The many faces of Ireland via The Irish Emigrant

Stay abreast of the global Irish community and sign up for one of these delightful e-newsletters:
1.Professional Ireland
2.The Irish Emigrant
3. Arts Ireland
4.Bookview Ireland
5.Sports Ireland

Go to the source: http://www.emigrant.ie/

World Conference on Interfaith Dialogue in Madrid

Here is some interesting reading on the World Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, which was held in Madrid (16th - 18th July 2008), Spain and hosted by King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia and organised by Muslim World League.

Conference objective:

http://www.world-dialogue.org/english/About%20conf.htm

Conference program:

http://www.world-dialogue.org/english/program.pdf

ICAHK: Action Alert: Stoning in Iran-Kobra Najjar faces death by stoning in Iran

THIS IS A DIRECT COPY:

Hello,
URGENT ACTION: Kobra Najjar faces death by stoning in Iran

Information from Equality Now

Equality Now is urgently concerned about Kobra Najjar, an Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning for adultery who lost her final appeal for amnesty. Iranian women’s rights activists working on her case report that Kobra has exhausted all domestic legal remedies and that her execution by stoning could happen any time.

Kobra is a victim of domestic violence who was forced into prostitution by her abusive husband in order to support his heroine addiction. He was murdered by one of Kobra’s “clients” who sympathized with her plight. Kobra has already served 8 years in prison as an accessory to her husband’s murder. The man who murdered her husband also served 8 years in prison and is now free after paying blood money and undergoing 100 lashes, while Kobra faces imminent stoning to death for adultery - the prostitution her husband forced upon her.

Equality Now is also concerned about recent reports of seven other women and one man, all accused of adultery sentenced to death by stoning, whose executions are also reported to be possible at any time. In Iran, adultery is the only crime punishable by stoning.

Stoning violates the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to which Iran is a state party. The ICCPR clearly prohibits torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment. It also limits the imposition of the death penalty “only for the most serious crimes.” No criminal or other act warrants violent and inhumane punishments such as flogging and stoning. Moreover, adultery is a private act and should not incur criminal punishment. Protection from arbitrary or unlawful interference under the ICCPR has been found by the United Nations Human Rights Committee to include consensual sexual activity between adults in private.

Recommended Actions

Please write to the Iranian officials below, calling for Kobra’s immediate release, the commutation of all sentences of death by stoning and the prohibition by law of all cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments in accordance with Iran’s obligations under the ICCPR. Urge the officials also to initiate a comprehensive review of the Civil and Penal Codes of Iran to remove all provisions that discriminate and perpetuate discrimination against women, including those regarding adultery and fornication, in accordance with Iran’s own constitutional provision for equality before the law.

His Excellency Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi
Head of the Judiciary
c/o Ministry of Justice
Park-e Shahr
Teheran
Islamic Republic of Iran
Email: iripr@iranjudiciary.org, irjpr@iranjudiciary.com and info@dadgostary-tehran.ir
Phone: +98 21 22741002, +98 21 22741003, +98 21 22741004, +98 21 22741005

Note: The contact information above may encounter delivery problems so please keep trying to send your message. Thank you for taking action!

Please also contact the Iranian embassy in your country. The following link may help you find the contact information: http://www.embassyworld.com/embassy/Iran/Iran.html

Bahrain: Embassy of Iran in Manama
Tel: 722400, 722660
Fax: 722101

Canada: Embassy of Iran in Ottawa http://www.salamiran.org/
Tel: 613 2354726 Ext 225
Fax: 613 2325712

Denmark: Embassy of Iran in Copenhagen http://www.iran-embassy.dk
Tel: 39160071
Fax: 39160075

Finland: Embassy of Iran in Helsinki
Tel: (9) 6869240
Fax: (9) 6869241

Germany: Embassy of Iran in Frankfurt
Tel: (0) 695600070, (0) 695600730
Fax: (0) 6956000728

India: Embassy of Iran in New Delhi
Tel: (011) 3329600, (011) 3329601, (011) 3329602, (011) 3320491
Fax: (011) 3325493

Jordan: Embassy of Iran in Amman
Tel: (6) 4641281, (6) 4641282
Fax: (6) 4641383

Kenya: Embassy of Iran in Nairobi
Tel: (2) 720343, (2) 720796
Fax: (2) 713966

Lebanon: Embassy of Iran in Beirut
Tel: (1) 821224

Malaysia: Embassy of Iran in Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (3) 4514830, (3) 4514824
Fax: (3) 4562904

Norway: Embassy of Iran in Oslo http://home.eunet.no/%7Eiranamb/
Tel: 23 27 29 60
Fax: 22 55 49 19

Russia: Embassy of Iran in Moscow
Tel: (95) 9177282, (95) 9170039, (95) 9178440
Fax: (95) 2302897

Sweden: Embassy of Iran in Stockholm
Tel: (80) 7650829, (80) 7653174
Fax: (80) 7653119

Switzerland: Embassy of Iran in Berne
Tel: (31) 3510801, (31) 3510802
Fax: (31) 3515652

United Arab Emirates: Embassy of Iran in Abu Dhabi http://www.iranembassy.org.ae
Tel: (12) 4447618
Fax: (12) 4448714

United Kingdom: Embassy of Iran in London http://www.iran-embassy.org.uk/
Tel: 02072253000
Fax: 02075894440

United States: Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Washington, D.C. http://www.daftar.org/
Tel: 202 9654990
Fax: 202 9651073

Women's Action 29.1: March 2007

Please keep Equality Now updated on your efforts and send copies of any replies you receive to:
Equality Now P.O. Box 20646, Columbus Circle Station, New York NY 10023, USA
Equality Now Africa Regional Office, P.O. Box 2018, KNH 00202, Nairobi, KENYA
Equality Now P.O. Box 48822, London WC2N 6ZW, UNITED KINGDOM
info@equalitynow.org

Best Regards, International Campaign Against Honour Killings Staff We sent you this message because you have selected to receive newsletters from our site You can choose to unsubscribe from our mailings at any time by following this link If you would like further assistance, please send an email to our administrator: webmaster@stophonourkillings.com

A sadly violent weekend

Violence of a particular nature seemed to be rampant this weekend.

1.Ahmedabad, India – nearly 50 people were killed in a second wave of bomb blasts:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Ahmedabad%2C+India+and+bombings&btnG=Google+Search

2. Fatah-Hamas conflict erupts after a car bomb explopes in Gaza:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Fatah-Hamas+conflict+erupts+after+a+car+bomb+in+Gaza&btnG=Google+Search

3.Istanbul, Turkey loses over 10 of its residents after two bombs explode:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=3.%09Istanbul%2C+Turkey+loses+over+10+of+its+residents+after+two+bombs+explode&btnG=Search

4.The mostly Muslim region of Xinjiang,China’s spawns bombings across the country in protest of the Beijing Olympics:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Xinjiang+and+bombings

5.Iraq sees 4 female suicide bombers responsible for taking the lives of nearly 60 people:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=Iraq+and+4+female+suicide+bombers&spell=1

My thoughts and prayers go out to all who have lost their lives, a loved one or been maimed in these campaigns of violence.

In šaʾ Allāh (إن شاء الله) this madness will end.

Warlords gang-rape 12-year-old girl, her family threatens to commit mass suicide if justice is not done

Directly from RAWA's webiste:

A 12-year old schoolgirl was gang-raped by five gunmen in Sarpul province in Northern Afghanistan.

The girl and her family asked Hamid Karzai to prosecute the rapists and take their case seriously. They threatened that if they are not provided justice, the whole family will commit mass suicide to get rid of such life. They say, the local authorities keep silence on such cases and did not act to arrest those responsible.

While crying, the rape victim told journalists that she was raped in a village called Baghabi in Sarpul province. She says five gunmen poured into their house in mid-night and after beating and abusing the family members, gang-raped her.

Ali Khan, uncle of the girl told Ariana TV that he has reported the case to the police and visited the police chief a number of times to ask for justice, but they do not pay attention to the issue and even abused and threatened him to be silent otherwise he will be jailed. He accuses the police chief to have links with the gunmen responsible for such crimes. But General Abdul Khaliq Samimi, police chief says they have arrested three people connected to the issue.

On February 18, 2008 a fourteen-year old girl named Bashira was gang-raped by three men in the same province. One of the rapists is Najibullah, the son of Haji Payinda, a member of parliament from Sar-e-Pul.

Sayed Noorullah, father of Bashira told Tolo TV on July 19, 2008 that the case against the rapist has not been followed property by the court, because the rapist is son of a member of parliament and they bribed the Forensic Medical Investigation department to show the 22-year-old rapist as being less than 18 to escape the charges based on law.

Sayed Noorullah threatened that if the rapists are not punished, he will become “a dangerous suicide bomber” and take revenge himself.

Gang-rape and sexual abuse of young girls in the Northern provinces of Afghanistan by local warlords is very common but only few cases are reported by media, because it is usually risky for the journalists who report such issues.

Category: Warlords, Women, RAWA News, Children, HR Violations - Views: 184


http://www.rawa.org/temp/runews/2008/07/22/warlords-gang-rape-12-year-old-girl-her-family-threatens-to-commit-mass-suicide-if-justice-is-not-done.html

GCC Euro Expo at the Olympia Two Exhibition Hall in London

Another chance to network with the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) -- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE......................more about this later. But in the meantime here is the link to this two day free event in London:


http://www.gcceuroexpo.com/


Please note among many varied sectors the Expo will include:

Women in Business

Environmental Sustainability

Here is the Expo's programme:

http://gcceuroexpo.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18&Itemid=9

Islam Expo Wrap-up

Check out their website for the wrap-up on what sounds like an awesome gathering:

http://islamexpo.com/mediacentre.php?id=10


And there are some neat photos:

http://islamexpo.com/mediacentre.php?id=7&art=6

A response from Autonomous Feminist Womyn’s Gathering

Yippee (well I am in my early 50’s)…………………………I have just heard from the organizers of Autonomous Feminist Womyn's Gathering in Vienna, and it is open to all womyn…………………………….so I will try to attend. It has been more than a decade since I have been to Austria, and I love the thought of meeting feminists with various perspectives.

By the way get in contact with the sisters in feminism if you have suggestions for a workshop.


In sisterhood always,

Debra


Here is their contact information:

Autonom-Feministisches Frauen-Lesben-Treffen
c/o Autonomes FrauenLesbenMädchenZentrum
Währinger Straße 59 / Stiege 6
A 1090 Wien
Österreich

Autonomous Feminist Womyn’s Gathering
c/o Autonomous WomenLesbianGirl’s Center
Währinger Straße 59 / Stiege 6
A 1090 Vienna
Austria

Tel/Fax: 0043 1 4085057 (answering machine)
Email:feministeurope@wolfsmutter.com
Web: feministgathering.wolfsmutter.com

President Omar Hassan al-Bashir charged with crimes against humanity

The chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court, Luis Moreno-Ocampo has charged Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir with genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity for orchestrating a systematic campaign of violence against the people of Sudan concentrating on the various ethnic groups in Sudan's western Darfur region.


Go to the source: http://www.icc-cpi.int/press/pressreleases/406.html

Autonomous Feminist Womyn’s Gathering

Join with some sisters in Feminism in Vienna to discuss sexism, racism, homophobia, the economy, fascism and patriarchy 09th – 14th April 2009 • Vienna, Austria. This gathering is for women and lesbians. It appears to be aimed towards Feminists and Lesbians of Europe, but if I find a way to legally protect myself against the abuses of US immigrations (profiling) I may attend.

Here is their contact information:

Autonom-Feministisches Frauen-Lesben-Treffen
c/o Autonomes FrauenLesbenMädchenZentrum
Währinger Straße 59 / Stiege 6
A 1090 Wien
Österreich

Autonomous Feminist Womyn’s Gathering
c/o Autonomous WomenLesbianGirl’s Center
Währinger Straße 59 / Stiege 6
A 1090 Vienna
Austria

Tel/Fax: 0043 1 4085057 (answering machine)
Email:feministeurope@wolfsmutter.com
Web: feministgathering.wolfsmutter.com

It is a pity……………………………….

“There is always going to be an overreaction to your presence whether good or bad.”

– Chris Rock on HBO’s "The Black List:Volume One" (25th August 2008)


I have decided that I don’t want to risk any further harassment, embarrassment and indignities via ISIS (under the auspice of God only knows) at the airport, so I will not cross the pond to attend Islam Expo in London; and for the time being I will curtail my international travels.

Being escorted from the exit of a plane and then questioned by ISIS about my personal life and belief system.......really is not the done thing in America.
I must say that I am confused, bewildered and vexed by the treatment that, me an American has received. The aggressive manner in which I have continually been approached was un-necessary and I think unproductive. I should feel protected by the agencies that now invoke fear in me. I don’t understand what is happening in my country, and my heart is broken.

My wanderlust that was satiated by globetrotting (such as it was) will have to be met by watching BBC news (well all things BBC), Prime Minister’s Questions, reading international papers and staying in touch with the various UK feminists groups that mean so much to me. My life of international travel for the time being is done, and perhaps that was what this was all about?

Thank you London for teaching me that I am not only an American, but a citizen of the world………………………….I will always reach out to London and I hope that London will continue to reach back to me (albeit a 4,000 mile stretch). And though I no longer feel safe encountering immigration in my country of birth I will always, always love London for its pulse, drive and complexity.

London is the gateway to the world. And the world is messy, complicated and filled with a myriad of people and ideologies that are at times downright frightening and scary…………………………………….However London has also taught me that the world is also filled with a myriad of people who don’t look or talk or think like me yet the world is a better place for their existence.

In London I have met feminists from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, North America, Asia, and Northern England and from the capital. I have met feminists who were financially destitute. I have met feminists who are wealthy and Oxford educated. In London I have met Gay and Lesbian activists, animal rights activists, children’s activists. I have met men and women fighting good, non-violent struggles for the betterment of all. In London I have met refugees with life stories that have brought tears to my eyes………………………………………..

Then there are my less socially conscious reasons for loving London. And I have to say it is so totally cool being a vegan in London…………………………………………….even a Muslim one with Catholic leanings. And who knew finding Halal, vegan food was so easy in Russell Square. Then there is the window shopping. I cannot afford to shop until I drop in London, but I can afford to board the tube with my Oyster card in hand and window shop the streets of Knightsbridge.

There is perfection on this planet and it can be found in the crowded, congested, hectic, wealthy, struggling, beautiful, dirty, pristine, historic, forward thinking, traditional, religious, secular city called London.

London you totally rock. May your citizens and protectors realize the truly special place that you are………………………………And may I again have the privilege to hear an Heathrow Airport Immigrations officer at terminal 4 (or 5) ask, "Madam what is the purpose of your trip?"

Needless to say my heart is consumed with love for London. I love you London. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Allah above knows that I love London.

Well this Negro is out.

Cheers,


Debra
American/Black/Muslim/Catholic/Feminist/Anglophile/Vegan


“There is always going to be an overreaction to your presence whether good or bad.”

– Chris Rock on HBO’s "The Black List:Volume One" (25th August 2008)

London is...

I am very excited about traveling to London for Islam Expo and more..I again rejoice at the opportunity to commune with the world in the greatest capital on the planet, London. And that makes me think of all that London means to me. As previously alluded to on this blog my travels have piqued the interests of my country, the USA, and that has put me in a vunerable position. It saddens me that I am afraid of my own government…but fearful I am. And so after this trip to London I have decided to stop my international travels, for the time being. Having US immigrations play rough with you is not a good position to be in...I have decided to remove myself from that position.

Still my lack of traveling will not change who I am, and I will always lust and crave knowledge of the world (and those who inhibit it) beyond my country of birth. And I will always love and be grateful to London for what that city had given me. And in the spirit of gratitude I would love to give thanks to a city that I have known intimately for 21 years, and a city I will always love.

London is:

1)One of the many cities that my dad was stationed in during WWII. It is the city that dad, a black man felt respected for the first time as a human being by Londoners.

2)It is the city that taught me I had a voice and a right to use it.

3)It is a city that embraced my writing – albeit in small grassroots women’s publications.

4)It is the city that exploded in my mind what it is to be a feminist...And the best word to describe it is global feminism.

5)It is the city that taught me that all policemen are not bad. And I will always be grateful for the wonderful patrolmen of Parliament Hills Field that made sure I got from the Kentish Town tube to my flat safely when I came home late at night after strategizing all day with other feminists.

6)It is the city in which I have huddled in dank, damp and dirty rooms with other women addressing political issues of the day.

7)It is the city that I have found other Muslim feminists.

8)It is the city that I have met women from across the globe that are fighting the fight and dealing with atrocities like forced marriage, rape, scaring, burning and murder of their children.

9)It is a city that celebrates IWD with a power and gusto matched by no other.

10)It is a city that is diversity and during IWD I literately was at an event in which Black, White, Asian, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Baha’i and Buddhist women sat side by side exchanging names, emails and mobile numbers as we all strategized and pontificated on issues of importance to each of us.

11)It is the city in which 3 gay white men came to my rescue when a straight white man followed me (he was running after me) from a bus in an attempt to do God only knows what to me.

12)It is a city “filled” with other vegans like myself.

13)It is city that makes shopping for Halal, vegan food a breeze.

14)It is the city that I wrote a letter to a politician (an MP) asking for an explanation of abuse of domestic workers in the UK. Not only did the MP write back, but he arranged to have a friend talk with me for an hour to provide further clarification.

15)It is the city with St. Joseph’s church on Highgate Hill, the church that was my religious home for many, many years.

16)It is the city with the Feminist Library

17)It is the city with “Gay is the Word” bookstore. Back in the day that store provided a wealth of information for me to take back to my gay friends in Chicago who were being obliterated by the new and frightening AIDS crisis.

18)It is the city with Big Ben. And on New Year’s Eve I always find a way to hear the chimes. They even sound cool over the net.

19)It is the city with Westminster – a symbol of enduring democracy.

20)It is a city with a dynamic Muslim community.

21)It is a city with a dynamic Catholic community.

22)It is a city that in one week I can go to masjid and church.

23)It is the city that encouraged me o grown the perm out of my hair.

24)Home to the British Museum.

25)It is the home of the Thames

26)It is the place that I first met Europe.

27)It is the place I mourned the loss of my father then my mother.

28)It is the place I went to for a week to watch television in my hotel room when I was sad.

29)It is the place I returned to when I was healed.

30)It is the place that I am an American, Muslim, Catholic, and vegan, feminist AND a citizen of the world.

31)It is the place with inhabitants that never seem to believe I am an American…And I have been TOLD I must be South Africa, Northern Africa or Western Africa...It has even been suggested more than once that I must be a Black Arab. Who knew huh?

32)Home to Harrods...Although I do not pass the picket lines.

33)It is a city that has taught me that the world is not black or white but shades of grey.
34)It is the city with vegetarian Irish food.

35)It is a city that has taught me it is what it is..And though I have felt saddened at the fact that I have never been able to make inroads into either London’s Afro Caribbean or Nigerian communities..I know that it is what it is.

36)It is home to the beautiful London Central Mosque.

37)It is a city in which the amazing is possible and I am brought to tears at the memory of an Asian, Muslim, woman dressed in an Abaya and I a Black American, Muslim, feminist (while dressed modestly but not covered) moved beyond our differences and embraced and and expressed words of respect and a few tears while we each gave voice to the other’s rightful place in the Ummah while waiting in line at the 2006 Islam Expo.

38)It is a city that always seems to be under attack, but never fails to prevail.

39)It is the city that I reached out to and London reached back…

40)A city I love.

Long may London reign.

Last update: 26 Dec 2018

The website for Christians Together in Camden

Take a gander at this website for a wealth of Christian and interfaith activities in and around Camden.
http://www.christianstogethercamden.org.uk/

The site is also a great source for Fairtrade activities. Oh yes and this site also gives times and locations for Taize Prayers in London. You have to at least once participate in Taize Prayer. It is yet another powerful way to commune with your maker. Don’t worry about your particular faith, as Taize can be done in complete silence. Just show up and be a part of the divine energy:
http://www.christianstogethercamden.org.uk/content.php?folder_id=17

Taize Prayer takes you to another level.

Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan

RAWA is an independent political/social organization of Afghan women dedicated to the struggle for peace, freedom, democracy and women's rights in Afghanistan. The sisters in RAWA have been in the struggle since 1977.

Their website is extremely informative and up to date. Also sign up for RAWA’s newsletter and show support to our sisters in Afghanistan.

www.rawa.org

A photography exhibition by some female Muslim students

Some images of Muslim females. Take a look at this. It will lead you to an exhibition of New York, Muslim (female) photographers who have taken some grand photos of some of the women in the Ummah. Also read the stories behind some of the women.

http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/3636

Nelson Mandela celebrates his 90th birthday in London

Concert 46664 (which was Mandela’s prison number) will start at 16.00 (4:00pm) on 27th June 2008 in Hyde Park. Proceeds from the concert with go to fund Mandela’s campaign against AIDS. And a ticket is £65.00. Check out this link for more information:

http://music.livenation.co.uk/46664concert/home/?gclid=CKnU_Ims-5MCFQuJ1QodyShGWg

The British Museum celebrates 04th July 2008 with the Yanks

If you are in the capital on 04th July 2008 drop in at the British Museum from 18.30–21.00 (6.30pm-9.00pm) for the festivities that include food cantering to the taste buds of those of us you rein from across the pond, jazz music, Native American crafts and printmaking, talks on The American Scene Exhibit. Give it a look.

Nearest Tubes: Russell Square and Tottenham Court Road
http://www.britishmuseum.org/
Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7323 8000/8299
Fax: +44 (0)20 7323 8616
Email: information@britishmuseum.org

Check out the Big Dance event in Trafalgar Square 12th July 2008

Your chance to dance or watch dancing...

If you are going to be around Trafalgar Square on Saturday, 12th July 2008 at 4pm check out what promises to be a gala dance occasion. I will not be a participate, but I will be watching..........................If you have more rhythm than me check out (and register) this link:

http://www.thebigdance2008.co.uk/


This event is sponsored by the Mayor of London's Office

My Thoughts on the Hunt

While in London for International Women’s Day I happened to watch The Qatar Debates (http://www.qatardebate.com/events/), and one of the panelist referred to the worldwide search for terrorists who identify themselves as Muslims by the various intelligence agencies as the Hunt. I am sure the term is an old one, but it is new to me. And my thoughts on the concept are equally as new.

In general I would say that I am a pacifist, but I am old enough to know that the USA like all countries needs the type of protection that only agencies such as the FBI, CIA and Secret Service can provide. The reality is that there are people with imagined and real grievances against the USA, and they seek to give vent to their ire through violent means. This can not be tolerant by any country, as there are courts, agencies, and a myriad of world-wide associations and groups where people or groups can and should seek redress. Violence is never an acceptable answer in any society…………………………………..And agencies like the FBI and CIA must protect the citizens of American. However there must be checks and balances in how these agencies protect.

I would think that there must be a personality type that is attracted to the FBI, CIA and Secret Service that would include a mixture of traits of intelligence, curiosity, courage, loyalty, and aggression. It is a good thing that the men and women who populate these agencies are more aggressive than not, BUT………………………There must always be agencies and procedures that provide checks and balances to what these folks do in the field and beyond. For example using airport passport control for the less than appropriate questioning and search of law abiding American citizens is nothing short of circumventing the Constitution and should not be allowed.

Agents in the FBI and CIA will always want to push the envelope to get the most desirous results. Indeed that is what they are trained to do. But the USA simply can not allow that to happen. When the folks of these agencies push the envelope the Constitution, committees, courts, laws and agencies that monitor them must and should push back. That to and fro may be bothersome to many, but it is what will keep this country a true democracy.

It is not particularly realistic for any of us to think that those who are in the heat of a hunt will remember such niceties as civil liberties, the rule of law or even the Constitution. Again, that must be done by those who watch and mind the hunters.

This I think not only makes for a purer democracy, but a safer one. Many innocent Muslims feel as though they are prey and that can be no good for the country or the agencies who hunt. A community that feels under siege is less likely (or willing) to provide valuable intelligence information to these agencies if they are being unjustly profiled or harassed. And surely the hunters want intelligence from a myriad of sources and not by and large from those ensnared in the system and imparting intelligence only because they have brokered a deal with their attorney.

And in closing allowing those who hunt to ravage through the lives of the innocent is something this country must never be a part of. The damaging of the innocent (whoever they may be) is more than collateral damage; it is an affront to the Constitution and everything America stands for.

Zimbabwe is calling for the support of the global village

Zimbabwe’s presidential election is Friday, 27th June 2008. Voice your contempt for the intimidation and violence that Mugabe’s administration is using to silence the will of the people. President Mugabe routinely uses rape, the withholding of food, false imprisonment and torture and more to maintain his rule of totalitarianism. Enough is enough.

Make yourself heard, and be a part of the global village.

Check out this website and please sign the petition: http:

www.zimbabwe-27june.com

The Irish give thumbs down to the Lisbon Treaty

Ireland has spoken and 53% of those casting votes have said no to the Lisbon Treaty which means it will not become law (for the moment) in the EU, as the treaty must pass all 27 member states to be ratified.
Here are the basics on the Lisbon Treaty:
1. Reduce chance of stalemates in the EU Council through more qualified majority voting
2. A stronger European Parliament
3. Elimination of the pillar system
Creation of a President of the European Council and a High Representative for Foreign Affairs
Lastly if ratified, the Treaty of Lisbon would also make the Charter of Fundamental Rights (human rights provisions) legally binding across all 27 member states.

It is thought by some that the main reason the Irish voted no was a fear of a loss of their autonomy including losing the right to ban abortion and gay marriage among other issues.

This is a quick and dirty take on a monumental and complex occurrence in EU history. For more detail check out: http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/06/13/europe/union.php

Oh yes and this bit on Ireland may be a bit off topic, but I did live in Ireland for a year. And though it has been a decade since I set foot on the Emerald Isle it is a country that stays near and dear to me………………………………………I am just not ready to make a return visit to this most complex tiny island. I would elaborate, but perhaps that is best left to another blog.

10 Downing Street responds to Save Southall Black Sisters' petition

Number 10 Downing Street has responded to the petition to Save Southall Black Sisters, the charitable organization with expertise in the issue of domestic violence in the Black and minority women’s communities.
Read the petition:

We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to urge the Department for Communities and Local Government to clarify it’s position on 'community cohesion' in relation to organisations providing non-generic, essential services to vulnerable people, such as those provided by Southall Black Sisters, a pioneering secular organisation that supports women victims of domestic violence from a wide range of ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds in Ealing Southall and beyond. More details
Submitted by Jessica Southgate – Deadline to sign up by: 06 May 2008 – Signatures: 902
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/SaveSBS/


And the response from number 10 Downing Street:
Savesbs - epetition reply
13 June 2008
We received a petition asking:
"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to urge the Department for Communities and Local Government to clarify it's position on 'community cohesion' in relation to organisations providing non-generic, essential services to vulnerable people, such as those provided by Southall Black Sisters, a pioneering secular organisation that supports women victims of domestic violence from a wide range of ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds in Ealing Southall and beyond."
Details of Petition:
"Southall Black Sisters, a pioneering and pre-eminent organisation for women victims of domestic violence from black and ethnic minority communities, is facing possible closure if Ealing Council goes ahead with a plan to cut its core funding from 1st April 2008. Ealing Council's decision is based on the view that Southall Black Sisters is a 'single group' organisation and therefore promotes segregation within the community. This view fails to take account of two things: 1. SBS is a secular organisation, helping women from a wide variety of religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, by empowering them to access what are universal human rights. 2. SBS possesses the specialist knowledge and experience to reach and help this broad range of women, who, due to their social, economic and cultural backgrounds, can be among the most marginalised and voiceless women in British society."
· Read the petition
· Petition's home page
Read the Government's response
We recognise the good work Southall Black Sisters have done in the local community and the national impact that they have had.
In February of this year we published a consultation document on cohesion guidance for funders, setting out how building relationships with people from different backgrounds helps to ensure stronger community relations, as well as identifying some risks run by work focused only on a particular group. We published a consultation rather than final guidance as we want to learn from the experience of funders and funded organisations and develop the guidance in line with the commitment in the Compact on relations between Government and the Voluntary and Community Sector to consult on issues affecting the sector. We stated in our guidance that there may be reasons for different consideration on funding organisations that help tackle domestic violence and would encourage funders to take this guidance into account when making their decisions.
Further Information
http://www.pm.gov.uk/output/Page15744.asp

Plug into Amnesty International and you do your part

Amnesty International has an urgent call (UA 166/08) out for the release of Iranians:

Fathollah Manouchehri Fouladvand (aka Foroud Fouladvand)
Alexander Valizadeh (aka Kourosh Lor)
Nazem Schmidtt (aka Simorgh)

Fathollah Fouladvand is the leader of Anjoman-e Padeshahi-e Iran (API), a group which advocates the restoration of the Iranian monarchy. It is believed that Mr. Fouladvand and Mr. Vlizadeh and Mr. Schmidtt (also members of the same group) are all being detained in Tehran and subject to torture and ill-treatment with the possibility of death.

For more detailed information and what you can do to help check out Amnesty International’s website: http://www.amnestyusa.org/actioncenter/actions/uaa16608.pdf

A Delegation from the EU for the USA

Here is some interesting information on the EU. It is made up of the following countries:

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
United Kingdom

Also take a look at the Europe Union Delegation of European Commission to the USA’s web page: http://www.eurunion.org/

There is loads of information on what the EU is and how it works. Also order some of the free publications (must have a USA address) for in-depth analysis on a myriad of aspect of the European Union from increasing trade from between the EU and Asia to civil rights issues unique to each member state (country). And download "The European Union: A Guide for Americans."

The House of Commons narrowly accepts PM Brown’s 42 day detention law. Now the law goes to the House of Lords for consideration. Very quickly the new law would allow the police to detain some terrorist suspects without charge. For more information on the pending change in the law and stats on the vote go to the BBC website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7448341.stm

War on Terror and Civil Liberties in the UK - And 42 day detention for terrorist suspects in the UK

For a lively discussion addressing the threat of terrorism without trampling on civil rights check out this week's Prime Minster's Questions . The debate between PM Gordon Brown and Tory Leader David Cameron is quite topical and interesting.

Here are some links:

Number 10:

http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page306.asp


Tory Slant:

http://www.conservatives.com/tile.do?def=news.story.page&obj_id=145241

C-Span:

http://www.c-span.org/Series/Prime-Minister-Questions.aspx


By the by C-Span shows Prime Minster's Questions three times a week. On Wednesdays at 6am (CST) and Sundays at 8pm & 11pm (CST). Prime Minster's Question is truly democracy in action as the various UK poltical parties hash out their constituent's issues/interests/concerns face to face..........................And they are so polite as they metaphorically slash each other to bits. It is so British, and I love it.


Also it is interesting to watch both Mr. Brown and Mr. Cameron as they maneuver and stretch as leaders of their respective parties. And though I tend to be on the more liberal side of the political spectrum I must admit that Mr. Cameron is turning out to be quite the political shinning star. Bravo Mr. Cameron.

Some mutterings and primal anxiety, as I prepare to cross the pond for Islam Expo

Originally published 08 June 2008
Last updated 30 September 2019

After more than 21 years of international travel my globetrotting (albeit it rather limited to London of late) seems to have caught the interest/attention of the powers that be in my country of birth, America.  As mentioned in a previous post on this blog I was stopped and integrated by two CBP (Custom Border Patrol agents (women) while two men watch (one male CBP agent and a man in a suit taking notes) in November 2007.

 It was nothing short of frightening, humiliating and demeaning. Then in March of this year (2008) I was stopped again on my return home (to the USA) and questioned again by one the two women who questioned me in November 2007. It is quite “interesting” that my government thought it was necessary for me to meet again one of the four people who had so violated me in November 2007.

In July 2008 I am crossing the pond to attend several Islamic functions. As always I will be forthcoming with British Immigrations about the purpose of my trip. In addition, I register my trips with the US Embassy in London via the State Department offers a free online service for all Americans to register their trips abroad. Which means what I am doing in London should be of little surprise to anyone. Still I must admit, I am nervous about facing Immigrations in my own country – my country of birth.

It is not that I have anything to hide…on the contrary as stated above my travels should be of little surprise to an. Still I am leery of US Immigrations. Of late I feel that the “War on Terror” has been engulfed with a mentality that is a mixture of fear/lack of knowledge/hubris/intimidation...that often leads to bullying people simply because they look, act, sound, or are perceived to be 'different.' 

Literally when walking through an airport in America I get the feeling that CBP has been programmed with the mantra, “US against them.” And I wonder if this is an effective manner of protecting America?

I have always thought that the role of Customs/Immigration in this country (or any country) was to protect the borders and gather intelligence all while operating under the auspice of the rule of law. 

If what is happening to me and many others that I know crossing the pond is indicative of a pattern…that is simply not the case. Instead I feel that the role of CBP is simply to instill feelings of fear and intimidation amongst the general population...focusing particularly on the population of travelers who are deemed to be "different" and therefore not one of "US".

People are routinely singled out because they “appear” to be Muslim or are traveling alone. In fact two years ago on a transatlantic flight returning to the States there was a Muslim woman traveling with her young son; she was wearing a hijab. I and another woman warned her that she would be singled out for harassment because she was visibly Muslim and traveling with a young child. 

She naively thought we were wrong. Sadly we were right…and literally the woman was being screamed at and told they (CBP) could not understand what she was saying. Now I cannot say with 100% certainty that this woman was a benign international traveler, however her accent laced English was easily understood by all – except it appears the two CBP agents screaming at her.

And then my experience of November 2007 being screamed at by a young, Latin X,  woman as she walked me from the plane to passport control…I still wonder how her behavior aided the US in keeping our borders safe? Also as this young, female CBP agent led me from the exit of the plane to passport control she spoke to me in Ebonics.

 Her neck gyrated to and fro like a turkey ready for battle as she waved her hands around in this most distasteful caricatured of a Black woman. She let me know right away that she thought I was a criminal and then she said she was sure that I was stopped all the time by CBP.  That was an interesting comment. Was the ISIS agent yet again voicing her beliefs that I was a nefarious character that needed to be rooted out...Or was she admitting CBP propensity for stopping women of color?

In fact the more vocal of my integrators was so sure I was up to something that she did not even bother to look at my passport file once I was processed through passport control. This young woman seemed to have a mission at hand, and it seemed to be completely based on her voicing her beliefs that my international travels were unusual and therefore I must be up to something despicable. 

It was also interesting to note that this young woman seemed to quite enjoy and found great pleasure in screaming at me and demeaning me. In fact this Custom Border Patrol agent thought it was even necessary to scream at me when she thought I was walking to fast too towards the passport control desk. At when I turned to look at her face her nostril were flared and she was smirking from ear to ear. Quite odd indeed.

Is that also an aspect of the “War on Terror”? And what was the substantive value of the racial/ethnic editorializing by CBP Agent and her hostile demeanor?I was watched while I collected my bags by the young female CBP agent and the man in a suit. Then I was walked by the volatile/violent young, female CBP agent and another female Custom Border Patrol  agent. I was taken to an open area where my luggage was searched by the older (of the two) female CBP agent while the younger female CBP agent continued to scream at me, call me a liar and tell me that I was making up stories.

The "gentleman" in a suit watched this freak show in abuse and took notes, while a black male CBP agent stood by and observed. I think this man’s role was to somehow “legitimize” this travesty simply because he was there and black, as he said nothing and did not “actively” participate in this civil rights carnage. 

Another interesting side is that the two men watched as the women, particularly 'Ms. Volatility' ripped me apart for 30 minutes. Every-time I looked away from the women I noticed the two men just staring at the mundane items (like business papers and programs from a museum and art gallery) taken out of my luggage.

The two men never directly made eye contact with me. I suppose the way they mollified their guilt and shame for watching me getting “mauled” was to not connect with me as a human being. It worked because the ladies continued in a frenzy that was akin to two lionesses in a hunting frenzy.

I am very curious what they could have possibly gleamed from the exercise in violation of my human rights. What kind of people could participate in and/or watch something like this for 30 minutes? Oh and the reason my detention finally stopped was that I was trembling and near tears. And what did they learn, nothing, as what I told them was information readily at the hands of the USA government. And in my passport file – and that would be the same passport file that the young, female, ISIS agent neglected to read. Is America safer as a result of what they did to me (and what I hear they are doing to countless others)?

I personally think the directive being employed by CBP is a “fast food” approach to national security. And stopping people of color simply because their genetic ancestry is not from Europe or they are "Muslim looking” people or lone women travelers are really way too simplistic criteria to have an effective impact on reducing the legitimate threat to America. I mean if I a middle-aged, accountant can pick out who will be stopped by CBP then something is clearly wrong.

Now the reality is that stopping (and making a great show of it) hijab wearing women, bearded men and “darkies” of all persuasions might make some people feel safe in and out of CBP but what does it accomplish? Really if one is aiming to do harm to America then to lessen the likely-hood of being stopped by CBP most people should now know you shouldn’t “look” Muslim and you might want to steer clear of the tanning salon or the sun and if you are a lone traveler than hook-up with someone if only to have a traveling companion. I know (and hope) the “random” selection of international travelers for secondary interviews might be more complex than that, but with CBP agents making racially inappropriate comments one wonders?

In closing the Ummah (the world wide Muslim community) is comprised of over a billion people. We rein from a plethora of countries, cultures, ethnics groups and ideologies. For CBP to be instructed to use a black and white paradigm (which is my belief) when the world is filled with shades of grey...is I think less than productive. Really there have always been Black, American, Muslim, Vegan, Anglophile, Middle-Aged, Feminists with Catholic leanings in the Ummah...It is you who have now only just realized that.

PS – To my friend “D” may I always have the courage that you show in your life...I am going to need that courage to deal with the powers who decide what is what.

Wassalaam,

Debra V. Wilson 

Upcoming events for Camden Abu Dis

Check out the following events for Camden Abu

(1) CADFA reception for the Palestinian children (and their teachers) - Tuesday evening 17th 7pm Torriano Meeting House - Please bring a dish to share (this will be supper for our guests so we are talking food rather than snacks) and come on time! We would like to eat and mingle at 7 (and again after the meeting that follows... )

(2) Public meeting for Refugee Week - PALESTINIAN REFUGEES - Tuesday evening 17th 7.30 pm Torriano Meeting House (our usual open meeting time)Talks bySirat Sandouqa, head of the UNWRA School, Abu DisAmjad Taha, Nakba 60Palestinian refugee from 1948 (invited)followed by discussion.NOTE - We would like to move this to a bigger room if we can find one (no luck so far) - any (rapid) help appreciated.

(3) CADFA PICNIC with the Palestinian children - Saturday lunchtime, 21st June, meet near the Parliament Hill Bandstand 1pm - bring food to share.

(4) MIDSUMMER CONCERT at Holy Cross Church, Cromer Street, 7pm - Saturday 21st June - with Wisam Boustany (flute)Ahmed Eriqat (oud)the Sadaqa trioGuests of honour Dr Manuel Hassassian, George Galloway, Dr Husam Zomlot, Sirat Sandouqa and the Palestinian childrenEntrance free thanks to sponsorship by Spiderednews.comand we hope for your donations towards the children's visitDo come early to ensure you get a seat.

(5) INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL at Hampstead Town Hall - Sunday 22nd June 1-4 pm includesthe Palestinian kidsPalestinian storyteller Rasha Hamamimusic, song, film by kids from various Camden youth groups and schoolsWe are hoping for the rough cuts of the Abu Dis kids' films - they have been working on them for the past few weeks!--------------------

Go to the source: www.camdenabudis.net

London United and pitbulls

London United in Finsbury Park on Sunday, 13th July 2008 is the annual free festival that aims to celebrate and embrace the rich diversity that is London through live music and other performances.

I attended London United in 2006 and it was well “interesting”. The music was great; however the second hand smoke was a bit daunting. And well I just did not know there were so many pitbulls in London. For some reason beyond my comprehension many of the young men in attendance seemed to think it was necessary to bring along their canine friend and the canine of choice seemed to be a pitbull. And speaking of young men the gender/age mix leaned heavy on the testosterone pumping crowd under 25 years of age……………………………..so um I will probably attend London United, but as I did in 2006 I will limit my visit to less than an hour.

Oh yes the police presence in 2006 was heavy, heavy, heavy…………………………………And if you do decide to attend let the cops be your guide. And when I saw the local men/women in blue get “nervous” I left. Still, London United gives you a less than glamorous – yet still valid view of London. And watching performance from every ethnic group in London is awe inspiring. All I say is watch the cops and when they start huddling together and calling for back-up – leave.
And yes I still love London even while attending a “thugged” out music festival.

For more information on London United follow the weblink: http://www.risefestival.org/

Big Dance in London 05th - 13th July 2008

Hey while in London for IslamExpo I am going to check out some other events around the capital. And I am looking forward to watching (but not participating in) the Big Dance in London.
Strictly speaking dancing is viewed as haram in many quarters of the Muslim world…………………………Still to watch a person master the art of moment without crudeness is an art form to me. So I shall hunt and peck through the boroughs of London city for Big Dance events. Check out the Mayor of London’s website for more information: http://www.london.gov.uk/bigdance/

The Big Dance runs from 05th – 13th July 2008. Watch and maybe even participate in the Capital’s week long celebration of movement to a beat.

Midsummer Concert - Music from East and West

Camden Abu Dis Friendship Association in association with the London Club invite you to a Midsummer free concert.

Music from East and West including Ahmed Eriqat from Abu Dis, oud the Saddaqa Trio from Camden, violin and viola.

When: 21st June at 7pm
Where: Holy Cross Church, Cromer St WC1

Guests of honour include Dr Manuel Hassassian - George Galloway - Dr Hussam Zumlot & Palestinian children visitors from Abu Dis.

Entrance will be free thanks to sponsorship from SpideredNews.com & all donations welcome.
All proceeds go to CADFA for the Abu Dis children's visit to Camden.
No advance booking, so please come early to ensure you get a place.

For more information go to: www.camdenabudis.net

Women's Leadership Summit in Canary Wharf

Take a look at this Women's Leadership Summit. It is expensive, but still give it a look.........................................the website is great and informative.

2008 Women's Leadership Summit By Aurora
OVER 150 IMPRESSIVE DELEGATES

Wednesday 4 June 2008The Marriot, Canary Wharf, London
Why attend:The Summit showcases the very best in female business leaders across sectors, discussing the exciting business critical projects they lead and the challenges they face. Learn about wider business issues, network with corporate colleagues from across sectors, be inspired to accelerate your own career.

Delegates include: Accenture, Aviva, Bank of America, British American Tobacco, Canon, Capital One, Channel 4, Cisco, Clifford Chance, Credit Suisse, Dell, Deloitte, EDF Energy, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Eversheds, E&Y, Goldman Sachs, Google, IBM, Infosys, KPMG, MBNA, McGraw Hill, Microsoft, MTV, National Grid, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Rabobank, Royal & SunAlliance, Royal Mail, RWE Npower, Schlumberger, Shell, UBS, Unilever, Zurich Financial and many more leading corporate organisations ...

Over 30 impressive female business leaders from progressive corporations discussing their work, the markets, their companies ... and their views on the Gender Agenda !

For more information follow the weblink: http://www.wheretowork.com/women2008/register.asp

Join the Millenium Group project in Empowering Women for Peace and Democracy

The Millenium Group project was launched in the House of Lords on April 21st and our first Information/Training Day was held on April 24th. Both attracted many enthusiastic participants and the Launch was the subject of a Sky Television programme on May 9th. We would now like to invite your members to our Second Information/Training Day on:
Saturday 14th June 2008
Venue: The Ba'hai Centre, 27 Rutland Gate, London SW7 1PD
Closest tube station: Knightsbridge
Time: 10.00am - 5.00pm(registration at 9.30)
Theme: Overcoming Institutional Barriers to Gender Equality
Speakers in the morning: Dr Jocelynne Scutt: 'Overcoming Barriers in Australia 'Dismantling Discrimination in Austria (Speaker TBC)UN Protection of Human Rights (Speaker TBC)LUNCH
Speakers in the afternoon: Elizabeth Sidney OBE, Chair WAFETina Coombes, Vice president Europe WFWP International'Overcoming Barriers to Women entering Parliament' (Speaker TBC)

An addendum to my previous post of: Islam Expo,London and my hijab

I feel I must clarify my previous post, when traveling while Muslim one can expect to have “interesting” and at times “intense” travel experiences when crossing paths with the immigrations officials of the world. And I will say that when declaring the purpose of my trip to British Immigrations they have at times been extremely inquisitive about the Muslim women seminars and events I have crossed the pond to attend on my dime.

My theory is that I will always be honest with British Immigrations about the purpose of my trip and if that means telling them that I have flown 4,000 miles across the Atlantic to attend a 3 hour seminar on the lives of Iraqi, Kurdish and Afghani women than so be it. I have at times gotten looks and the questions have been never ending when standing before the Immigrations official at hand. Still I have never once picked up the personal bias and prejudice of the official I was standing before. In other words they were simply doing their jobs.

It was only in my country of birth, America that I was “detained” in November 2007 before 4 immigration officials (well 3 uniformed immigration officials) the 4th person was a man in a suit taking notes. The experience lasted for 30 minutes and I felt quite mauled when it was over.
In March I was detained again when I returned home, but it was only by one person. In fact it was one of the women who had detained me on my return home in November 2007. I have now grown quite fearful of traveling – and my greatest fear lies in returning home and having to deal with TSA. Still I am alive, so that means I will continue to have wanderlust. With each incursion into my life by the State Department and TSA I grow concerned that I will no longer be able to cross the pond…………………………………………………But I will push on and hope and pray that British Immigration continues their tolerance of my love of London and all the people in it.

May Allah grant all the wisdom to encourage us all to explore the world (in all manner of ways) and learn more about those that we share the planet with……………………………………………..And to the gatekeepers I would ask and hope that they learn and learn and learn and not rely so much on stereotypes and preconceived notions of the “other”.

Allahu akbar (God is the greatest) the world really is an interesting place – flaws and all. Join those of us who wander the globe and learn. It is a painful, challenging, scary but ultimately a beautifully thing. Come alive and learn.

Islam Expo,London and my hijab

In mid July I am crossing the pond (yet again), but this time to attend Islam Expo. The organisers have just posted the seminars. http://www.islamexpo.com/attractions.php?id=7&art=11 Take a gander, as the event promises to be eye opening.

Like the grand city hosting the Islam Expo (London) this event challenges the reality of diversity and mixing and socialising with those who are "different". As a Muslim, feminist of color raised by a Catholic father and a Muslim mother, my interpretation of Islam differs from many of the people I rubbed shoulders with at Islam Expo 2006, but I always felt a part of the Ummah.

In fact the most awesome thing about the Islam Expo is that despite the media Islam is now and will always be a diverse lot of men, women and children. So I am eagerly planning my next trip with much excitement.

Oh and one more bit of news I have to share. This will be the first trip in which I will cover (wear my hijab). I always dress in a modest manner, but in general I only cover when at mosque. However a rather unsettling experience at the "hands" of several TSA agents in November 2007 has rather made me decide to wear my hijab as a sign of pride and love of my faith.

After all if I can be detained by TSA for a half an hour and have my prayer books manhandled,my religious beliefs laughed at and spoken to by one TSA officer in a less than intelligent manner (she spoke to me in "ebonics") then my theory of not wearing my hijab to avoid just this sort of treatment was well - wrong. I was even asked repeatedly who I lived with. And my luggage was searched by two women while two men looked on. All very dis-respectful and quite unpleasant.

I found the question of my living arrangements as particularly jarring as they seemed to want to hear that I lived with a man. And the question was asked more than three times. Co-habitation (outside of marriage) of non-related people of the opposite sex is haram in Islam. As I live alone and told the TSA this several times I can only think the repeating of this question again and again was to serve as to humiliate me. I regret to say that it did.

And being on the receiving end of four myopic people with power and preconceived, prurient and basal notions of what it is to be a Black, American Muslim and female was a rather daunting experience………………………………….But I hope I will not let it stop me from traveling and lawfully exporing the world and the complicated people in it.

So with hijab on head, enthiusiam in heart and my love of London and all the wonders and challenges the city brings - I AM CROSSING THE POND AGAIN.

By the way I know that some people have experienced problems with British Immigration - that has not been my case. I do not discount the life experiences of others, but I must acknowledge the reality of my life. And I would like to thank in writng British Immigration for the tolerance and respect they have always shown me in the 21 years I have crossed the pond and visited the capital. They have shown much respect (and tolerance) to me a Feminist (now Muslim Feminist), vegan, animal rights activist, heavy metal listening, numbers crunching, mosque and church going, woman of color.

Cheers,

Debra /div>

PS: It is a forgone conclusion if you are crossing the pond or just boarding a plane to fly a few miles if you are traveling to anything at all related to Islam that you are going to end up on somebody's - list. Still never let it stand in your way of exploring Allah’s creation world and the people in it.

_
And always, but always have London on the top of your places to visit…………………….I mean if the capital can tolerate a head banging, vegan, Muslim Feminist with an ever increasing obsession with the British Museum it has to be awesome.
More on my upcoming trip to London in a few days…………………………………………

LadyFest 2008 just a few days away

For a plethora of women’s film, music and videos check out LadyFest 2008 London. Clink on this link for scheduling, tickets and other pertinent information.

http://www.ladyfestlondon.co.uk/

LadyFest 2008 just a few days away

For a plethora of women’s film, music and videos check out LadyFest 2008 London. Clink on this link for scheduling, tickets and other pertinent information.

http://www.ladyfestlondon.co.uk/

The Saudi Blogger - Freed

On Saturday, 26th April 2008 the Saudi Blogger Fouad al-Farhan was freed from a Saudi jail after 4 months of imprisonment. For more details on this story take a look at the following links.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080427/wl_mideast_afp/saudimediainternetpolitics_080427115450

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/2008/04/27/freed_saudi_blogger_calls_prison_unique/2989/

http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20080428/wl_csm/oblogger_1

London has a new mayor

The people have spoken and London has a new mayor. London is a magnificent city with a splendid diverse and complicated population. Each day as mayor of London I would imagine will fill you with challenges and joy.

The people of London have intrusted you with a jewel, governance of the capital. It is a privilege and an honor.

Congratulations Mr. Johnson and may you serve London well.


From Debra, a most avid Anglophile

Show your support for Anatole Zali

Please see Amnesty International’s campaign asking Switzerland to stop their forcible return of eighteen year old Cameroonian national Anatole Zali. Mr. Zali is homosexual and in his native country his sexual orientation is a punishable crime.

Become familiar with Anatole Zali’s plight and please act now.

http://www.amnestyusa.org/actioncenter/actions/uaa06308.pdf

Interesting blogs for thinking folks

http://houzanmahmoud.blogspot.com/

http://www.opendemocracy.net/blog/we_stand_for_all_women

http://www.opendemocracy.net/blog/5050/middle_east_the_terrorized_half_of_our_society

Conference to Remember Du’a Khalil and denounce Honour Killings globally!

Date: Saturday, 12th April, 2008

Time: 5.00-9:00pm
Address: University of London Union (ULU)
Room 3D
Malet Street
London, WC1E 7HY
Closest underground: Russell Square

Last year the world was stunned by images of a 17 year old girl being stoned to death in Iraqi Kurdistan; an international panel will debate the rise of honour killings, violence against women, gender apartheid and political Islam in Kurdistan/Iraq and the Middle East.

The speakers include women’s rights activists, academics and experts from Kurdistan, Iraq,

Iran, Sweden, New Zealand, and Britain and include:
-Dr Sandra Phelps: Head of Sociology Department, Kurdistan University
-Houzan Mahmoud: representative of Organisation Women’s Freedom in Iraq
-Heather Harvey: head of women’s campaign-Amnesty International in UK
-Maryam Namazie: Spokesperson of Equal Rights Now; Organisation against Women's

Discrimination in Iran:
-Maria Hagberg: Cofounder of Network against Honour Killings in Sweden
-Azar Majedi: Chair of Organisation for Women’s Liberation in Iran
Chair: Maria Exall, Communication Workers' Union National Executive in UK

For more information and to confirm your attendance please contact the organiser:

Houzan Mahmoud: houzan2007@yahoo.com Tel: 07534264481

Organisation of Women’s Freedom in Iraq- Abroad representative www.equalityiniraq.com

IslamExpo 2008 in London

This expo brings together Muslims from a myriad of cultures and ideologies, and invites non-Muslims to learn more about Islam and its various forms in a safe environment. No they are not seeking to convert or influence. The conference simply aims to illustrate Islam through the ages and through the prism of the multiple cultures that the faith has touched. I attended the IslamExpo in 2006, and it was brilliant.

There will be workshops, lectures, debates, panels, discussions, Islamic gardens, concerts and more.

The Expo will be held at:
Olympia Venue
Hammersmith Road
LondonW14 8UX

Disabled Visitor Enquiries+44 (0)20 7370 8078


PLEASE DON’T RESPOND TO THIS POST. FOR MORE INFO GO TO THE SOURCE:

http://www.islamexpo.com/

You may contact them by phone, mail or email

Islam Expo
36 Millennium House
Humber Road London NW2 6DW
Tel: +44 0845 108 5101
Fax: +44 0845 108 5102
Sales: +44 0845 108 5103
E-mail: info@islamexpo.com

*****Wrap-up of this blog will be written shortly*****

International Women's Day 2008 in London

Well I am back from my trip. The experiences I had were varied, intense, wonderful, scary, edifying, annoying, familiar, new, frustrating, moving and beautiful. It was a grand trip. I of course did not have time to do everything that was planned, but in the four days I was in the capital much was accomplished.

For now I will give you a brief overview of what was done and seen, and in the coming days I will go into detail. Here goes:

· Saw some friends
·Attended Capitalwoman 08
·I saw Angela Davis in person
·Checked out a Trade Fair
·Shared a meal with an Algerian/American family and their Palestinian friend in a Middle Eastern restaurant on Edgware Road in Marble Arch. I met this wonderful group of people at the Trade Fair I attended, and they invited me to share a meal and some conversation with them. It was such an edifying way to end a Saturday evening in London.
·Gave a workshop at 9th Feminist March Gathering
·Visited the improvised community of Hackney for the first time after 21 years of travel to London
·Made connections with feminists from a myriad of perspectives, i.e. lesbian, ecological, Asian, Black, European, Jewish and Transgendered.
· Met some human rights activists from Zimbabwe – well in fact I met some human rights activists from many, many parts of the world
· Made it to a lecture on women in Palestine
· After several years of membership at the British Museum actually attended one of its members’ nights.
· Met an American fashion designer who has lived in the UK for many, many years
· Attended Solemn Mass at Westminster Cathedral
· Made it to ICC. I missed Salat ul Zuhr (noon prayer), but I browsed the bookstore and had a brilliant conversation with a Muslim woman dressed in a black niqab and abaya. We had in some respects different ideologies, but we were able to converse simply on the fact that we were both women of the Book.
· Purchased some wonderful books at a resale shop across the street from the British Museum
· Had a myriad of conversations with all manner of Londoners
· And even had a man come to my rescue while I shopped for groceries in Waitrose – I was not a damsel in distress, but this English gentleman did come to my aid.
· Hey one more thing. The senior pilot on the flight to London was a woman. It was just so fitting given I was crossing the pond for International Women’s Day.
As promised in the opening sentences more later.......................................

SAVE Southall Black Sisters - deadline 06th May 2008

Support the petition submitted by Jessica Southgate to keep Southall Black Sisters, a secular organisation that provides support and answers to a myriad of women of Ealing and beyond who are victims of violence and coercion. The deadline to sign is 06th May 2008.Please note you must be a UK citizen, resident, expatriate, in an overseas territory, a Crown dependency or in the Armed Forces (UK national).

Pass this link along:

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/SaveSBS/

A petition to make International Women's Day a holiday in the UK

Support the petition submitted by Sabrina Qureshi (Coordinator) of Million Women Rise to make International Women's Day a public holiday in the UK.

Please note you must be a UK citizen, resident, expatriate, in an overseas territory, a Crown dependency or in the Armed Forces (UK national).

Pass this link along:


http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/IWDpublicholiday/

Deadline is 07th December 2008

International Women's Day website

Give a peak to this International Women's Day website that lists almost 600 events in almost 50 countries. And yes I do realise that there are places beyond London. Here is the website:


http://www.internationalwomensday.com/events.asp

“DON’T FORGET US!” - Ronak Safarzadeh and Hana Abdi

“DON’T FORGET US!”

These are the words of two young women, Ronak Safarzadeh and Hana Abdi, detained by the Iranian government for the last six months accused of:

· ‘Endangering national security’
· ‘Collaboration with foreign backed groups’
· ‘Disturbing public opinion and moral’

They are not terrorists. Ronak Safarzadeh and Hana Abdi are equal rights advocates working in the deprived Kurdistan villages of Iran.

Since 12th June 2006, there have been over 300 known cases of arrests/detention for advocates of equal rights. These men and women have worked within the confines of the existing Islamic laws governing Iran yet the very same laws have been used to arrest and detain them.

They are advocates of freedom for all in Iran, and yet they are faced with social and legal discrimination, as well as cultural barriers. Still these Iranians citizens have found ways of working within the system towards equal social and political rights.

On Saturday, March 8th 2008, International Women’s Day, Association des Chercheurs Iraniens (ACI) will launch a year long programme of celebrations to honour the courage and achievements of Iranian women under oppression.

For more information contact:website: http://www.aciiran.com/, email: http://mail.google.com/mail/h/qenjqxqu7xhb/?v=b&cs=wh&to=London@aciiran.comACI - PO Box 7630 London NW6 3ZB, England. Tel 44 20 7328 8415 Fax 44 20 7328 1484Registered Offices: Paris-France, London-England, Berlin-Germany, Zurich-Switzerland, Washington D.C.-USA

Fawcet - 05th March 2008 - Get Acquainted

On the Wednesday, 5th of March Fawcett will be open its doors to the general public in order to find out what you think about Fawcett and their work. Fawcett is beckoning people from all backgrounds to come and learn about current projects and what role the public could play in helping us achieve gender equality. Fawcett’s Director, Dr Katherine Rake, will be answering your questions in person, e-mail and telephone. Just call us on 020 7253 2598 or e-mail

petronela.sasurova@fawcettsociety.org.uk to make an appointment.

Getting to London from the States

This time of the year is off-season, so it is possible to fly from the USA to London relatively cheaply. Go online and scan the net for discount fares to the capital. As you know there are a myriad of discount airline brokers online.

In terms of hotels as the dollar seems to be taking a pounding (no pun intended) against the British currency, so airlines are doing favorable packages with great hotel packages to encourage Yanks to cross the pond. Also contact VistBritain.com to explore the possibility of renting a flat for visits of at least a week.

Iraqi Women IWD in London

Blurb on Iraqi Women IWD in London:

Act Together: Women’s Action for Iraq is inviting you to join us in marking International Women’s Day 2008


Monday, 10th March 2008, 6-8:30pm
Venue: Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS, Russell Square Reception: 6-6:30pm

Through the narratives from 8 women and digital photographs the lives of current Iraqi women will be shared.

Nadje Al-Ali:“The Impact of the occupation on Iraqi Women’s Every day lives”Film showing (15 min on Open Shutters)

Maysoon Pachachi:“Stories and Images of Iraqi Women Under Occupation”
The event is sponsored by the Centre for Gender Studies, SOAS.

Act Together, PO Box 34728, London N7 6XEhttp://www.acttogether.org/info@acttogether.org

IWD - just a week away

Well I still have packing to do, and I am still finalising the syllabus for my workshop at the 9th March Feminist Gathering, ‘Women of the Book who go by the Name Feminists’. Still more IWD events are being announced every day. So here is a cheat sheet from Women in London (http://www.womeninlondon.org.uk/). Please note this list does not contain all the events in the capital, but it is comprehensive:


** International Women's Day campaign marks 6 year anniversary of the kidnap of Ingrid Betancourt **
23-Feb (Green Pary) England and Wales
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Libertarias - IWD screening at Haringey Independent Cinema **
06-Mar 19:00:00 (HIC) London N15
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Wonderful Women Stand-Up **
06-Mar 20:00:00 (Brighton and Hove Women's Day) Brighton
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** BEV Film Festival 2008 - Opening Night Gala **
06-Mar 20:10:00 (Bird's Eye View) London Southbank
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Joolz Denby - plus - Mab Jones and Reality for IWD **
06-Mar 20:30:00 (Apple and Snakes) London E1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** The Gathering - Bodies and Memory Festival - Celebrating
International Women's Day Week (until 9th) **
07-Mar (Bernie Grant Arts Centre) London N15
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** IWD Tower Hamlets: CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2008**
07-Mar 10:00:00 (Lincoln Area Regeneration Group) London E3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** IWD Tower Hamlets: MUDCHUTE PAMPER DAY **
07-Mar 10:00:00 (Mudchute Childrens Centre) London E14
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** IWD Tower Hamlets: HEALTHY LIFESTYLES **
07-Mar 11:00:00 (Community of Refugees from Vietnam – East London) London E14
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** IWD Tower Hamlets: WOMEN IN ACTION **
07-Mar 12:00:00 (Tower Hamlets Sickle Cell and Thallasaemia Centre) London E2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** IWD City University - Free Complementary Health Taster Sessions **
07-Mar 12:00:00 (Not known) London Central
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** BEV Film Festival 2008 - Lakshmi And Me + Migration **
07-Mar 18:30:00 (Bird's Eye View) London WC1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** WISE WORDS: COMEDY NIGHT with NINIA BENJAMIN, NINA CONTI, JO ENRIGHT, SHAPPI KHORSANDI & SHAZIA MIRZA + CHi2 **
07-Mar 20:30:00 (Alternative Arts) London E1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Transport to Million Women Rise leaves from Nottinghamd **
08-Mar 08:00:00 (eastside (east midlands) wimmins coalition against violence) Nottingham
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Capital Woman 2008 **
08-Mar 09:00:00 (City Hall) London SE1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Feminism Then and Now - Free Conference **
08-Mar 09:30:00 (Bolton Women's Liberation Group) Bolton
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** IWD Tower Hamlets: SUPPORTING THE PROCESS **
08-Mar 10:30:00 (Spread the Word Writing Course) London E1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** IWD Tower Hamlets: CULTURE KITCHEN TOWER HAMLETS 2008 **
08-Mar 11:00:00 (Women's Environmental Network) London E1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** International Women's Day Event **
08-Mar 11:00:00 (44 Portland Place (YWCA)) London W1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** IWD Tower Hamlets: WOMEN'S ENTERPRISE DAY Showcasing Women in Business **
08-Mar 11:00:00 (Limehouse Project) London E14
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** IWD Tower Hamlets: ASIATICA **
08-Mar 11:00:00 (Globe Bengali Mohila Samity) London E2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Celebrate International Women's Day at the Hillingdon Womens Centre **
08-Mar 12:00:00 (Hillingdon Womens Centre) London Hillingdon
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** BEV Film Festival 2008 - Flying: Confessions Of A Free Woman + Q&A (Part 1) **
08-Mar 12:00:00 (Bird's Eye View) London WC2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** BEV Film Festival 2008 - Flying: Confessions Of A Free Woman + Q&A (Part 2) **
08-Mar 12:00:00 (Bird's Eye View) London WC2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** A million women will march Saturday 8th March 2008 **
08-Mar 12:00:00 (Million Woman Rise) London central
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Stand up and be counted - for a woman's right to choose! **
08-Mar 12:30:00 (Abortion Rights) London Westminster
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** BEV Film Festival 2008 - Sleepwalking Land + Q&A **
08-Mar 13:00:00 (Bird's Eye View) London WC1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** IWD Tower Hamlets: CONFERENCE: The Role of Bangladeshi Women
in British Society **
08-Mar 14:00:00 (Bangladesh Mohila Sanstha) London E1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** IWD Tower Hamlets: BE COUNTED **
08-Mar 14:00:00 (Amaal Girls Group) London E1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** IWD Celebrations to honour the courage and achievements of Iranian women under oppression **
08-Mar 14:00:00 (ACI) London W2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Free participatory performance, a women rendez-vous on the 8th of March **
08-Mar 15:00:00 (Nathalie Dubreu) London SE1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** IWD Tower Hamlets: IWD EXTRAVAGANZA **
08-Mar 15:00:00 (Project Space and New Avenues Youth & Community Project) London E1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** IWD Tower Hamlets: CONCERT: Songs for Women's Rights **
08-Mar 17:00:00 (Udichi Shilpi Gosthi) London E1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Nivea Funny Women Stand Up on International Women's Day **
08-Mar 19:00:00 (Funny Women) London EC4
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Electric Landladies IWD Gig **
08-Mar 19:30:00 (Chats Palace) London East
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** WISE WORDS: MUSIC NIGHT with SARAH JANE MORRIS + La Rouge **
08-Mar 20:30:00 (Alternative Arts) London E1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Feminist Gathering in London **
09-Mar (9th March Group) London
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** IWD Tower Hamlets: WOMEN'S DAY ON THE FARM **
09-Mar 12:30:00 (Spitalfields City Farm) London E1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** IWD Tower Hamlets: ARTISTS TALK: Sanchita Islam **
09-Mar 12:30:00 (Beside Tower Hamlets Befriending Scheme) London E3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** WISE WORDS: BISHWO SHAHITTO KENDRO The World Literature Centre - with four Bangladeshi women writers **
09-Mar 18:30:00 (Alternative Arts) London E1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** BEV Film Festival 2008 - Three Times Divorced **
09-Mar 18:30:00 (Bird's Eye View) London WC1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** 'Shaping Progress' International Women's Day Event Barking and Degenham **
10-Mar 09:15:00 (LB Barking and Dagenham) London Barking
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** IWD Lunch at the House of Lords **
10-Mar 12:00:00 (Women's Housing Forum) London Westminster
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Women's Action for Iraq is inviting you to join us in marking International Women's Day 2008 **
10-Mar 18:00:00 (Act Together) London WC1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** TUC International Women's Day, Evening Reception **
10-Mar 18:00:00 (TUC) London WC1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** BEV Film Festival 2008 - Dinner With The President: A Nation's Journey **
10-Mar 18:30:00 (Bird's Eye View) London WC1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Sexual apartheid, political Islam and women's rights **
10-Mar 18:30:00 (Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain and Equal Rights Now, Organisation against women's discrimination in Iran)
London WC1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Celebrate International Women's Day with women from Nicaragua**
10-Mar 19:00:00 (Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign) London WC1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** BEV Film Festival 2008 - Persepolis **
10-Mar 21:00:00 (Bird's Eye View) London WC1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** BEV Film Festival 2008 - View From A Grain Of Sand **
10-Mar 21:00:00 (Bird's Eye View) London WC1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** "Women of Havering", an International Women's Day Celebration! **
11-Mar 14:00:00 (LB Havering) London
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Women Are Doing It ... Human Rights Watch International Film Festival (12th-21st) **
12-Mar (Human Rights Watch) London various
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** IWD City University - The Changing World of Work and the
Implications for Career Management Workshop **
13-Mar 12:00:00 (Not known) London Central
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** BEV Film Festival 2008 - Caramel **
13-Mar 18:30:00 (Bird's Eye View) London WC1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** London Festival of Black Female Voices 2008 **
15-Mar 19:30:00 (Black Women in the Arts) London N15
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The British Museum

Well now you are already in London, so you just gotta, gotta, gotta check out the British Museum in Bloomsbury, WC1. Go from room to room and floor to floor and watch the evolution of humankind. The museum is open every day from 10.00 – 17.30 with Thursday and Friday being the late nights. Also it is free to all visitors. There are some exhibitions that charge for admissions, but most of the museum is a free voyeur’s paradise. Still consider making a donation at the front the museums in one of the tasteful donation containers. Or better yet become a member of this testament to humanity’s ingenuity and sheer survival against all odds throughout the ages.

Oh yeah then there are the amazing gift shops with a special gift shop for children. There are films and lectures and cafe and visitors from every single nook and cranny that makes up the planet earth.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh the British Museum a bastion of humanity’s evolution.

Nearest Tubes: Russell Square and Tottenham Court Road
http://www.britishmuseum.org/
Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7323 8000/8299
Fax: +44 (0)20 7323 8616
Email: information@britishmuseum.org

Million Women Rise - Press Release

Subject: Press Release - Million Women Rise 2008Please see press release below.

We still need more stewards - please email millionwomenrise@gmail.com to volunteer. Please also keep spreading the word through to your friends! Together we're making history (biggest ever march against violence against women the UK has ever seen) and together we will see an end to violence against women.

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -MILLION WOMEN RISE MARCH 8 MARCH
2008

Women from across the United Kingdom will march in Central London on International Women's Day, Saturday 8th March 2008,The march is a response to the continuing impact of all forms of violence against women. In the past fortnight alone, Levi Bellfield, Steve Wright and Mark Dixie have been found guilty of the murders of Amelie Delagrange, Marsha McDonnell, Tania Nicol, Paula Clennell, Gemma Adams, Annelli Alderton, Anette Nicholls and Sally Ann Bowman respectively.

The event will also celebrate and honour the achievements and resilience of women in what is expected to be the largest women-only march in UK history.

The march will Assemble in Hyde Park at 12 noon (nearest tube station is Marble Arch) and then match to Trafalgar Square where there will be a rally from 3 pm to 6 pm.

Speakers at the rally include: survivors of gendered violence and, representatives from national and campaigning organisations such as Southall Black Sisters; Women's Aid; Fawcett Society; Women's Institute; Women and Girls Network and the Rape Crisis Federation.

The event has been organised by women who work closely with survivors of gendered violence.
The Million Women Rise Coalition believes that a woman's right to live free from violence and the fear of violence has not been achieved. Despite important steps taken by the government to address domestic violence, specialist organisations such as Southall Black Sisters and Rape Crisis Centres face losing their funding, so reducing the support available to the most vulnerable women in society.

Sabrina Qureshi, Co-ordinator of the Million Women Rise Coalition states that "Violence against women and children continues to be a global pandemic. Women and children around the world experience domestic violence, rape, sexual abuse, forced marriage, trafficking, so-called "honour" killings, dowry deaths, female feticide through sex-selective abortion, female infanticide and female genital mutilation. In the UK only 5% of rapes reported to the police result in a conviction. Two women a week are killed by their partner or ex-partner. Violence against women violates life, liberty, bodily integrity, freedom of movement and dignity of the person. This March marks the beginning of a concerted and energetic campaign to reverse these trends".

Further details can be found at

www.millionwomenrise.com

Contact: Sabrina Qureshi, Co-ordinator on 07862 113308

Iranian Women - A Celebration; 8th March in London

Join the people of Association des Chercheurs Iraniens (ACI) in honouring the women of Iran at the Frontline Club:

08th March 2008 - registeration 14:00 start 14:30 - 17:00
Frontline Club
13 Norfolk Place, London W2 1QJ
(Paddington Underground)

March 8th 2008-Celebrations to honour the courage and achievements of Iranian women under oppression.

Faced with social and legal discrimination, as well as cultural barriers, in achieving their equal rights Iranian women have found creative and inspirational ways of working to bring about change. Despite facing extreme, many times violent, opposition to their rightful demands they have remained at the epicentre of social change.

Without a doubt, international awareness and recognition of their achievements will offer them moral support and relative protection. The focus of ACI’s roundtable is the important role international organisations can play in supporting and empowering grassroots organisations and NGOs in campaigning for equal rights. We invite you to join us and look forward to meeting you on 8th March.

Participants(in alphabetical order)
Tahirih Danesh – Human Rights Researcher/Documenter
Elizabeth Sidney, OBE
National Alliance of Women’s Organisations – NAWO United Nations Development Fund for Women – UNIFEM UKWomen’s Federation for World Peace – WFWP (General Consultative Status of ECOSOC and DPI Associates with the United Nations)Moderator: Roya Kashefi - ACI

http://www.aciiran.com/iwd.htm
http://www.aciiran.com/iwd_program.htm

Women of the Book Who Go By the Name Feminists

I am giving a workshop at the 9th March Feminist Gathering that will be held at the Hackney Social Centre. My workshop will be during the early afternoon, and is called, “WOMEN OF THE BOOK WHO GO BY THE NAME FEMINISTS”. Here is a bit of a blurb with the details:

WOMEN OF THE BOOK WHO GO BY THE NAME FEMINISTS

This workshop is OPEN to practicing Jewish, Christian and Muslim women who label themselves feminists………………………………..and all other women who self identify as religious and feminists.
There would be a brief opening talk of say 10-15 minutes on the assumption by most people that feminism and traditional religion are at odds with each other. I would hope that this would be a non-judgmental environment, so that women of all three faiths had the freedom (without censor or condemnation) to describe what it means for them to be a woman of the Book and a feminist.
The workshop will run for an hour.

Time: 14.30pm – 15.30pm

Location: Hackney Social Centre, 231 Lower Clapton Road

Bus stop: Lea Bridge Roundabout

hackneysocialcentre.blogspot.com
Contact the organisers: 9thmarch@lists.riseup.net
www.myspace.com/march9thlondon