Dear Sisters and Brothers in the universal struggle against all forms of patriarchy,

Despite our absence at this important event commemorating International Women’s Day, we wish to extend our support and solidarity to our sisters struggling constantly for an end to misogynic gender based legislation and Islamic punitive laws in Iran.

This struggle, although manifesting itself in a particular way in the Iranian context, extends all over the world as the universal struggle against the system of patriarchy.

Although every sister’s struggle is different and specific to her own context, it is undeniable the she has something in common with her sister across the world.  They are both under threat of violence, exploitation, misrepresentation, marginalisation, alienation, and ostracism, regardless of race or class.

Those who come from a position of privilege, whether it be gender, race or class, have a responsibility to stand in solidarity with, struggle and support those whose specific context does not permit as much freedom of action.  It is in this vein that we write this letter and vow to continue our personal struggles as women and stand beside our sisters in Iran in their continuous struggle.

In Solidarity,

Jennifer Varela and Nadeen El-Kassem

Collective Against Patriarchy (CAP)