News release details
A banner created as part of the movement for women’s rights in Kurdistan and Iran will be on display starting tomorrow at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR).
The banner displays a slogan used by Kurdish feminist movements – “Woman, Life, Freedom” – which has become widely known as the rallying cry of the resistance movement against the Iranian regime. Created by Iranian Canadian artist Hajar Moradi (she/her), the banner was carried in solidarity demonstrations in Toronto. Participants at these demonstrations added their solidarity messages to the banner in different languages, including Farsi, Kurdish, Turkish, Chinese, Hindi, Anishinaabemowin, Spanish, French and English.
Moradi made the letters on the banner from braided fabric strings, symbolizing women’s hair strands, the cutting of which became a global act of solidarity with Iranian and Kurdish women throughout the uprising in Iran.
The banner seeks to raise awareness about the ongoing fight by Iranian, Kurdish and Afghan women for their rights and freedom. The banner also aims to cultivate international allyship by highlighting the shared challenges women encounter worldwide.
“I have created the banner to amplify a collective message, bringing together women's voices across borders,” said Moradi. “Collecting the messages of support and solidarity, and reading them while sewing the messages on the banner, was a deeply moving experience. It is inspiring to acknowledge our collective battle against patriarchy and to know that we are not alone in this struggle.”
The banner will officially open in the Community Corridor at the CMHR tomorrow on the anniversary of the death of Jina Mahsa Amini (she/her). Amini lived in the Kurdish region of Iran. She died after being arrested and tortured by Iranian authorities, accused of improperly wearing her hijab while visiting Tehran. At her funeral, women removed their hijabs and began chanting “Jin, Jian, Azadî” (“Woman, Life, Freedom”), continuing the Kurdish struggle against decades of oppression by Iranian government and igniting a global movement for change.
Learn more about the significance of the banner, and the story of the artist, at humanrights.ca.
The banner will remain on display until March 10, 2024. It can be viewed free of charge anytime the Museum is open to the public.
About the Community Corridor
The Community Corridor is located in The Forks North Portage Partnership Classroom Lobby on the first floor of the CMHR. It provides a platform where community members can share their work and lead meaningful dialogue on human rights. Applications are being accepted until November 5, 2023, to be featured next in the space. Full details are available here.