THE WOMEN'S MOVEMENT DEMANDS THAT SWEDEN SUPPORT THE FEMINIST FREEDOM REVOLUTION IN IRAN WITH ALL AVAILABLE MEANS

Sweden must seriously stand up for the struggle of Iranian, Kurdish, Afghan and Saudi women. The Swedish women's movement demands that the outgoing and incoming government act quickly and forcefully to support the liberation movement. It should be obvious for Sweden, a pioneering country for equality and women's rights, to stand on the side of the most oppressed women. The feminist revolution is going on now and does not take into account that Sweden has a transitional government.

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Jina (Masha) Amini was arrested by the Iranian morality police for wearing her veil too loosely. She died in captivity shortly thereafter. Her death has sparked protests around the country and globally. More and more women and girls gather, demonstrate, take off their veils and cut their hair.

They protest against women and girls not being allowed to dress as they want, but also against other discriminatory legislation. Iranian civil law states that the man is the head of the family. Married women cannot get a divorce or obtain a passport without the husband's consent. Violence and rape within marriage is legal. Women are barred from sporting events and forbidden to sing in public. Although many women have an education, only around 13 percent have a paid job. The oppression of women and girls in Iran knows no bounds.

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Risking their lives, Iranian women have now taken to the streets in protest. In many places, their struggle has grown into a broader movement for democracy and freedom for all, which also fights for the rights of Kurds. The mobilization has so far been met with brutal violence from the Iranian regime. So far, over 125 people have been killed. Nevertheless, the protests continue. What we are witnessing is a feminist freedom revolution among some of the world's most oppressed women and girls. Throughout history, women and girls have stood on the barricades for their own and their children's rights. Time and time again they have been knocked down but got back up. This requires strength, determination and courage. The courage we now see in the women and girls of Iran is unparalleled. Then it is not enough to speak at demonstrations in front of a Swedish audience or make encouraging cheers on social media. We must do everything we can to support the women and girls of Iran in their struggle.

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The Swedish women's movement unconditionally supports the struggle of our Iranian sisters. We demand that Sweden, the EU and the international community do everything in their power to support the struggle of Iranian women and ensure their safety. The same applies to women in countries like Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia who also live in inhumane conditions and where every attempt to organize is brutally crushed. They can now draw strength from the feminist revolution in Iran. As long as a woman is bound, no woman is free.