COALITION OF WOMEN FOR PEACE

Thanks to the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign for their invitation to a round table discussion with the Coalition of Women for Peace.

‘The Coalition of Women for Peace is an Israeli feminist organization against the occupation of Palestine and for a just peace. CWP initiates public campaigns and education and outreach programs, working to develop and integrate a feminist discourse on all levels of society.’

Aysha and Sahar were completing a tour of the UK, sharing their stories of the impact of the occupation on Women. This was their final meeting before returning home and they were ably supported by Fatima who translated. The meeting was well attended with representatives from various Trade Unions, NGOs and activist groups.

They spoke passionately about their various campaigns:

The concept of ‘administrative detention’ was one that was new to me - ‘a form of internment where a prisoner is held indefinitely without charge or trial.’ As of International Women’s Day 43 Palestinian women are held in Israeli jails. Dareen Tatour was arrested in October 2015 for a poem and a Facebook post. Dareen spent 6 months in prison, followed by house arrest without permission to use the internet or smart phones. She can now leave the house, but always must be chaperoned.

“I write about the status of women in Arab society.
Women are at the center of my poetry — their hardships, the abuse they face.”

Many Women remain in prison and CWP raises awareness about them and campaigns for their release.

We heard about further campaigns against the discriminatory laws that Palestinians in Israel face and more about the situation for Palestinian Women in Israel.

Thank you for the invitation and we look forward to building on the connection and learning more.

By LM

LABOUR WOMEN’S DECLARATION RALLY

FiLiA was disturbed to hear about the intimidating protest against the Labour Women’s Declaration rally. Women MUST be able to meet to discuss their rights, free from intimidation and violence.

This persistent aggression against Women’s meetings must be condemned by all.

Freedom of assembly is our right #DefendWomensRights