In an open letter published in numerous media sources this Sunday, a group of influential women called for the removal of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) from the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
Since its publication less than 72 hours ago, it has received more than 21,000 signatures.
In the letter we read: “This preeminent global body is exclusively dedicated to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. The Islamic Republic of Iran’s long–standing, systematic oppression of women should have disqualified them from election to the CSW.”
The CSW is an agency within the United Nations which aims to promote gender equality. What the letter argues is that a regime which oppresses women rights, as Iran does, has no right to be part of an organization that advocates for women’s empowerment.
The decision to publish this letter comes after the death of twenty-two-year old Mahsa Jina Amini, at the hands of Iran’s ‘morality police’, for not wearing the hijab correctly. It is now forty days (and counting) that police officials are brutally using violence, fear tactics and threats to silence the protesters who are demanding change.
The women who took part in this peaceful call for action come from fourteen different countries and include influential women and activists from the arts, science, politics and business. Some of the most prominent figures and advocates include Michelle Obama, Malala Yousafzai, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush and Christine Lagarde.
Supporters of this letter can contribute as well, by signing a petition on change.org here.
