The second international discussion on Women in Struggle (September 27, 2020) examined how we take our struggles forward in international solidarity, mobilisation and determined mass struggle? How can women be freed from the horrors of rape, domestic violence and the trauma of racist patriarchy?
We hear graphic reports, and ideas for mutual support in international solidarity, from women in struggle around the world: in the USA, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Pakistan, Belarus, Britain and other world hotspots.
In our discussion in part 1, WIN brought together courageous women who have taken the lead in the labour movements of USA, Pakistan, South Africa, Belarus and Britain – and all this despite the added burden of child care, and home schooling and all the added weight of the pandemic. Since last week, we’ve witnessed two appalling events: the decision not to prosecute the police for Breonna Taylor’s murder, and Lukashenko’s appointment of himself as President of Belarus, where women trade unionists are beaten, arrested, charged and fined.
Chair: Felicity Dowling
Felicity is a leading member of Left Unity, a prominent women’s labour activist in Britain and internationally, and a former member of the Liverpool City Council surcharged and disqualified for defying the Thatcher government on behalf of her working-class community. In her work with left parties in Europe she has campaigned for the rescue of migrants in the Mediterranean struggling to reach Europe. Felicity is the author of Red Witches: the oppression of women (On The Brink 4, Spring 2020).
Panel of speakers:
Jabu Nala-Hartley, Oxford Labour Party and BLM Oxford, leading campaigner at the “Rhodes Must Fall” rallies and in the Living Wage campaign for workers in insecure employment. A founder member of Mothers 4 Justice Ubuntu.
Louise Harrison, leading campaigner against domestic violence in the UK.
Tia Kurtisnger-Edison of Louisville, Kentucky, a participant in the city’s daily occupations and marches and a leading activist in the campaign for justice for Breonna Taylor, murdered in a no-knock police raid
Nomsa Sizani, Secretary General of Abahlali, the shack-dwellers movement in South Africa
Zehra Khan, leader of the Home-Based Women Workers Federation (HBWWF) in Pakistan and of the current anti-rape mass campaign
Elena Edwards, key organizer of international mobilization for democracy in Belarus, with women activists in the ongoing resistance movement in Belarus
Pat Horn, from StreetNet an International Alliance of Street Vendors based in the South Africa.
Rose Lewis, from Sistah Space – a safe venue dedicated to African & Caribbean victims/survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.
A Workers International Network meeting
27th September 2020
