AWM News

Remembering Afghanistan 3 Years Into the War on Terrorism: Two Local Events

October 5, 2004

Vigil on October 7

What: Rally/vigil in solidarity with Afghan women

Where: Westwood Federal Building, Los Angeles, California USA

When: October 7, 2004, 7 p.m.

Why: October 7, 2004 will mark the third Anniversary of the War on Terrorism in Afghanistan. As the Bush Administration has cried “liberation,” the Afghan people are still lacking security and basic necessecites. Aid organizations have had to scale back their work and have been targeted, while Doctors Without Borders has pulled out after twenty-five years. The Afghan people have paid a high price during close to thirty years of constant war and with the lack of focus and interest by the International Community, they will continue to pay that price.

Please join us at the Westwood Federal building for a candlelight vigil to send a strong message to the Afghan people of love and solidarity.

What to bring: Signs, banners, candles – any way of expressing peace and solidarity with the Afghan people.

For more info: Call (323) 687-1193

Remembering Afghanistan: 3 Years Into the War on Terrorism — October 9

What: Film screening, speakers, music and more.

Where: the Echo Park Methodist Church – 1226 N. Alvarado, Los Angeles, California USA

When: October 9, 2004, 2-6 p.m.

October 7th, 2004 will mark the third Anniversary of the “War on Terrorism” – a day when Coalition forces united to enter Afghanistan in search of Osama Bin Laden and the Al Queda Network. In the three years since the claim of “liberation,” Afghanistan has fallen into a complete security nightmare due to a lack of interest and focus by NATO and the International community. Security is still limited to the capital city of Kabul, while places like Herat have seen a rise in suicide among women. After twenty-five years, Doctors Without Borders has pulled out of the country. Aid organizations have not only seen a rise in violence, but to have had to scale back their work due to the insecurity. In May 2004, coalition forces distributed a leaflet in Southern Afghanistan in which the population was informed that providing information about the Taliban and Al Queda was necessary if they wanted the delivery of aid to continue. The list goes on and on.

On October 9th RAWA Supporters in Southern California invite you to send a message of love, peace, and solidarity with the Afghan People.

This Anniversary event will include:

Screening of the film Sadaa E Zan

Synopsis: Filmed in March 2002, Sadaa E Zan collects the voices of several Afghan women living in Kabul, Afghanistan and Northern Pakistan. In a land where 50% of women are widows and nearly everyone has lost a family member, these brave women, of all ages, recount their struggles and victories from living under twenty three years of war. From the Soviet invasion to the Civil War to the extremist Taliban, be it fighting, poverty, rape or seclusion, women were always the first victims. With the Taliban now gone, Afghanistan finally finds itself with the possibility of peace. But will it last? This, they believe, is in the hands of the international community. Finally, these women have a way to voice their concerns.

Following the screening there will be a Q & A with Director Renee Bergan

Speakers: Sherman Austin, Jennifer Martin & Heather Schreck

Music By: Gene Owens

This event is organized by supporters of RAWA. RAWA is the oldest political / social organization of Afghan women struggling for peace, freedom, democracy & women’s rights in fundamentalism blighted Afghanistan. This event is also endorsed by Frank Dorrell & Luvolution.

$20 donation requested – but no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Proceeds from the event will be going to save one of RAWA’s schools – Hewad High School in Rawalpindi, Pakistan from closure.

For more information please call (323) 687-1193