Hanaa Ibrahim, independent Iraqi women’s activist speaks in London

Hanaa Ibrahim

PRESS RELEASE. . . PRESS RELEASE . . . PRESS RELEASE . . .

Hanaa Ibrahim, independent Iraqi women’s activist speaks in London

Hanaa Ibrahim, founder of Women's Will Association (WWA), an independent Iraqi women’s organisation, will be in London 21 January – 15 February at the invitation of the Global Women’s Strike. Ms Ibrahim will be speaking at an International Gathering: The Struggle Against Sexism & Racism: an International Comparison – a series of five major events over 10 days (see below).

WWA was founded in Baghdad in June 2004 in the aftermath of the invasion of Iraq, and in 2006 established a branch in Damascus, Syria. It is one of the few organizations which have remained independent of any political or religious group. It works across religious and ethnic divides, and in co-operation with other independent women’s organizations. Its work includes: documenting human rights abuses and the authorities’ failure to protect women; campaigning for women prisoners, especially those arrested in lieu of their menfolk; supporting wives of men arrested and detained without charge or trial by both government and occupation authorities; campaigning against sexual harassment, maltreatment, abuse, rape and other torture of women at the hands of the police, military, security forces, mercenaries and occupation forces.

Ms Ibrahim, who continues to work in Iraq despite continuous threats to her safety, will present first-hand testimony on the plight of Iraqi women under occupation. She will speak about women’s work ensuring the survival of families and communities in the face of death and devastation, their acts of courage and various levels of resistance.

Hanaa Ibrahim’s visit is also sponsored by Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), International Action for Iraqi Refugees (IAIR) and Women Solidarity for an Independent & Unified Iraq (WSIUI) and she will be speaking at their events.

Ms Ibrahim will be available for interviews and for meetings. In the UK, contact +447983525228 For more details: http://iraqiwomenswill.blogspot.com

Global Women’s Strike: +44 207 482 2496

Initial schedule of events for Ms Ibrahim

22 Jan

CPT, 18:30 Peacemaking and Anger St. Ethelburga’s, 78, Bishopsgate, LONDON, EC2N 4AG, for info: tel: 020 7496 1610

23 Jan

15:00 TV interview Arabic followed by 19:30 activists meeting (Bromley).

24 Jan

CPT, 0930-16:00 A Seminar on Realities and Risks of Peacemaking, London Mennonite Centre, 14 Shepherds Hill, LONDON, N6 5AQ

27 Jan

WSIUI - 18:30 Women Under Fire from Baghdad to Gaza, with Nada Badran, Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, Indian YMCA, Fitroy Square, LONDON W1T 6AQ. Tel 07989861380

1 Feb

The Struggle Against Poverty, War and Occupation – Iraq, Haiti, Palestine, Occupation is the Crime, Global Women’s Strike (GWS) - 09:30-17:30, Bolivar Hall, 54 Grafton Way, LONDON W1 5AJ Tel 0207 482 2496Conference GWS - 09:30-17:30, Bolivar Hall, 54 Grafton Way, LONDON W1 5AJ Tel 0207 482 2496

6 Feb

Unconfirmed: meeting in Arabic at the Arab Cultural Meeting place, 53 Edgware Road, 20.00

7 Feb

Invest in Caring not Killing Conference GWS - 09:30-17:30, Bolivar Hall, 54 Grafton Way, LONDON W1 5AJ

8 Feb

15:00 A public meeting on Iraqi refugees, 8 Comeragh Road, West Kensington, LONDON W14 9HP Tel 07870643455

11 Feb

18:00 MEDACT Life and health for Women Under Occupation 28 Charles Square, LONDON N1 6HT, Tel 0207 324 4735 www.medact.org

12 Feb

19.30 Iraq Occupation Focus - The situation in Iraq 19:30 Indian YMCA, Fitzroy Square, LONDON W1T 6AQ.

13 Feb

18.00 (tbc) Muslim Education Centre of Oxford – Oxford Tel: 01865 766032