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The All African Women’s Group
Saturday 5 March 2005 12 noon to 4pm
Come and hear about our group, which has been fighting against detention and deportation, the government’s brutal new laws, legal injustices in our cases, racism, destitution, forced dispersal, rape, forced conscription in the countries we fled from, and to get our right to stay in a safe place. We want recognition of our caring work, the same protection and resources that everyone in every country needs like housing, food, healthcare, and schools for our children. A Global Women’s Strike event demanding that society Invest in Caring Not Killing! For us, opposing war and ending poverty are inseparable. We are joining women around the world to demand together that the money squandered on war be spent instead on what our communities need. Grand Opening of Striking Women, over 50 beautiful colour photos by women on Strike in 20 countries, from Ghana to Peru to India. Showing the often ignored but exciting struggles and successes of women participating in the Strike around the world. Performance “Welcome to Fortress Europe” A comic but deadly serious look at the truth behind racist newspaper headlines and governments’ attacks on asylum seekers. Enjoy traditional food, music and dancing from many different African countries. What women say: I was raped and all my children were taken from me. When I came to England I was treated so badly I was ready to end my life. Then I met other women like me and I thought to myself, ‘I’ll wait a little while and see if things improve.’ Now with the strength I have gained I am ready to fight for my life and help others too. B, Burundi I was on my own, I looked everywhere for help but I couldn't get any. I came to the Centre and for the first time I was believed. I went to the press about my case and now I have won. The demands of the Strike -- protection from all violence and freedom of movement, that is exactly what we are fighting for. J, Eritrea I was raped and trafficked for nearly two years, then managed to escape. Without this group I don't know how I would have survived. The Home Office charged me with criminal offences, and put me into prison. We need to be protected from rape and other torture, instead of treated like criminals. K, Rwanda The government said I was lying and turned me down and then the charity support faded away. It was only when I came to this group that I was believed. We have no choice but to come together and help ourselves – taking part in the Strike is a way to do this globally. M, Democratic Republic of Congo “Britain is supplying arms that are killing people, they are doing business with our tormentors. Women and children are suffering most -- there are many other women in my country who can’t run away. Let them take this in consideration and end all wars”. S, Uganda Recently one of us was put in prison even though she is only 17 years old. We rang round all our members, who only have mobile phones, for support. Many of us went to court with her. Fares and other essentials for this one case cost about £200 but most of us have no income. This event is a fundraiser to cover these and other urgent expenses so we can carry on with our work. For details of other Global Women’s Strike events in the week 5-14 March, please see www.globalwomenstrike.net or call 020-7482 2496. |