4/2: Rape Is Not Resistance
Mark Birbeck urges anyone who would stand for women's rights, to join the 7/10 Human Chain protest in central London on 4/2.
Back in early December we urged those who would normally take a stand for women's rights, to join a Downing Street protest, called Your Silence is LOUD. The message of the protest was simple: UN Women had been completely silent on the sexual violence that was an integral part of 7/10, despite claiming to stand against sexual violence against all women in all countries.
The event was lively. There were moving speeches from international speakers. A number of women taped their mouths to symbolise the silence of not just the UN, but other organisations, progressives, and of course, those who claim to be concerned about women's rights.
Although we hoped that campaigners might come, unsurprisingly, no left-wing or women's rights groups turned up. In fact, in the days leading up to the protest, progressives took to ripping down posters that advertised the event.
In Brighton just now female pro-Palestinian protesters tore down posters about sexual violence by Hamas. Given that the terrorists are likely not releasing women hostages who’ve been raped this is *sickening*. I am furious. Shame on them. #MeTooUnlessUrAJew pic.twitter.com/yk8ocOaIrT
— Heidi Bachram 🎗️ (@HeidiBachram) December 2, 2023
As Sally Helliwell wrote at the time:
I hope the demonstration today will cause some embarrassment to the UN and to those women’s campaigns who did not join us. The BBC and ITV failed to turn up to film us demonstrating, but I hope we can embarrass them into taking the brutality shown to Israeli women on 7/10, and its message of fear, very seriously.
Speak Out
For those who failed to turn up last time, this weekend sees another protest, and another opportunity to let your voice be heard on women's rights.
The 7/10 Human Chain Project have organised a protest in central London, for 3pm on Sunday, February 4th, and their message is straightforward; no matter where you stand on the current fighting, rape is not a legitimate weapon of war–rape is not resistance. There is strong evidence that female hostages who remain in Gaza are victims of sexual violence, and we must say more:
Time is running out for the hostages.
The lack of outrage and silence of the media is deafening.
Supporters of Our Fight will be there, and we think you should be too.
Come and stand with us!
Details
The location will be shared nearer the time. Subscribe to Our Fight to be notified.
From the Organisers
Rape is NOT resistance ‼️
🗓️ Sunday 4th February
⏰ 3:00 PM
📍central London location to be shared nearer the time
Time is running out for the hostages.
Speakers will include:
Fleur Hassan-Nahoum
Politician, human rights lawyer, and Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem.
The Rt. Hon. Nicola Richards MP
Conservative Party MP and human rights advocate
Ayelet Razin
Human rights lawyer and leader of the advocacy group to the United Nations regarding 7/10 sex crimes.
Rev. Bo Ace
Sexual abuse and trauma councillor.
Your attendance makes a huge difference, join us by registering here:
Police and CST will be in attendance.
The lack of outrage and silence of the media is deafening.
We will gather, and we will be seen.
The 7/10 Human Chain Project.
