Women!
Your struggles against the misogynous regime of Islamic Republic have gained great respect and admiration by the world. Your struggles are being followed by the world. Your admirable bravery against the armed Islamic thugs and your resolute resistance against suppression and violence demonstrate your deepest ambition for freedom. Now, even the most unaware and ambivalent “experts on Iran” too have realised this truth that Iran is not an Islamic society and that people of Iran want freedom, equality and an end to the Islamic regime. The extensive presence of women in the forefront of the mass protest movement against the regime showed the existence of a mass movement for women’s liberation. The latter has become the symbol of people’s movement against the Islamic regime. It is not coincidental that Neda, the young brave girl who was shot by the Islamic thugs in the recent unrests and lost her life, has become the symbol of people’s movement against the regime.
Thirty years of resistance against one of the most savage, murderous and misogynous regimes, thirty years of war with the Islamic soldiers against the veil and for the most basic human rights has made women stronger. Thirty years ago, the Hezbollah thugs threw stones at women and shouted “the veil or a blow to the head” which then led to the establishment of the regime. Today, women and young girls throw stones at the thugs and shout: “death to dictator!” By chanting this slogan, women are sending shivers down the regime’s spine.
We salute the bravery, resistance and strength of the women in Iran. Your sacrifices in these hard, determining and exiting times have revived the hope of a humane future and a better world in the hearts of millions of people. The high price you pay for freedom and equality must guarantee a free society devoid of any discrimination and inequality. Women’s liberation movement needs its own organisation. It needs an organisation that represents the ideals and demands of the movement. It requires an organisation that does not compromise on demands; that is not content with anything less than unconditional freedom and complete equality. It is time to expand the Organisation for Women’s Liberation in Iran. It is time to organise and destroy gender apartheid, male chauvinism and establish complete freedom and equality for women. All of the freedom and equality is our demand and our right. We do not accept any compromise or reduction of our demands with any excuse, be it national, or religious.
