In a big gathering in Ashraf City on the occasion of the International Women Day, the intellectual and freedom-loving Iraqi women announced their solidarity with the Iranian women’s struggle particularly with 1000 PMOI women residing in Ashraf City.
In this gathering entitled as “Women’s Solidarity against Religious Fascism’ an appreciation plaque to Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, as the symbol of women’s liberation struggle was dedicated to Mrs. Seddiqeh Hosseini, Secretary General of the PMOI on behalf of Iraqi women’s personalities and organizations.
In the beginning, a video message of Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the NCRI, was broadcasted in which she said:
“The Iraqi women, Sunni or Shiite, Christian, Kurd and Turkman, are not only our neighbors, but our family members; we suffer a common pain, our common enemy which is the religious fascism stands against us; but ultimately we, united, shall be victorious .
The Iraqi women’s political orientation and choice has been really admirable; they have risen against reaction and fundamentalism and in defense of its anti-thesis, the PMOI, which represents tolerant and democratic Islam; and you know well that Ashraf, this great university, is presently the greatest base to defend freedom, independence and democracy, for both the Iranians and the Middle East too.”
Then Ms. Masoumeh Malek delivered her speech and said: Today the progress of the equality movement and acquiring women’s rights depend on advancement in a big struggle we are engaged; we are all facing a decisive experience; we have chosen to resist and struggle.
Then Dr. Faeza al-Ubaidi, representative of the Iraqi National Accord Movement headed by Dr. Ayad Allawi delivered speech and said: I offer the congratulations of Dr. Ayad Allawi to you on this occasion and his best wishes for success in founding and strengthening democracy.
Then Mrs. An’am Abdurrazzaq, head of the Iraqi Liberal Democratic Women, on behalf of Iraqi women, dedicated an appreciation plaque to Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of NCRI as the symbol of women’s liberation struggle.
After receiving the appreciation plaque, Ms. Sediqeh Hosseini, Secretary General of the PMOI, said: “I appreciate you very much, my dear Iraqi sisters, and certainly I pass this valuable present along to Mrs. Rajavi; I am honored to congratulate you this great occasion and to reiterate on solidarity of our sisters in PMOI with Iraqi women.”
Then several speakers including Mrs. Fatin Abdulqader, member of Takrit city Council and chair of Iraqi NGO children’s organization, Belqais Yousef al-Sharifi, head of Administrative and Financial anti-Corruption Organization, Suham Abdulhussein, head of the Association of Future Iraqi Women delivered speeches and condemned the Islamic fundamentalism of the Iranian regime ruling Iran.
Also many messages from different International and Iraqi Parties, organizations and personalities were read including:
– Iraqi National Dialogue Front headed by Dr. Saleh Mutlaq
– Iraqi National Dialogue Council, headed by Sheikh Khalaf al-Alian
– Mrs. Nadereh Aef, Member of Iraqi Parliament, from Iraqi Islamic Party
– Mrs. Azhar Samarrai, PM, from Iraqi Islamic Party
– Baroness Bladd, MP, from British House of Lords
– Baroness Gibson, MP, from British House of Lords
– Professor Donna Hughes, chair of women’s research Dept. at University of Rhode Island, USA
Ms. Sarvnaz Chitsaz, chairwoman of women’s Committee of the NCRI also sent a message to this big March 8 gathering.