President Cathy Cottridge has signed the following statement for SIGBI
Statement of Support for the Resistance of Iranian Women
As we approach the first anniversary of the Iranian people’s uprising for freedom, we, the undersigned, express our solidarity and support for the uprising of the Iranian people, especially women.
On September 16, 2022, a nationwide uprising erupted, with women and girls pioneering this revolt. Of the 750 individuals tragically killed by the regime’s repressive forces, a significant number were young women and girls. As a result of the regime’s brutal suppression, at least 70 children lost their lives.
The demand of the Iranian people, both women and men, crystallized in their slogans, is to end the religious dictatorship and establish a democratic republic based on the separation of religion and state and complete gender equality.
In the face of the brutality and savagery of the clerical regime, the world observed the courage and audacity of Iranian women and girls during the uprising. They defied the regime’s oppressive forces, especially the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij, risking their lives with bare hands, and chanted, “whether veiled or unveiled, we are heading towards the revolution.”
The courage and prominence of women in this struggle did not spontaneously materialize. Rather, it is firmly rooted in a century of Iranian women’s resistance against two distinct forms of tyranny: monarchical and religious dictatorships. Misogyny is a distinct feature and one of the pillars of the system of velayat-e faqih (absolute clerical rule). The people, especially the youths and women of Iran, are determined to end this medieval dictatorship.
Now, as the ruling mullahs in Iran have once again launched oppressive Guidance patrols in the streets to suppress women and prevent the re-ignition of the uprising, and as the religious tyranny has stepped up executions to continue its rule,
We, the undersigned, express our solidarity with 3600 parliamentarians worldwide and 123 former presidents and prime ministers, who voiced support for Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, and her Ten-point Plan for a free, democratic republic and gender equality in all spheres, most notably the right of women to freely choose their attire.
We ask the international community to stand with the brave women and people of Iran, place the oppressive and criminal Revolutionary Guards on the terrorist list, and take decisive steps to hold the leaders of the regime accountable for their crimes.
If any one wishes to sign it as a club or as individual member please follow the links below
Here is the full statement and link to how to sign: https://women.ncr-iran.org/2022/10/10/support-the-iranian-women/
Please email them to let them know you have signed: women.ncr-iran.org/contact-us
Thank you
Lindsay Green
Programme Director