“Solidarity between women can be a powerful force of change, and can influence future development in ways favorable
not only to women but also to men.”
–Dr. Nawal El Saadawi

The pain, the hunger, and the magnitude of loss and suffering of women all over the world, and especially in Occupied Palestine, Gaza, Iraq and Syria, has for decades and up to the present moment in time, could never simply convey the many written and unwritten stories of their unrelenting eternal flame for historic justice, and the triumphant prowess of worldly enlightenment.

March 8th, International Women’s Day and throughout the entire month of March, it is indeed a necessary time to commemorate and reflect upon women from the past and up to the present, women who have made a difference in their society. Whether the are well known or unknown for all their sacrifices and significant contributions to make a difference, their steadfast voices of existence reigns supreme. Women such as Maya Angelou, Leila Khalid, Fadwa Toukan, Dr. Hanan El Ashrawi, Indira Gandhi, Benazir Bhutto, George Sands, Dr. Marie Curie, Dr. Noel Al Saadawi, and all the generations of women and freedom fighters from Selma, Alabama, to Occupied Palestine and Gaza, albeit, beyond the global borders, never relinquished their dream for a better future. And, the list of women’s voices in our global communities goes on and on.

Yet, all of these women were never afraid to voice their unflinching desire to be heard, to be listened to, as well as to inspire others with their virtuous artist talents, knowledge and equitable solutions for freedom and equality. Despite the fact that many women from past decades and presently, in more modern times today are still struggling for their national/universal rights, which have been denied while living under the yoke of an unfair social, political and/or economic government manipulation, suppression, torture and sanctions, their human legacy, perseverance and resistance for change have not vanished.

For example, in the present case of Rasmea Odeh, a Palestinian American activist. Director of the Arab American Community Center in Chicago, and a staunch advocate of women and human rights has been unjustly denied her legitimate right to stay in America, based on the U.S. Government’s accusations that she violated U.S. immigration laws. Or one might ask, is it because she defended her homeland of Palestine and her right to return home? Ms. Odeh still weighs in on the test of time with her courageous humanitarian struggle for freedom and her unfaltering ethos and timely expression of truth and justice.

And the well known human rights advocate and feminist Dr. Nawal El Saadawi, proclaimed, “Solidarity between women can be a powerful forces of change, and can influence future future development in ways favorable not only to women but also to men.”

However history has proven again and a again, that against all odds, the trials and tribulations of women have managed to survive with dignity, to maintain and strengthen their sisterhood, national/cultural identity and protest any unfair assumptions that surely should be challenges for a better life.

For example, courageous and brave women throughout history joined social and political revolutions to change the iniquities of human inequality, racism and crimes against humanity. They have all embodied an agenda with a cause with a national and international platform to galvanize a momentum seeking their commitment for change with justice.

In commemoration of the United Nations International Women’s Day and women’s history month, numerous culturally diverse communities and international organizations worldwide have organized events, cultural exhibits, film festivals, poetry readings and conferences. All to honor and celebrate the achievements and sacrifices of women to create a village of peace and harmony.

And today, many Palestinian villages, and women from all realms of society and their families that are surrounded by miles upon miles of a concrete cement wall with grave injustices in an unprecedented environment, utter, “we will never settle for less than justice and universal human rights and equality.” Isn’t that the case among all women and people in the world?

I personally dedicate a solemn tribute of celebration and worldly praises to the honorable and proud women who pride themselves in prolonging an eternal flame of a virtuous and ever- lasting domain of universal justice with peace and freedom. Behold, women of the world, your admired legacy for a righteous path in life lives on.

Leilla Diab
PR Communications