International Women’s Day
Anne Hamilton
February 23, 2021International Women's Day
In memory of all the girls who died before they became women; who were forced into marriage before they knew what marriage meant.
We stand in solidarity with those who are trapped and suffer and those who demand a better future.
We salute the courage of our champions who fled forced marriage and have supported our work.
Let us work for a better tomorrow.
Hear an anthem for women: Bol ke lab azaad hain tere - speak for your lips are free (Faiz Ahmed Faiz: 1911-1984)
Chanted by Nadia Jamil, actor & activist
Speak, for your lips are free
Speak, for your tongue is still yours
Your lithe body is yours
Speak, for your life is still yours
Look towards the smithy's shop
The flames are live, the anvil red
Locks are prised open
Chains yield their hold
Speak, for this brief moment is ample
Before the death of body and mind
Speak, for truth lives on
Speak, say what you will - just say it.
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE SAFE BEFORE YOU SPEAK.
Call 999 in an emergency or the National Domestic Violence Helpline 24/7 on 0808 2000 247
If your perpetrator is near you, diall 55 to let the emergency services know.
