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WOMEN’S STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM IN IRAQ An Evening with Yanar Mohammed
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 7pm Schimmel Auditorium, Pace University, New York City
This event is organized by the Working Committee in Support of Iraqi Women’s Freedom, for more information, or to co-sponsor the event, contact us at shourash at msn.com or (201) 780-1905
"My call to all our readers is: support women in Iraq--do not feel sorry for them--give them support and solidarity. That is what they need in their challenge to change the grim future being prepared by America"
--Yanar Mohammed
On October 23, in a rare US appearance, internationally renowned Iraqi activist and fighter for women’s rights, Yanar Mohammed, will be offering a first-hand account of post-war conditions in Iraq, particularly as they relate to women.
Ms. Mohammed is the founder of Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq (OWFI) an organization fighting to stop atrocities against women and advocate for women's social, political and economic rights. One of their main projects is the development of a battered women’s shelter in Baghdad to protect women who are fleeing from violence and "honor killings." She is editor of the newspaper Al Mousawat" (Equality) which circulates throughout Baghdad and beyond. She has also participated as one of the lead negotiators in the recent sit-in protests by the Union of Unemployed in Iraq.
OWFI is the only Iraqi women's organization that has spoken out openly against both the US occupation and the forces of Islamic reaction that it has unleashed. The US war has led, not to "liberation," but to a violent backlash against Iraqi women. Islamist groups, bolstered by the political chaos and lawlessness in the country, have begun terrorizing the populace and women in particular, in a bid to gain power over Iraqi society. Women are being attacked daily in the streets, forced out of jobs, forced to veil, and abducted and raped. All while the US occupying forces stand by and do nothing.
Despite her international reputation and unparalleled contribution to the Iraqi people's struggle, Ms. Mohammed and her organization are still relatively unknown to most in the US. For this reason, the Committee in Support of Iraqi Women's Freedom, believes that having her speak here will be an invaluable contribution to the anti-war and women's movements. Indeed, we believe that it will take us one important step beyond simply opposing the occupation, to forging solidarity with the true movement for liberation and freedom in Iraq.
To learn more about Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq (OWFI) or their sister organization Iraqi Women Rights Coalition (IWRC), visit www.equalityiniraq.com/
PACE University is located in downtown Manhattan on Park Row directly across from City Hall. The entrance to Schimmel Auditorium is on Spruce Street off of Park Row. By subway: take 2& 3 downtown to Park Place, or 4, 5, 6, N and R to City Hall/Brooklyn Bridge. ______
Jenny Brown Redstockings of the Women's Liberation Movement http://www.redstockings.org