02 Sep We cannot underestimate the power of our solidarity at this moment – #RiseForAndWithWomenOfAfghanistan
One Billion Rising Taiwan, Italy, Mexico
We cannot underestimate the power of our solidarity at this moment. Yesterday, activists, individuals and groups rose in global solidarity across social media channels for and with the women of Afghanistan. Using the hashtags #RiseForAndWithWomenofAfghanistan and #StandWithWomenofAfghanistan, the message was carried across 85 countries.
Credit: @merno0sh; @loguiraud_foto
RISE FOR AND WITH THE WOMEN OF AFGHANISTAN is a call to action developed in consultation with grassroots women leaders and activists on the ground in Afghanistan. A call to activists, supporters, allies, and elected officials to advocate for a more feminist forward foreign policy that prioritizes the self-determination of the Afghan people and non-violence, sustainability and freedom. Women of the world and our allies stood with the women – and all vulnerable groups – of Afghanistan against imperialism, US-led militarism, fundamentalism, and fascism.
Activists worldwide shared images, original artwork, the call to action and also messages of solidarity with Afghanistan. In Herat, Afghanistan, “dozens of women’s human rights defenders held a protest and called for the preservation of the past two decades’ achievements for women’s rights and progress.” #StandWithWomenofAfghanistan trended on Twitter in Turkey. Individuals and organizations signing on and spreading the word across their social channels included RAWA (Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan), Jane Fonda, V (formerly Eve Ensler) Rosario Dawson, Angela Davis, Thandiwe Newton, Pat Mitchell, Kimberlé Crenshaw, Jennifer Buffett, Katherine McFate, Annie Lennox, Zainab Salbi, Emma Thompson, Nina Turner, Naomi Klein, Glenn Close, Connie Britton, Heather McGee, Shabnam Hashmi, Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, Rosa Clemente, 1 Billion Rising/V-Day, Code Pink, Vital Voices, Women For Women International, 350.org, Equality Now, FEMEN, SANGAT, African American Policy Forum, Gabriela, Jagori Rural, One Fair Wage, Women’s March Global, Revolutionary Love Project, Justice For Migrant Women, and many many more.
Credit: @shinfujin_official; @gantalapress; @a.coletivafeminismos
We believe the women of Afghanistan have the right to education, to travel, to freedom of movement, to jobs, to security, just having freedom to be able to breathe and be.
“V-Day has been in solidarity with women in Afghanistan for over twenty years. Brave, extraordinary women who have run the incredible City of Knowledge in Kabul for the last ten years, educating and preparing thousands of women to become doctors, architects, lawyers, scientists. RAWA women who have stood mightily against the American Empire, warlords, the Taliban and are staying to lead the resistance. Women who feel betrayed from all directions. In the spirit of our work, we asked them what they most needed and they told us.
They need our solidarity. They need our support, They need our eyes on Afghanistan. They need us not to recognize the Taliban. They need massive humanitarian aid. They need our sisterhood. They need us to Roar, Rage, and Rise.
We must be bold and take our rage to the streets and bring it online. We must let the women of Afghanistan know we will never forget them and that we know that none of us, not one woman in this world is free until they are free. Let’s make this the biggest Rising the world has known.”
– V (formerly Eve Ensler) WATCH on Instagram
RISE FOR AND WITH THE WOMEN OF AFGHANISTAN continues with actions in the streets on 25 September during the meetings of the UN General Assembly in NYC.
Credit: @roshi_rouzbehani; @tolonewsofficial & @womensmarchglobal
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IN THE STREETS Saturday, 25 September – Women of the World and All Our Allies Rise, Roar and Rage for the Women in Afghanistan. A Global Solidarity Action in Your City, Town, School. Everywhere. RISE in the streets, stage creative political protests and artistic risings. Invite everyone, reach out to activists, students, artists, social justice groups, and more. Wear masks. Social distance. All events outside. Go to onebillionrising.org/afghanistan for info and to sign up for email updates on upcoming actions.
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Credit: @jagatsetara