Solidarity with Iraqi women

International Women’s Day

For a secular, democratic Iraq – No clerical tyranny

London – 8 March 2005

The struggle of Iraqi women for freedom and human rights will be celebrated at a vigil outside the Iraqi Embassy in London on International Women's Day, today:

Tuesday 8 March 2005
12 noon to 2pm
Iraqi Embassy
169 Knightsbridge
London SW7
(nearest tube Knightsbridge)

Iraqi exiles and British supporters will gather to express their solidarity with the women of Iraq, who are battling to throw off patriarchy and resist the imposition of clerical tyranny.

In Iraq, Islamist parties are pressing for the introduction of Sharia law, which could result in the execution of apostates, gays and women have sex outside marriage.

Already, women who refuse to be veiled have been murdered, and so-called honour killings of women are encouraged by Islamist fundamentalists.

Women's rights campaigners have been threatened with death.

We urge you support the courageous women of Iraq.

The London vigil is coordinated by the UK branch of the Organisation for Women's Freedom in Iraq.

The OWFI is urging:

"Separation of religion from the State"
"An egalitarian, secular constitution"
"Full equality in law between men and women"

All friends and supporters of women's liberation in Iraq are invited to attend and show their solidarity.

"There can be no freedom worth having if it does include freedom for women"

"Iraq will never be liberated while its women are enslaved"