A pub in London Bridge is playing host to a free event where locals are being invited to discuss feminism in the Middle East, following the suspicious death of a woman in Iran that sparked a female-led revolution.
United4Mahsa – a women-led movement fighting against government oppression and injustice in Iran – is having a free event to educate people about the ongoing fight for female freedom across the Middle East.
The group of young British Iranians who started the movement came together during last year’s protests – following the suspicious death of 22-year-old Jina (Mahsa) Amini.
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Mahsa was reportedly arrested and beaten by Iran’s “morality” police for not covering her hair. She died shortly after and her death is still being investigated.
The tragedy became a symbol for Iranians to unite against government oppression and injustice.
On Wednesday (February 1) the group will be leading a relaxed journey through history to give people some background to what is going on in Iran right now. There will be coffee and wine.
Elham Karimpour, one of the organisers said: “As an Iranian woman and as a feminist, the timing is perfect to discuss feminism in the Middle East, especially right now with Iran’s female-led revolution.
“All of the women of Iran are tired. It’s been going on for so long.
“The biggest mistake people make is that they think it’s part of our culture. It’s not – this is about human rights and women’s rights not being respected.
“It can happen in conservative countries too. Take what’s happening in America for instance, with many women’s rights being taken away.”
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This event is not just for Iranians, as Elham explained: “Iranians know what’s going on. They’re very aware. We actually want non-Iranians to come and listen and join the conversation.
“The most important thing is having discussions and connecting with a culture that they may not be familiar with.
“Don’t be afraid to ask an Iranian about it,” she added.
Click here to get a ticket. They are free.
The event on Wednesday February 1st is taking place at Bunch of Grapes, 2 St Thomas Street, SE1 1LY
It starts at 7 pm and the organisers expect it to last a few hours.
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