Your Calls to Action for International Women’s Day!

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Your Calls to Action for International Women’s Day!

Categories: Blog, News

Today is International Women’s Day. As an organization committed to eliminating racism and empowering women, we believe that all women & girls should experience educational opportunities, safety in their homes, and freedom to live their lives as they see fit. 

Today, we call you to learn more about the experience of women across the globe. In particular, we call attention today to the women of Iran and Afghanistan, who are currently demanding access to education, battling for their freedom, and advocating for liberation, all at great peril.

Afghanistan: 

Late last year, the Taliban in Afghanistan suspended women’s higher education, ended school for girls above 6th grade, and banned women from working in local and international nongovernmental organizations. While these edicts from the oppressive Taliban regime were unsurprising to women’s rights advocates, the call for support for women & girls of Afghanistan was cast loudly. Here are some ways you can help:

Iran:

In September 2002, 22-year-old Mahsa Amini was arrested for “improperly” wearing her hijab. Days later, she died while in police custody. Her tragic death ignited the spark for a women-led rebellion. Protests erupted across Iran, with women tearing off their hijabs, cutting their hair, and rallying under the cry of “women, life, freedom.” These women-led calls for freedom were heard around the world, thanks to journalists, activists, and social media. In our area, women and their allies have marched & gathered in solidarity with Iranian women and their calls for freedom. Support for these freedom efforts is ongoing, both internationally and locally. Here are some ways to help:

May this day remind you that women are valuable leaders, making our world a more just & equitable place. They deserve freedom, safety, education, and liberation today and every day.

In solidarity, 

Monica Gray

CEO, YWCA National Capital Area