of violence against women all over the world and the necessity of fighting against it. She also thanked the sponsors of the conference. Lilian made a brief introduction to the EFI and its activities. She also presented the conference within the context of EFI’s activities about security and secularism during the last 5 years ; Brussels 2005, Roma 2008, Gothenburg 2009, Skopje 2009 and different conferences on 8th March 2010. She also announced that a global conference will be held in Cairo in December 2010.

In her opening speech, Azar mentioned the necessity of organising and mobilizing an international movement for women’s liberation, equality, secularism and a better world. She explained how OWL works towards this aim and the past 3 international conferences on the occasion of 8 March have been steps towards this goal. She emphasized that it was during such activities that OWL got to know EFI which led to their united activities. She continued by saying that reactionary forces try to divide us and rule over us. They divide people into different sects, races, religions, nations and gender in order to rule. We have to overcome this division and dispersion. The endeavour to unite and organise an international movement for liberation, equality and secularism is an effort towards this aim.

Azar introduced the first speaker, Nawal El sadaawi as an international icon who has broken many taboos in order to make fundamental and deep changes in society. Nawal was one of the first people who opened our eyes to the phenomenon of female genital mutilation and deprivation of women from sexual pleasure. Azar mentioned that she herself became familiar with this criminal phenomenon after reading Nawal’s book entitled “The Hidden Face of Eve”.

Nawal came to the stage amidst cheers and applauds of the whole floor. Her presence created a special excitement in the hall. With her special very lively style which captures the audience, she talked about the importance of struggle against religious influence and rule and the necessity of the struggle for secularism. She also emphasized that one needs to re-evaluate and challenge some concepts such as “the Third World”, “Middle East” or “Democracy” . One needs to re-define these terms. She also challenged the term of post-colonialism explaining that it is far to be “post” .

The first panel speakers delivered their talks: Lilian Hals-French and Nina Sankari. Lilian’s talk was on “”Full citizenship for all women in secular states as a global precondition for peace and democracy”. She talked about violence against women and the insecurity they endure. According to statistics, one in every 3 women in their life time is subjected to violence or sexual abuse on a world scale. The number of abortions of female foetuses and other violent actions against women in the last 15 years is more than the victims of the wars in the 20th century. These facts have been discussed in our previous conferences as well as the strong link between Patriarchy, Ultra-Liberalism, religious fundamentalism and militarism. Lilian also focused on the necessity of expansion of a resistance front and creation of secular states with universal laws.

Nina Sankari spoke about the huge regression of women’s position and rights in Poland. She said 9 million members of the “Solidarity” struggled for democracy. However with the downfall of the so- called communist system in 1989 the relation between the Church and the state changed drastically. Secularism which was identified with the defeated system was turned into evil. The right wing current in alliance with the Church propagated two stereotypes: Communism is equivalent with atheism and that in turn is a betrayal to the nation. The other notion became: a good Polish citizen is a good Catholic. A change in the law during the years ruined the ruling secularist system and introduced the Church in the state. Abortion was banned. We also see the destruction of democracy and the welfare state. Redefining democracy and efforts to establish secularism were some of the main points of Nina’s speech.

The panel then answered questions from the floor. The influence of different ideologies on women’s position was one of the questions which became the centre of the discussions. Banning of the Burqa was another question which was answered by the panel as the symbol of women’s submission and suppression.

The first speaker of the second panel was Malalai Joya, the ex member of Afghan parliament. Azar introduced Malalai: It is a great honour to have been able to invite speakers from all over the world and from different generations. Malalai is a representative of the young generation of women’s rights activists. Malalai works under the hardest and most misogynous conditions. Afghanistan is a country that is torn between the war between two poles of terrorism; state terrorism led by US on one side and Islamic terrorism on the other side. A country that the worth of human lives and humanity is constantly challenged. Malalai is an icon in her own rights.

A short documentary film showing Malalai’s clash with other MPs in the so called parliament was shown. While watching the film the audience showed their appreciation of Malalai’s courage by applauding. In her speech, Malalai, while thanking OWL for inviting her to the conference talked about the devastating and heartbreaking situation of Afghanistan. She said people’s lives have been destroyed and condemned the killing of people by the US army and NATO. She talked about the bombardments, the compromises between US government and Taliban and the fact that the US government is presently negotiating with Taliban for power sharing. Malalai also mentioned that the Afghan rulers are opies of Taliban who are Mullahs wearing ties! She explained the tragedy people, specially women in Afghanistan are living . Finally she addressed people of Iran saying that Mousavi, Karrobi or the so called reformists have all been allies of fascist Khomeini. She also disclosed the betrayal of some Iranian journalists and National-Islamic figures such as Mohsen Makhbalbaft and Behnood who defend the reactionary Islamic leaders in Afghanistan.

The next part of the conference was dedicated to solidarity with women’s liberation movement in Iran. First a film from 8 March 1979 demonstration in Tehran was shown. Then Lilian Halls-French read the last message of solidarity from EFI to women’s movement in Iran. A very moving slide show about the struggle of women in Iran through years of suppression under Islamic regime and the struggle of women was shown. It was made by Maryam Kousha which was received warmly by the audience. .

The next panel consisted of Azar Majedi, Maria Rashidi and Marieme Helie- Lucas. Referring to the slide show, Azar said that the images clearly illustrate the position and situation of women’s liberation movement and their hatred of the Islamic regime. It shows that people want to overthrow the regime and are not interested in reforming it. The position of the women’s liberation movement and the recent protest movement in Iran lead us to declare that “the next revolution in Iran will be a female revolution”. The progressive movement in Iran which has already started will topple this system. This movement will hopefully play the same role regarding Islam as the Great French revolution had in regards to the Church and Christianity in 1789.

Maria Rashidi talked about the unbelievable expansion of violence against women in the world. She said the situation of women in part of the world known as the Third World is devastating. She presented moving statistics showing the degree of violence against women and focused on the necessity of the struggle in opposition to violence against women.

Marieme talked about the rise of fundamentalism in Europe. She mentioned that over the past 20 years our rights have been the first to go under attack. Women’s rights are blatantly attacked under the name of minorities, religious rights or cultures. Then the totality of a secular system is attacked and turn people into different communities. In France we witness the struggle of immigrant women from the Maghreb who are suffocating under discrimination and racism which in turn is deepened in relation with openness of the left towards the Islamists on the one hand, and the human rights organisations that only focus on the governments on the other hand.

At the end of the second panel session, Malalai Joya joined the speakers for the questions and answers. A very heated discussion took place. The relation between the Left forces and those who call themselves Left but defend the Islamists was discussed. A question was put forward to malalai: Why does she only mention political Islam and not Islam? Or why she excludes Islam from critical consideration? A discussion about the necessity of religion as a private matter and of secular societies was discussed.

The third panel included Hugo Estrella, Parvin Kaboli and Maria Guzman. Hugo delivered a fascinating and interesting speech disclosing the relation between the Catholic Church, Islamic institution, Hinduism and Budism with Fascism. The agreements that Mussolini or Hitler had made with these religions were mentioned. Hugo in his power point presentation disclosed one fact that had not been talked so much about, i.e, the close relations of Mahatma Ghandi with Hitler and the agreements between the two. Ghandi was a political leader who was famous for opposing violence during the anti-colonialist and social struggles. In today’s Iran the state reformist and nationalist-Islamic leaders refer to him as a source of inspiration in order to prevent people to topple the regime. They urge people to follow his example!

Parvin Kaboli talked about children’s rights and religion. Based on Mansoor Hekmat’s discussions and articles on the subject, Parvin talked about children’s rights and the necessity of secularism and banning of religious interference in their lives. She focused on the banning of Islamic veil for under aged girls.

Maria Guzman’s speech was about equal rights for women to education. She also talked about the danger of the growing trend in Uppsala University which tries to justify the introduction of Sharia law parallel with the civil law in Sweden.

In the questions and answers session the subject of legal action against Islamic terrorists who have committed crimes and are now refugees in Sweden was discussed. For example should a number of Islamic terrorists from Algeria who are now in Sweden be prosecuted? Other issues like the need to disclose the Western governments that try to hide the role of Catholic Church and religion were also discussed. It was mentioned how the Western governments declared Tudjman, the nationalist Croatian leader a hero when it was known that he had collaborated with Hitler and the Nazis.

The conference ended by the final words from Lilian Halls-French and Azar Majedi. The need for expansion and consolidation of an international movement for liberation, equality and secularism was once again emphasized. The EFI’s message of solidarity to women in Iran was adopted by the conference. All participants were invited to the Cairo conference.

Paulina played John Lenon’s “Imagine” on the Piano which was enjoyed by all. On behalf of the conference, Maryam Kousha delivered a sincere message of gratitude to all who helped tirelessly to make such a great event possible. Then, the speakers were called to the stage and presented with flowers, as a token of appreciation and thanks.

The conference succeeded in presenting serious and deep discussions in a very warm and encouraging atmosphere. About 200 people took part to the event and it was an excellent opportunity to get to know many people from different parts of the world and share enriching and passionate discussions.

Moreover the conference managed to raise a sense of solidarity, closeness and cooperation. This year we reached different parts of the world. last year we reached Georgia, Lebanon, Palestine and Israel. This year we had the presence of Egyptian and Afghan activists as well. It has been years since we started the struggle for organising an international movement for liberation, equality, secularism and a better world; and a struggle against both poles of terrorism. This year’s conferences took us to another level. European Feminist Initiative and Organisation for Women’s Liberation thank all the participants for this success.

All the speeches and discussion were interpreted simultaneously. About 3000 Skr donation was collected. There were book stalls in the lobby where OWL, Worker-communism Unity Party literature was displayed. Nawal El Sadaawi’s publisher in Sweden used this conference to launch her latest book translated into Swedish.

On 5th march a press conference was held in the office of OWL in Gothenburg where the media, students whose University projects were on the subject and interested individuals attended. The press conference which was attended by 30 people itself soon turned into a mini conference discussed the role of religion, Islam, political Islam, Hijab, two poles of terrorism, the position of Iran and the women’s liberation movement.

The news of the conference was published in the Swedish paper “Gothenburg Post” and the journal “FA” and many International and Iranian websites. Interviews by Swedish, Danish and Persian media were conducted with organizers and speakers of the conference.

Pictures and films of the conference will soon be available on OWL website https://www.womensliberation.net

Azar Majedi interview with Malalai Joys; Parts One & Two
* www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bRfwd-KLyg
* www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX_SwQ4GD5M

A selection of photos of the conference
* bild_8mars_2010

Source https://www.womensliberation.net/english/archive/2010/03/w_report_8march2010_sweden%20final.htm

Vijay Rattan, founder of host group Naree Shakti, which means women’s strength in Hindi, said that several men had come forward at the event to say that they also wanted a forum to talk about domestic violence.

The International Women’s Day conference, at Trinity at Bowes Methodist Church, Palmerston Road, was chaired by Communications cabinet member Ann Zinkin. Two council officers gave speeches, Sian Kilby on domestic violence and safeguarding adults officer Georgina Diba, on adult abuse.

Mrs Rattan, who said she has been threatened in the past by men who tried to stop her from talking about domestic violence in public, said: “Violence against women is never acceptable. When I went to India last month I heard about quite a lot there, but in Enfield I heard about nine domestic incidents last year and some of elder abuse as well.

“If Naree Shakti can help women feel powerful, their children will feel powerful. Boys will grow up respecting women and knowing violence is wrong and girls will grow up knowing their rights.”

She added: “I’ve seen a lot of suffering in the 40 years I’ve been working. We have to educate some of these men.”

International Women’s Day dates back to 1858 when a group of women revolted against poor working conditions in America, an event which was then commemorated with the first women’s day in 1909.

Naree Shakti, of Bowes Road, Palmers Green, runs health and fitness groups and holds fitness classes and does outreach work with women.

The group hopes to secure funding for future seminars on how domestic violence affects both men and women.

For more information on the group contact 020 8888 6759

https://www.enfieldindependent.co.uk/news/5083279.Women_and_men_unite_in_conference_against_domestic_violence/

26 MARCH 2010, Doors open 7pm
The Nettlefold Hall, 1 Norwood High Street, London SE27 9JX
Presented by the Remembering Olive Collective

To celebrate International Women’s Month, the Remembering Olive Collective (ROC) has organised a screening of “Hidden Herstories: Women of Change”; a youth-led documentary film and heritage project which looks at four influential women who haven’t had their rightful place in the history books.

The film project, facilitated by the Octavia Foundation with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), exposes the plights and determination of activists Octavia Hill, Amy Ashwood Garvey, Claudia Jones and Jayaben Desai.

ROC is a volunteer group of women of different ages and backgrounds who have been working together to create public memories of the life and times of the late Brixton activist Olive Morris. The collective’s “Do you remember Olive Morris?” project comprises archival and oral history research, an ongoing blog and a publication.

The archive resulting from the collective’s work will soon be made available at Lambeth Archives for permanent public use. The project has been supported by a partnership between Gasworks and the Lambeth Women’s Project and a grant from the HLF, and its advisers include the Black Cultural Archives and Brixton Library.

Please RSVP to: olivemorrishq@googlemail.com

Arrive early to avoid disappointment.

You can watch the film trailer on the below link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKpfSFdUr0s

For more information on the “Hidden Herstories” film and the “Do you remember Olive Morris?” project, please visit https://www.hiddenherstories.org and https://rememberolivemorris.wordpress.com respectively.

See:
https://iwd2010.wordpress.com/2010/02/26/innovative-documentary-unveils-the-lives-of-the-heroines-society-forgot/
https://iwd2010.wordpress.com/2010/02/26/free-screening-of-hidden-herstories-women-of-change-8th-march-london/

This event celebrating International Women’s Day will examine women in history.

There will be four speakers, (Heather Butler) Lady, Emma Hamilton, (Felicity Davies) Wise Women and the Goddess, (Joanne Dickson) Wirral Suffragettes and Dr. Roopa Adke who will share her experiences of balancing professional and family life, entitled ‘Teeter-totter: work-life balance’.

Refreshments provided. £3.00 entry.

Organised by Joanne Dickson & Heather Butler: Wirral Local History Group

Imelda has also starred in other films including the famous Harry Potter films.

16th BIFF – National Media Museum, Bradford, Bradford, BD1 1NQ

More details at https://www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/biff/10/film_detail.asp?filmid=8923

These will include stone carving, street dancing, singing, Indian bread making, reflexology, belly dancing, Pilates, make up, Sushi, radio skills, crafts and a new idea for Wivey –‘bra bunting’.

Organiser Jenny Carey-Wood said: “This Women’s Day is a chance for us to have a fun day, to try out a new activity and meet other women.

“About 20 women have voluntarily given their time and ideas to make this happen after the great day last year which raised over £700 from very generous donations for food and workshops.”

The event is open to women and girls over the age of 12 and will run from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Women can drop in when it suits them, but booking for workshops is advised through Wiveliscombe House on 01984-624777.

The café area will be open all day providing refreshments, lunches and a wide range of donated cakes.

Curry, drinks and dancing follow the day’s events at 7pm but by ticket entry only, also available from Wivey House or from Fyfes News.

International Women’s Day was set up in 1911 to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women.

This event will raise funds through donations for the United Nations Development Fund for Women and for the Women’s Refuge in Taunton.

https://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/news/5062416.Wivey_celebrates_International_Women_s_Day/

MHE’s European Project “Violence against Women in the workplace… Let’s talk about it ! The mental health impacts of violence and harassment against women at work” aims at contributing to the prevention of violence against women at work in all its forms also encouraging attitudes and behaviours of zero tolerance. The Project is funded in the frame of the Daphne III Programme, Directorate General of Justice, Freedom and Security. https://www.epha.org/IMG/pdf/MHE_poster-violence-women-en.pdf

In recent years, national working conditions surveys have shown that an increasing incidence of work-related health problems develop as a result of psychological rather than physical causes.

Violence and harassment at work has immediate effects on the concerned women, including a lack of motivation, loss of confidence and reduced self-esteem, depression and anger, anxiety and irritability.

A poster, translated in 8 languages (English, German, Greek, Spanish, Slovenian, Romanian, Lithuanian and Latvian) has been published in order to illustrate graphically the importance of preventing violence and harassment against women at work as well as mental health problems that result from it.

A handbook/booklet translated in the same 8 languages is being prepared with the aim of providing guidance on recognising and tackling psychosocial risks in the workplace.

You can find more information about the Project and download the posters on the MHE website at https://www.mhe-sme.org/en/our-projects/current-projects/daphne-phase-III.html

Source https://www.epha.org/a/3910

IPPF EN congratulates the Spanish Presidency of the European Union for firmly putting women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights at the top of the national and EU agenda. On 24 February, the Spanish Senate approved a new progressive law which finally decriminalizes abortion and reflects a comprehensive national strategy on sexual and reproductive health and rights. In a recent speech to celebrate Women’s Day, Ms. Bibiana Aido, Spanish Minister of Equality emphasized that “gender equality cannot be achieved without guaranteeing women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights.” By putting gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence at the top of the political agenda, the EU Presidency of Spain has shown what it means to act to guarantee women’s rights in practice.

We also celebrate the European Parliament’s Resolution on gender equality in the EU which clearly states that women must have control over their sexual and reproductive rights. The European Parliament recognizes that the full physical and sexual autonomy of women is a precondition for any successful sexual and reproductive health rights policy.

This means, for example that girls and boys should be equally allowed to enjoy sex and love, without fear of violence, forced marriage or any form of body mutilation. Contraception should not only be perceived as a ‘girl’s issue’ ; boys should feel equally responsible. This also means that women who choose to have children should not be discriminated in their future career.

IPPF EN calls on the EU to address all issues of gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights as human rights and to push for greater access to sexuality education as a means to combat all forms of gender stereotypes.

We encourage the new European Commission to strengthen its commitment towards a new EU strategy for gender equality and to include sexual and reproductive health and rights. IPPF’s “Sexual Rights : an IPPF Declaration” https://www.ippf.org/NR/rdonlyres/9E4D697C-1C7D-4EF6-AA2A-6D4D0A13A108/0/SexualRightsIPPFdeclaration.pdf could offer a useful framework.

For further information go to the International Planned Parenthood Federation website https://www.ippf.org/en

Source https://www.epha.org/a/3908

The OSHA Europe website https://osha.europa.eu/en/teaser/news_article.2008-03-07.gender published an article about gender issues concerning safety and health at work. Women are still not treated the same way at work as men even though women make up 44% of the employed population in the EU. OSHA concludes therefore that a gender sensitive approach is needed to reach equal conditions for men and women regarding health and safety at work.

In order to mark the International Women’s Day EMCDDA https://www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications/thematic-papers/womens-voices published a report about women facing drug-related problems in Europe. The report contains experiences and perceptions of women using drugs. Most drug services today are designed with male drug users in mind. However, it is widely recognised that drug policy and effectiveness are enhanced when gender differences are acknowledged. An EMCCDA expert group therefore agreed that treatment guidelines have to take into account gender differences and so-called ’service-user views’ in order to plan appropriate treatment for women and men.

Anna Zaborska https://www.theparliament.com/latestnews/news-article/newsarticle/eu-must-do-more-to-promote-gender-equality/, the Chair of Parliament’s Committee on Women Rights and Gender Equality, stressed that the EU must do more to promote gender equality as it is still the case that women are sometimes linked with a degrading image. She claimed that it is crucial to understand that the future of new Europe is linked to the situation of women. The EU has to foster gender equality so that all women can enjoy the same rights and opportunities as men do.

Source https://www.epha.org/a/3428