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Filed under: Anti-deportation, Campaigning, News ]]> http://wssagwales.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/need-help/feed/ 0 wssag http://wssagwales.wordpress.com/2011/11/21/speak-up-for-equality/ http://wssagwales.wordpress.com/2011/11/21/speak-up-for-equality/#comments Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:01:06 +0000 WSSAG http://wssagwales.wordpress.com/?p=782 ]]> This Saturday WSSAG Wales members have been invited to:

On Thursday 17th November members of WSSAG Wales attended a conference in London titled:

“Whose honour are we talking about?”

The conference was organised by the Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation: IKWRO and was in partnership with Refugee Women’s Association (RWA) and Turkisch-Deutscher Frauenverein e.V: Papatya from Germany.

IKWRO believes that all women have the right to live without fear and oppression. We provide confidential advice and other support to Middle Eastern women and girls who are facing domestic violence, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and ‘honour’ based violence.

Their campaign to “STOP HONOUR KILLINGS” explains:

Each year at least 5000 women and girls around the world are murdered by their families in the name of ‘honour’. Families often justify these murders by reference to religion, morality or tradition. In many societies victims of honour are simply forgotten about and the perpetrators go unpunished.

In the UK every single day girls and women are locked up, threatened, beaten and forced into marriage by their families. Some are mutilated, or even murdered. These crimes are supposedly committed in the name of family ‘honour’, but there is nothing honourable about them.

The government has no figures on how many people are affected by ‘honour’ based violence in this country, but in 2009 police recorded over 250 incidents in London alone. Across the country there may be thousands more.

Honour based violence is very real both in the UK and other countries. Some women who arrive in the UK are seeking sanctuary from the threat of this violence, which at its worst can result in death. Most instances involve family members, which is incredibly difficult for those affected to come to terms with and recover from, even when they are in a safe place. The trauma undergone can lead to psychological and behavioural difficulties for the individuals involved.

The conference raised the issue that HBV, Forced marriage and FGM are ‘closed issues’ with few willing to speak up about them in the public arena. IKWRO has been working hard to support women who have been affected by HBV in the UK or other countries as well as assisting those who are affected by the threat of Forced Marriage and FGM. They offer advice lines, counselling and advocacy for many women each year.

The difference between Forced Marriage (FM) and arranged marriage was discussed at length, because of the fine line between the two. To make the distinction, a lack of consent of one or both of the individuals who are to be married is considered a forced marriage. Forced marriage appears to be a sensitive issue among many families, making it difficult, and sometimes impossible for the person who does not want to be married to speak out. Going against the wishes of family members can sometimes result in ‘honour’ based violence.

The practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is illegal in the UK and many people are working to make it illegal internationally, as this practice has many health complications, which can result in death. The origins of FGM are unknown but it is evident that in many countries this barbaric practice is still occurring for many young women. In some places it is seen as a ‘coming of age’ ritual and in other places it is considered to keep a woman ‘pure’ for her husband.

Papatya in Germany are one group who have made links in Iraqi – Kurdistan to discourage FGM in many villages. Their work has shown that changing the mindset of women who previously believed this practice to be justified, can spare other women and young girls from having to endure the procedure and it’s associated health risks.

The culture of disbelief in the UKBA makes it very difficult for Asylum seeking women who have had the threat of, or undergone HBV, forced marriage or FGM. Some of those affected are not believed when recounting their ordeals, causing more distress and trauma.

This conference showed that violence against women in all it’s forms can and should be challenged and eradicated. Those groups out there working tirelessly for the benefit of all women’s human rights are trying to educate and inform groups and individuals so that these practices can be abolished. This conference and IKWRO’s guidelines booklet form an important part of this process.

IKWRO can offer help in Farsi, Kurdish, Dari, Arabic and Turkish. To find out more about their IKWRO’s services please click here

The film above which has been directed by Frederico Forcolini provides insight into the horrific realities faced by those who suffer honour based violence, perhaps for choosing to marry someone for love.

Please contact us if you or a member of your organisation would like to attend.

On Saturday 25th WSSAG will be speaking out about what it is like to be a woman seeking asylum in Wales is really like at The Cardiff Story in The Old Library, in The Hayes from 12-4pm.

There will be arts and craft activities for all ages, as well as poetry and live music from the Welsh Refugee Council.

The event is free and all are welcome.

Some of the other celebrations for Refugee Week in Cardiff can be found here.

This free event will be a great opportunity to find some bargains and enjoy great food and live music!

Think bunting, balloons, music, face-painting, fun in the sun, kids activities, craftiness and of course ample quantities of the sweet, gooey, chocolatey – or other types of tasty – goodness that is CAKE! And of course clothes and other pre-loved goodies will be on sale for the cheapest prices around. Cupcakes & Cast-off’s is all about reducing, recycling, revamping & re-wearing!

Raising money for Asylum Justice, Environmental Justice Foundation and STAR (Student Action for Refugees).

Asylum Justice is a local charity that supports asylum seekers who don’t have a lawyer in Cardiff and Swansea by providing them with free legal aid. Many of these cases have been refused by lawyers and so the work of Asylum Justice – run by volunteers – is invaluable.

Environmental Justice Foundation (EJS) makes the link between the need for environmental security and the defence of basic human rights. One of EJS’ campaigns is on Climate Refugees. Deteriorating environmental conditions linked to climate change are already affecting the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. However, there is no legally binding agreement identifying and protecting climate refugees so EJS is working to establish one.

STAR Cardiff runs a weekly drop-in centre for asylum seekers and refugees, is involved in campaigns, improving awareness about refugee issues, and fund-raising for charities such as the Welsh Refugee Council. STAR Network is made up of hundreds of other STAR groups around the UK, all who are supported by a small head office through training and resources. Due to cuts in funding, raising money for the network is vital.

We are able to offer a discount if you order 10 or more copies.

To order your copy, please get in touch

Members of WSSAG are able to provide workshops covering the resources section at the back of the book – at your school, organisation or event – raising awareness of the issues and challenges facing women seeking sanctuary in the UK.

In partnership with the Cardiff Ethnic Minority Communities team, Women Seeking Sanctuary Advocacy Group, is proudly hosting the launch of “Seeking Sanctuary: Journeys of Despair and Hope” on the Glanfa Stage of the Wales Millennium Centre on Tuesday 19th April 2011 at 1pm. All are welcome to this free event.

It is a collection of real life stories of women who have braved all sort of persecutions and human rights abuse and who have come to the UK to seek sanctuary and try to rebuild their lives…

Please send us an e-mail if you would like details about how to order your copy…

Women Connect First in partnership with:
Communities First BME Local Partnership, Cardiff Council – Census 2011, UWIC & OFXAM Cymru

INVITES YOU TO A CELEBRATION OF:

On Monday 28th February, 2011
From 10.30am to 4.00pm
at City Hall, Cardiff

For more information and a flyer please click here:
IWD FLYER 2011