Statement of Support for Iranian Women's Rights

Advocacy
Written By

The Fight for Iranian Women’s Rights

Mahsa Amini was murdered on Sept 16, 2022 by Iranian state morality police for not properly wearing her hijab. In response, Iranian women and men have taken to the streets in protest, chanting "Women! Life! Freedom!" and fighting for women’s right to live. These protests have lasted for months and continue despite growing threats from the Iranian regime. The ongoing government backlash has resulted in the murder and imprisonment of hundreds of protestors, including a death sentence for one activist. It is horrific. Read more here.

Why this matters to WIS PDX

The effects of this fight for human rights extends beyond Iran. As an organization that advocates for women in STEM, fights for basic women’s rights are highly relevant to the WIS mission. A very high percentage of Iranian women and women of Iranian descent are in STEM fields (70% of university STEM graduates are women in Iran). The fight of Iranian women is our fight. Furthermore, the effects of the atrocities in Iran are being felt by communities and individuals around the world and here in Portland.

What we can do as a community

  • We can start by raising awareness of this movement. We can educate ourselves about this women’s right movement and the long ongoing fight for civil rights in Iran. We can also have an open dialog about this movement and what it means in our society.

  • We can urge our elected officials to support and advocate for Iranian women’s rights. Contact your US representative and US senator.

  • We can support the Iranian protests. Organizations, such as United For Iran, are advocating for Iranian civil rights and directing funds to make immediate change in this crisis. Please consider joining the WIS PDX board in supporting the work of this organization. Additionally, the local group Free Iran PDX  has protests/rallies occuring every weekend in the Portland area. Check them out to support our Iranian community here in Oregon.

  • Finally, we can acknowledge the pain the folks in our community are enduring, and offer our support. Please reach out to the WIS PDX community if you are in need of help or assistance.

WIS PDX stands with the courageous women of Iran and supports their fight for their basic human rights.

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