Global Solidarity to Combat State-led Violence Against Women

Global Solidarity to Combat State-led Violence Against Women

On the Occasion of the UN Commission on the Status of Women 67th Session

13 March 2023, Monday | 11:00 AM | YouTube

Global Solidarity to Combat State-led Violence Against Women was a compelling and multifaceted panel discussion held during the 67th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), dedicated to fostering global solidarity to combat state-led violence against women. The session was moderated by Cemre Ulker, a human rights advocate working on civil and political rights as well as gender mainstreaming within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The panel brought together diverse experts, activists, and practitioners from different regions — including Iran, Kurdistan, Afghanistan, and Iraq — to share insights, experiences, and strategies related to women’s rights, resistance movements, and overcoming systemic oppression.

The discussion began with Ms. Ulker highlighting the mission of the grassroots platform Set Them Free, founded in 2017 by women from various ethnic and professional backgrounds advocating for women’s and girls’ empowerment in Turkey through peaceful and democratic means. She emphasized the importance of international solidarity and shared reflections on the ongoing CSW engagements, including recent panels on intersectional violence against women, violations against women journalists, human rights defenders, and refugee women’s empowerment initiatives. Cemre Ulker underlined the alarming observation that patriarchal and discriminatory narratives manipulated by state leaders serve to harass impactful women leaders and silence dissent, often leading to atrocities and repression.

Azadeh Nikzadeh, an Iranian human rights activist and filmmaker, delivered a powerful account of the brutal repression faced by women in Iran, especially following the September protests triggered by the killing of Mahsa Amini. She emphasized the global movement ignited by Iranian women, the symbolic acts of resistance like cutting hair and burning scarves, and the widespread use of the hashtag #WomenLifeFreedom, which became the most used hashtag in social media history. Ms. Nikzadeh explained that the fight is not solely about Islam but about dismantling a patriarchal and authoritarian system that seeks to strip women of their dignity and fundamental rights. She shared her personal experiences under Iran’s oppressive regime, describing how strict interpretation of Sharia law, suppression of education, and legal restrictions have limited women’s freedoms. 

Azadeh Nikzadeh highlighted the power of storytelling and media in creating global solidarity, stressing that these stories transform women from victims into heroes and inspire collective action. She also reflected on the heavy toll of repression, including the chemical attacks on schoolgirls and the recent brutal crackdown on protests, emphasizing that despite these atrocities, Iranian women continue to resist and demand freedom. Ms. Nikzadeh underscored that systemic violence can be challenged through collective efforts, storytelling, and international support, asserting, “oppression doesn’t last forever,” and expressing hope that systematic violence can be overcome.

Dr. Shilan Hussein, a Kurdish scholar, provided a detailed historical and contemporary overview of Kurdish women’s resilience and activism across Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. She described how Kurdish women have historically played crucial roles in resistance, politics, and culture, often risking their lives for freedom and gender equality. Dr. Hussein detailed how Kurdish women have been at the frontlines of armed resistance, notably fighting with Women’s Protection Units against ISIS, symbolizing the battle of good versus evil in modern life. Dr. Hussein explained that Kurdish women challenged traditional gender roles and patriarchy by participating actively in military combat, politics, and cultural expression.

She highlighted the innovative concept of “Genealogy of Women,” a new academic discipline that centers women’s contributions to society’s development, emphasizing that women’s participation in decision-making is essential for societal thriving. Dr. Hussein also discussed the ongoing protests in Iran and the Kurdish diaspora, emphasizing the leadership and resilience of Kurdish women despite systemic repression. She pointed out that Kurdish women have established co-chair systems in local councils and political parties, ensuring equal representation and leadership. She celebrated Kurdish women’s role in peacebuilding, including their participation in women-led campaigns, cultural resistance, and social revolutions.

Fatima Ahmadi, Adjunct Professor at the American University based in Washington DC, provided a stark overview of Afghanistan’s current crisis under Taliban rule. She described how since the Taliban’s return in August 2021, women and girls have been subjected to systematic bans on education, employment, and public participation. She detailed the announcements and decrees that have effectively erased women from public life, including the banning of girls’ education, forbidding women from working with NGOs, and restricting women’s movement. Fatima Ahmadi emphasized that women’s resistance continues through underground protests, particularly among marginalized groups such as Hazara women. She highlighted how Hazara women have been leading campaigns and protests despite threats, advocating for multiculturalism, social justice, and decentralization.

Ms. Ahmadi stressed that women inside Afghanistan are the primary agents of resistance, and their voices must be prioritized in international efforts to combat the regime. She pointed out the intersectional violence faced by minority women, noting that ethnic and religious minorities suffer compounded discrimination and violence. She called for greater support and inclusion of Afghan women’s leadership in peace processes, warning against legitimizing regimes that oppress women and emphasizing that Afghan women’s voices are the most authentic.

Chira Abdullah, Project Manager of the Dialogue and Culture Organization based in Iran, shared insights into civil society’s role in Iraq, especially in post-2003 contexts. She explained that civil society organizations (CSOs) emerged strongly after the fall of Saddam Hussein, supporting women’s rights, education, and displacement issues. She highlighted some progresses such as increased parliamentary seats for women, anti-violence laws, and awareness campaigns. However, she also acknowledged persistent challenges like tribal norms, political interference, lack of trusted data, and cultural barriers in rural areas.

Ms. Abdullah emphasized the importance of civil society in filling gaps where government efforts fall short, especially in rural and conflict-affected regions. She discussed ongoing initiatives to support women entrepreneurs, protect against domestic violence, and promote gender equality through education and community engagement. She called for more collaboration among NGOs and data-driven approaches to effectively address gender-based violence.

Broader Reflections and Audience Engagement:

Throughout the event, the panelists and audience exchanged comments emphasizing the power of storytelling—using media, arts, and narratives—to amplify women’s voices and build solidarity. Azadeh Nikzadeh, Fatima Ahmadi, and others stressed that stories of resistance inspire collective action and empower women globally. The importance of funding, platforms, and media support was repeatedly underscored as essential to sustain women’s movements.

Several audience questions focused on accessing films created by Ms. Nikzadeh, resources for further research, and organizational collaborations. Panelists shared links, reports, and suggested initiatives to connect women’s rights advocates worldwide. They also highlighted the importance of engaging men supporting women and changing societal norms through education and cultural shifts.

The session concluded with a unified call to action: to continue building peaceful, cohesive societies where women’s liberation is integral to sustainable peace and development. The panelists expressed hope that international solidarity, grassroots activism, and storytelling can drive meaningful change. They urged all stakeholders—governments, NGOs, civil society, and individuals—to support women’s leadership, share stories, and amplify voices of resistance. The event ended with gratitude to the participants and a commitment to ongoing engagement, emphasizing that women’s rights are a collective responsibility essential for building a just and equitable world.

PANELISTS: 

Cemre Ulker, Representative of the Journalists and Writers Foundation to the UN – USA

Azadeh Nikzadeh, Iranian Director, Women`s Rights Activist – USA

Fatema D. Ahmadi, Adjunct Professor, American University – USA

Dr. Shilan Fuad Hussain, Marie Curie Post-Doctoral Fellow of Gender Studies and Cultural Analysis – UK

Chra Abdullah, Project Manager, Dialogue and Culture Organization – Iraq