“Happy International Women’s Day on March 8th for the elimination of gender inequality and the establishment of social justice.”
On the occasion of March 8th, International Women’s Day, it should note that it is not only women who should fight for liberation from discrimination and oppression and strive for equality against the laws, relationships, and derogatory attitudes imposed by governments, but men should also stand up against the laws and authorities that institutionalized “patriarchy” in order to sit in their own human dignity alongside women.
Introduction
The question at hand is, what is the purpose or purposes of commemorating March 8th as “International Women’s Day”? Some in the world use this day to improve family relationships (the relationship between women and men within the home). In some other countries, this day is dedicated to honoring the status of motherhood. In some countries, it is also celebrated to address discrimination and injustice in the workplace. Some are also striving for greater social freedoms for women.
But undoubtedly, the ultimate goal of commemorating this day is nothing but complete equality between women and men. And in all economic, cultural, social, and political spheres. Discrimination and injustice against women must completely eradicate in all its forms. And human ideals for gender equality must realize. This is a demand and goal that most people in the world do not oppose in principle. And they also strive to achieve it in their words and actions.
However, even in the most advanced human societies, there is still a long way to go to achieve this social justice. And inequality in all its forms against women, including sexual harassment and violence, persists. This is because the male-dominated system and culture still prevail. Now we come to this serious and fundamental question, “how can the ideal of gender equality be realized in society?”
Various answers have been given to this question, with the most positive and progressive ones being in favor of strict laws benefiting women, or determining a specific quota for the parliament, or equal division of cabinet ministers, and so on. All of which can be summarized in one important and vital phrase: “Equal participation in the political leadership of society.”
It has become clear to the world that having a determining and influential role for women in the political leadership of society can have a significant impact on rooting out this social problem.
How to achieve the goals of International Women’s Day
What is currently in front of us is the vast difference between countries in achieving such an important matter. Whether in underdeveloped and backward countries or in developing countries, due to the dominance of the “patriarchal” system. And there is a significant gap in achieving this human desire, which requires a continuous struggle to achieve it.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8th, it should be noted that it is not only women who should fight for liberation from discrimination and oppression and for equality against the laws, relationships, and misogynistic attitudes imposed by governments, but men also need to stand with women against the laws and governments that have institutionalized “patriarchy” in order to sit in their own human position.
What is the purpose of commemorating International Women’s Day?
The purpose of commemorating International Women’s Day on March 8th should be to fight and challenge the discrimination and to establish a system based on gender equality in all political, social, economic, and cultural rights. This struggle has been ongoing in our country, Iran, for a century, and Iranian women have made great efforts and sacrifices to achieve their rights under the ruling dictatorships (both during the monarchy and the rule of religious fascism), although this struggle continues.
The origin of International Women’s Day dates back to March 8, 1857, when female textile workers in New York City protested against discrimination and unequal rights. Fifty years later, on March 8, 1908, in commemoration of that day and in protest against harsh and inhumane conditions in factories and low wages, workers went on strike. The employers imprisoned the striking women in the factory, which led to a fire in which 129 female workers lost their lives.
In 1910, at the International Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin from Germany proposed March 8 as International Women’s Day, which approved by the other women present at the meeting, representing 17 countries. The following year (1911), millions of women in Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States took to the streets to commemorate this day. Finally, in 1977, the United Nations officially recognized and approved this day as “International Women’s Day.”
“Iranian Women’s Struggles”
Iranian women have been playing a role in the protests and movements for over a century in Iran. From participating in the Tobacco Protest to actively joining the Constitutional Revolution against the Qajar regime. And also, especially in Tabriz and the formation of the women’s association by Zeinab Pasha.
Moreover, the role of women in nationalization of oil industry and their support for Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh. Including in purchasing government bonds with all their assets to support his government. Or the active participation of women in the anti-monarchy revolution should also be noted. These women sought to obtain their political, social, and economic rights and to eliminate discrimination and inequality by rejecting dictatorial regimes.
These days, the inseparable link between the fight against dictatorship and the struggle for gender equality become more pronounced in the fundamentalist system of the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist, which is opposed to women in its cultural and ideological core. For this reason, it can be emphasized that women played a central and decisive role in the nationwide uprisings and protests in Iran over the past two decades, and their active presence can be seen in the political landscape of Iran, among a long line of women who martyrs or currently imprisoned. This struggle in Iran has continued for more than 100 years, and there is a strong determination to continue it.
We also send our regards to the women and mothers who imprisoned and endure various pressures and tortures for standing against religious fascism in Iran.
Since the beginning of the Iranian year 1402, at least 21 women hanged in the prisons
Since the beginning of the Iranian year 1402, at least 21 women hanged in the prisons of the religious dictatorship. These women executed on charges such as murder and drug trafficking. One of them, Samira Sabzianfar, only 15 years old when she forced into marriage with a man. At the age of 19, she sentenced to death on charges of murder. Another prisoner, Zahra Nazariyan, only 27 years old when she executed on January 31st, 2024, on charges of murder. We continue our efforts and struggle to abolish the inhumane death penalty in Iran. We hope to reach the day when no government can take away the right to live from any citizen.
Final words
On March 8, we congratulate all women, especially Iranian women, for the elimination of any form of oppression. And also, discrimination, and inequality against women in all social, economic, and political fields. We consider the realization of equality as a rejection of the dictatorial system ruling over society.
In hopes of that day, when this great human aspiration, through the efforts and struggles of women. And the elevation of thought and culture in human societies, sits triumphantly on the throne.
Follow Iran Human Rights society on social networks:
Telegram / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube / Facebook
Follow the Iranian Human Rights Society on social networks:
Join Iran Human Rights Society on Twitter
Discussion about this post