Women's Fightback Network
c/o Action Center, 284 Amory St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
617.522.6626 - wfn@iacboston.org
c/o Action Center, 284 Amory St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
617.522.6626 - wfn@iacboston.org
We are the Women's Fightback Network:
STOP THE U.S. WAR ON WOMEN, AT HOME & ABROAD!
"Stop the U.S. war on women, at home and abroad!" is a main slogan of the Women's Fightback Network. Is there really a war going on here in the U.S. against women? We don't see any bombs or fighter jets do we? But many poor and working women feel under siege; under attack by Bush's cuts in housing, healthcare, childcare and education. The devastation is felt when we can't find a job, or there is no food in the fridge at the end of the week, or not enough money to pay for our child's asthma medication, or we want to go to college but there are no funds. Instead, the Bush administration's policy is to give huge bailouts to mega corporations and billions for an "endless war" in Iraq. Many women of color live under war-like conditions with police occupying their communities; murdering and brutalizing at will. Immigrant women are besieged by Homeland Security who can round them up and deport them on a moment's notice. There is an assault going on against women in this country and Bush and corporate giants are leading the charge. Tax breaks for the rich, a widespread recession and bulging military costs equal financial deficits. Bush and Congress say we have to pay. The 2006 budget slashes more than 150 social programs, hurting people of color and women disproportionately. This is simply because women are more likely to use the services, as they are more likely to be poorer than men. For example, single mothers head 72% of families living below the federal poverty line in MA. Women used 78% of elder home care services in the state. Cuts in federal Medicaid mean fewer dollars for Mass Health, which serves more women than men. Severe reductions in HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C programs for education, testing and counseling result in thousands fewer women being screened and treated. Senate Budget Committee chairman Judd Gregg, a Republican from N.H., said it with bluntness: "There is a clear shift in our priorities, but it was put upon us as a nation. We are at war. When you are at war, you have to make some difficult decisions." Gregg speaks with crocodile tears and arrogance. His message is: "Our priority is NOT human needs, our priority is waging war on the women, children and men of Iraq, Afghanistan, Haiti, Colombia, Korea, etc. Our priority is building an empire." Empire? Yes, the war and occupation of Iraq has already cost $280 billion and Bush is asking for $80B more. The money stolen from our human needs programs pays for the bombs and bullets used to kill more than 100,000 Iraqi people.
Say NO to Racism, Sexism and LBGT Oppression
How can Bush and the Pentagon carry out such widespread robbery without flashing a weapon? They rely on the powerful old weapons of racism, sexism and lgbt oppression. By dividing us, the bosses, both big and small, weaken our organizing for welfare rights, reproductive rights or expanded alcohol and drug clinics. It is easier to keep women down when we face harassment, discrimination, assault and battering. It is easier to bash a union drive when women of color or immigrants are blamed for taking jobs at lower pay. Massachusetts Governor Romney and Bush are both determined to axe the federal Head Start Program, despite its proven effectiveness. A Michigan study of 123 low-income African American children found that 84% of girls who attended quality preschool graduated from high school as compared with 32% who did not go to preschool. When they reached the age of 27, 80% of these women had jobs compared to 55% who did not go to preschool. Because the Head Start program benefits mainly girls and children of color, Romney and Bush say that it is a "waste" or "isn't working." They count on the divisiveness of racism and sexism to pave the way for eliminating this valuable program. The recent statement by Harvard University President Lawrence Summers, that innate differences between men and women explain why fewer women gain high level academic careers in science and math, sent a loud, clear message: "Women are born inferior." This theory of biological determinism is also racist. It reinforces a hostile message that women should stay way from non-traditional fields. It's hoped for effect is to drive us back with low self-confidence and silence our voices for affirmative action in academia and business. Summers' statement aids corporations worldwide who make big money by keeping women locked in oppressive traditional jobs.
Sexism is profitable
Pay inequity between women and men reaps super profits for the bosses. A National Association of Female Executives study compared women's pay to that of white male workers. The results were: Asian women make 75% of what a white male makes, white women 70%, African American women 62.5%, Native women 57.8%, and Latinas 52.5%. Women who worked full time in 2003 earned 76 cents for every dollar a man made. Women workers come in all forms, we are young, over 60, part-time, unreported income, retired, disabled, unemployed, contracted home office workers, homemakers and undocumented. Unequal pay and low wages can lock us into abusive relationships, or sweatshop jobs. It can mean we have little savings for retirement, or can't afford childcare. It can mean we are forced into the military instead of college and a career. It forces us to commit crimes of survival in order to support ourselves and our families, leading to time in prison. The working class in the U.S. is increasingly made up of women, people of color, and lower paid workers. Herein lies our strength and hope for a better future.
Build a united, multinational women's movement
A vibrant, strong, independent women's movement led by a multinational group of women who represent the most oppressed workers and poor people, young and old, lesbian, transgender, and straight has the power to beat back Bush and the right-wing. A women's movement independent of capitalist interests and their big-business political parties is essential. The great victories of women's liberation in the past have been won not by the vote, but by mass action and organizing. When women act we become stronger and more confident. The isolation and alienation of sexism, racism and lbgt oppression is broken down and we become a powerful force for change.
Solidarity is OUR secret weapon!
Together we can stop the U.S. war on women at home and abroad!
JOIN THE WOMEN'S FIGHTBACK NETWORK
c/o Action Center, 284 Amory St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
617-522-6626 • wfn@iacboston.org
Polanski, rape & justice
Oct 8, 2009
The renowned film director Roman Polanski is being held in a Swiss jail, awaiting possible extradition to the United States. He was arrested on a 31-year-old warrant while traveling to the Zurich Film Festival to receive an award. He faces charges for sexually assaulting a child in 1977 in Los Angeles.
While the director has garnered support among some celebrities in Europe and Hollywood, women’s rights activists and many in the progressive movement are appalled. They assert that to let Polanski off the hook trivializes child sexual abuse, sends the message that rape is OK, and maintains that those who are rich, famous and talented need not be held accountable for their actions.
It is clear from the grand jury testimony given by Samantha Geimer in 1977 that when she was 13-years-old, Polanski drugged and raped her. She protested and said “no” repeatedly throughout the ordeal, but he ignored her. She feared him and insisted on going home.
Although Polanski was indicted on several molestation charges, he pleaded guilty only to having “unlawful sex with a minor” under a plea bargain. A year later, prior to sentencing, when the judge inferred that he might jail Polanski, the director fled to Europe. There, he built a multi-million-dollar career and lived the “good life.” Hollywood studios continued to finance his films.
Kenneth F. Face, Polanski’s probation officer in 1977, recommended probation without jail time. The New York Times said that officials then treated Polanski’s behavior as “bad judgment” and not a “vicious assault,” the “usual” way that sexual attacks by Hollywood celebrities were viewed. (Oct. 2)
Face blamed Geimer and her mother for Polanski’s behavior. Face excused Polanski, citing his European background and past tragedies, which were held up by his defenders then and are being repeated now.
However, it was Polanski’s actions stemming from his sense of entitlement, power and privilege that were to blame—along with male superiority. That this terrible act occurred in a sexist culture, in which disrespect and devaluation of women and girls are reinforced every day, is not unexpected.
Another double standard
Polanski’s celebrity friends are calling his arrest “horrifying.” They say the director should be absolved of blame and allowed to put this “messy business” behind him, as if he didn’t pay traffic fines. They infer that being a “great artist” exempts him from acting with basic human decency.
More than 100 Hollywood notables have signed petitions calling for Polanski’s release. Movie producer Harvey Weinstein, characterizing Polanski’s assault as a “so-called crime,” said the director “has served his time.” Others say he has “suffered enough” and “atoned for the sins of his young years”—he was 43!
What about Samantha Geimer’s suffering and her decades of coping with the memory of the abuse? What about the media now subjecting her and her family to sensational coverage of every detail of the assault? No wonder she wants the case dismissed.
Why aren’t celebrities circulating a petition supporting Geimer and all survivors of sexual abuse and condemning Polanski and his defenders? In fact, why not call for a women’s tribunal—made up of survivors of sexual assault—to decide his fate?
If Polanski were a poor or unknown artist, would these celebrities call for his release? Could his lawyer have even made a plea bargain? Would he have been able to travel freely for decades, build a successful career, and enjoy a life of privilege? Would he be called a “martyr” to art whose “art” outweighs his deeds?
Two systems of ‘justice’
There are two systems of justice in this country. One is for the wealthy, famous, powerful and privileged, especially if they are white and male. The other is for working and poor people, members of oppressed communities and women. Hundreds of thousands of poor people are in jails nationwide for lesser offenses.
World-famous performers and athletes who are African American and members of other oppressed communities are prosecuted, persecuted, scrutinized and demonized for minor offenses, even driving infractions, or for no reason at all.
Prosecutors said actor Wesley Snipes should be “made an example of because of his fame” for failing to file income tax returns. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg called for prosecution of Plaxico Burress to the “fullest extent of the law.” The football champion is serving a two-year prison sentence for accidentally shooting himself at a club. Olympic-winning athlete Marion Jones was jailed for six months because she didn’t “tell the truth” to federal investigators about her alleged steroid use.
Where is the “justice” when Jones—the mother of two young children, who pleaded for leniency and who did nothing to harm another person—was cruelly jailed and demonized in the press, when Polanski, who preyed upon a child, whose probation officer recommended no jail time, was then allowed to evade arrest for 31 years and become a “cause célèbre”?
Where were the celebrity petitions calling for Jones’ release?
Women’s inequality and oppression, along with national, LGBT and economic oppressions, are intrinsic to capitalism. During this economic crisis, as women face workplace discrimination, right-wing attacks on their basic rights in courts and legislatures, and defunding of vital programs, including for facilities for sexual abuse and domestic violence survivors, they are also being maligned in the reactionary media.
It is only through the struggles of women—Black, Latina, Asian, Native, Arab and white—and their fightback organizations that progress is made and women’s rights gained, while acceptance of sexist ideology and behavior are pushed back.
NATIONAL WOMEN'S FIGHTBACK NETWORK STATEMENT
IN SOLIDARITY WITH HONDURAN WOMEN IN STRUGGLE
Dear sisters,
The National Women's Fightback Network stands in solidarity with all of our Honduran sisters who are in the resistance movement in opposition to the illegal Micheletti government.
We support all of the courageous women who are opposing the criminal military coup d'etat, with special recognition to all of you who are playing a prominent role in the leadership of the resistance movement.
Your strength, bravery and determination are an inspiration to women worldwide.
The National Women's Fightback Network wholly backs all of those who are fighting for a new society in
We join with progressive forces around the world who are speaking out to deplore the coup government’s political repression, its illegal decrees against your democratic rights to organize, march and speak out, and all of its attempts to suppress the strong, and resolute people's movement.
The National Women’s Fightback Network is in solidarity with all of your demands for women's rights, which have been put forward by Women in Resistance and other popular women's organizations and activists.
We are with you in the fight for a true People's Constitution which guarantees women's social, political and economic rights; this includes guaranteed access to employment, land, territory, health, education, and much more. It also insures women's participation in the new Constitutional Assembly--an absolute necessity.
We know that women in struggle throughout the world are with you at this crucial time.
With our utmost solidarity and heartfelt sisterhood,
Nieves Ayres, Working Women for Peace, New York City
Miya Campbell, Boston
LeiLani Dowell, New York City
Phebe Eckfeldt, Boston
Berna Ellorin, BAYAN, USA
Kris Hamel, Detroit
Berta Joubert-Ceci, Philadelphia
Monica Moorehead, Jersey City
Gloria Rubac, Houston
Brenda Stokely,
Maggie Vascassenno,
Representatives of the National Women’s Fightback Network
Dr. George Tiller, ¡Presente!
National Women's Fightback Network
c/o Solidarity Center
55 West 17th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10011
Phone: 212-633-6646
www.iacenter.org
Dr. George Tiller is a hero in the reproductive rights movement.
We Will Never Stop Fighting for Reproductive Justice for All Women!
Women have lost a true friend. Dr. George Tiller stood up for decades and provided vitally necessary medical and reproductive health care for women of all ages and backgrounds.
When an ultraright zealot shot him years ago, Dr. Tiller stood up. When his clinic was vandalized and firebombed, he stood up. When his clinic was harassed day in and day out, he stood up. When he received death threats day after day, year after year, for simply helping women, he stood up.
When the state of Kansas in the person of Phill Kline personally went on a vendetta against Dr. Tiller to close his clinic down, he stood up. When the state subpoenaed him and threw bogus charges at him, he stood up, and a jury acquitted him.
Dr. George Tiller understood the desperation women often faced when seeking his medical care. They came from all over the country to see him, when no other doctors would help them. They came with complicated lives and problems and he would help them, no matter what the risk was to himself or his clinic. He did what had to be done to help women.
Dr. Tiller was well loved by his community and by women from all over the country who knew that he put his life on the line every single day to provide them care. He was courageous and had tremendous integrity and compassion for women.
That the ultraright would madly pursue its attacks on Dr. Tiller shows they have not stopped in their misogynistic mission to stop reproductive care for women and that they will stop at nothing.
We denounce their actions! We denounce the racist, sexist, homophobic, anti-woman rightwing and their murder of a dedicated, brave doctor who was doing what he should--helping women who needed him. We denounce the cold-blooded murder of Dr. Tiller as a vicious act of terrorism, which is calculated to intimidate clinic providers and workers all over the country as well as the entire reproductive rights movement.
We who support women's rights and reproductive justice are standing up — with Dr. Tiller’s family, his friends, his co-workers and the entire pro-choice movement — in denouncing his death. We are determined to continue the fight for national, comprehensive reproductive health care. Dr. Tiller's death only confirms our resolve to continue to fight for reproductive justice for all women.
Celebrate International Working Women's Day
Bail Out Women and Our Communities!
"Let There Be Everywhere
Our Eyes, Our Thoughts,
Our Voices, Our Actions
Breathing Hope and Victory"
~Sonia Sanchez~
Bail Out Women and Our Communities!
"Let There Be Everywhere
Our Eyes, Our Thoughts,
Our Voices, Our Actions
Breathing Hope and Victory"
~Sonia Sanchez~
WOMEN RISE UP!
Uphold The Legacy Of Women's Resistance!
SISTAH SUMMIT
1 pm - 4 pm
Cafeteria, Student Center
1234 Columbus Ave, Roxbury, MA
IWD - March 8, NYC
- The Economic Crisis: Women United in the Struggle---
- Money for Schools, Healthcare, Childcare, Youth Programs and our Communities!
- Jobs and a Livable Income for All!
- Help Build the Fightback Against Racism, Sexism, LGBT Oppression, Budget Cuts, Layoffs, Poverty and War!
- No War on Women at Home and Worldwide! Globalize Women's Solidarity!
Teresa Gutierrez, NYC Coordinator-Bail Out The People Movement(BOPM);
Deputy Secretary General,International Migrant Alliance; Coordinator, May 1st Coalition for Worker and Immigrant Rights;
Layla Hijab Cable, Palestinian Activist; Teacher/Educator; Somerville Divestment Project
Josefina Vazquez, Exec. Director, Boston Women's Fund
Dorotea Manuela, Boston May Day Committee
Amanda Ali, Reflect and Strengthen
Sandra McIntosh, Work 4 Quality
Natural Bliss, Hip Hop/Spoken Word Artist
Miya X, Women's Fightback Network
and others
Join us for a Multi-Generational Women's Panel, Community Speakout, and Spoken Word/Cultural Performances
including La Pinata, Latin American Folklorico Youth Dance Troupe
Childcare & Food Provided, Wheelchair accessible, Arts/Crafts Vendors welcome!
Sponsored by:
The Women's Fightback Network/
Red de Mujeres en Lucha
March unites issues impacting women
Hundreds of women, along with male supporters, rallied at Union Square and then marched together on March 8 to commemorate International Women’s Day. They called for “a bailout of women and our communities,” not the banks, in the U.S. and worldwide.
Under the theme, “Every issue is a women’s issue,” speakers noted the fight to keep their homes in the face of massive foreclosures and evictions, to stop the attacks and deportation of immigrant workers, to end wars and occupations abroad and the need to strengthen reproductive justice.
Brenda Stokely, a leader of the Million Worker March Movement, and Valerie Francisco of Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment (FiRE) chaired the rally. Stokely called on everyone to become an organizer: “Ask yourselves, ‘What am I doing?’ You need to be an organizer and build solidarity. The only thing the opposition listens to is a mighty front. They don’t listen to petitions. They don’t listen to lobbying.”
Sara Rodriguez of the striking Stella D’oro workers noted that women are most affected by this six-month-old strike against the cookie company. In addition to eliminating 12 sick days, a week of vacation and six holidays, the company is also cutting hourly pay for table packers, 80 percent being women.
Representatives of the Women’s International Democratic Federation spoke about the struggle in Latin America and Dima Abisaab from Al-Awda called for an end to the occupation of Palestine.
Other speakers included Christine White, a transit worker from Take Back Our Union; New York State Assemblyperson Inez Barron; health care worker Joyce Chediac, who noted hospital cutbacks that are particularly hurting immigrants; Vickie White, People’s Organization for Progress, who reminded everyone about the domestic violence epidemic; IFCO organizer Alison Bodine, who spoke about the Cuban Five; Katrina survivor Ivy Parker; Bail Out the People organizer Sharon Black; December 12th Movement spokesperson Amadi Ajamu; Julie Fry and Miya Campbell from Fight Imperialism, Stand Together (FIST); Marina Diaz from the May 1st Coalition for Immigrant and Worker Rights; Nieves Ayress of La Peña del Bronx; Suzanne Ross from the New York Free Mumia Coalition, who spoke on women political prisoners; and Christina Hilo of FiRE who described how the 60,000 U.S. troops stationed in the Philippines are harming women and children.
The marchers went to the site of the Triangle Shirtwaist fire where 146 women workers and girls died in 1911 because the bosses had barricaded the exits to the factory. Along the way the march stopped in front of Bank of America to protest the billions of dollars the government has paid to BofA and other banks.
The march also stopped in front of the Kimmel Center of New York University, which students occupied last month to demand a freeze on tuition hikes and divestment from Israel. After the march, people gathered at the Solidarity Center for a delicious meal cooked by male allies and to listen to additional talks and music.
In Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary ofDR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.’s Birthday
and African American History Month
FIGHTBACK CONFERENCE
Bail Out the PEOPLE,
Not Wall Street!
endorse download flyer download call
Download BOPM Working Paper
Bail Out The People Movement - Boston
SAT., FEBRUARY 28th - 1-5:00 pm
Endorsed & hosted by the Boston School Bus Union USW Local 8751
at the USW 8751 Hall, 25 Colgate Rd., Roslindale
(from Forest Hills T Stop on Orange line, take bus on Washington St 4 blocks to Archdale Rd. and walk back one block.)
Uniting & fighting against WAR and for economic & social justice in the biggest crisis since the depression of the 1930s!
Topics include: Organizing a movement to fight foreclosures, evictions and homelessness / mobilizing students & youth / solidarity with immigrant workers / turning back the rightwing attacks on women and lgbt workers / organizing unemployed workers / international solidarity / merging the antiwar and social justice movements / fighting back against budget cuts, wage freezes, layoffs, and concessions / The racist attack on school desegregation in Boston / standing against the attack on Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner and other elected leaders of the African American community / relevance of King’s legacy today
for more information or to endorse:bopmboston@gmail.com
Boston: Bail Out The People Movement - Boston
National: Bail Out The People Movement
Endorsers (partial list):Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner; Boston School Bus Union USW 8751; Women's Fightback Network; Bishop Filipe Teixeira, OFSJC; Miya X; Rev. Franklin Hobbes, Heal Our Land*; Tony Van Der Meer, Prof. UMASS Boston*; Dorotea Manuela, Boston May Day Committee; International Action Center; Fight Imerpialism Stand Together; Ahmad Kawash, Palestinian Club; Stonewall Warriors; Jorge Marin, MLK Bolivarian Circle*; Rhode Island Peoples Assembly; Boston May Day Committee -- * id only
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