The Association for the Theory and Culture of Handicap – YHD (Društvo za teorijo in kulturo hendikepa) has sent a letter to the President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Urška Klakočar Zupančič, and the Minister of Foreign and European affairs, Tanja Fajon, urging them to take a clear stand on International Women’s Day, which is celebrated on the 8th of March, and condemn the horrific, brutal, and unacceptable actions of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The refusal to wear the compulsory head covering, the fight against morality police and sexual discrimination have become the driving force behind a broader movement against tyranny, the economic crisis, corruption and the oppression of minorities. Schoolgirls, young and adult women, as well as many men who have taken a stand against the regime, are taking part in the protests. A way of thinking and acting that represses freedom of thought, speech, expression, laughter, singing and joy, prohibits make-up, one’s own style of dress or hairstyle, cannot in any way be called culture. It is not a “different culture,” it is a denial of culture in its fundamental essence, wrote Elena Pečarič on behalf of the YHD Association.
Pečarič also pointed out that condemnation would be particularly appropriate now that the position that Slovenia will defend a feminist foreign policy has been made public. “I take these words literally and the least I expect is that such a policy is actually reflected in practice. In international relations towards all countries that deny the right to difference and other fundamental human rights.” She stressed that the letter is addressed to the highest political representatives in our country, because she expects courage and determination from them, not just symbolic statements.
It should also be noted that leaders from around the world have recently called on the international community to do more to help the women’s movement in Iran. “They are an inspiration to the world. The international community must stand up. This is our fight. We must stand with them,” said former German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, addressing the International Women’s Day conference in Brussels.
The protests have been going on for almost half a year
The protests in Iran have been going on for almost six months now, and they were sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died as a result of the violence she suffered in the custody of the notorious morality police. Her death sparked pent-up frustration at the standard of living and discrimination against women and minorities.
Sara Kovač
