For Immediate Release
October 28, 2017
Reference: Cole Carothers, Chairperson, GABRIELA New York
From the Cordilleras to Queens, Mindanao to Manhattan, on National Women’s Day of Protest in the Philippines, GABRIELA New York continues to intensify the fight against escalating fascism in the United States. We demand an end to rape culture and all sexual violence. We call to stop the repression of women human rights defenders.
Rise to Stop the Repression of Women Human Rights Defenders!
In the past three months, there have been waves of attacks against legal political activists in the Cordillera, Philippines by the 7th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Northern Luzon Command. Women human rights defenders Sarah Abellon-Alikes, Sherry Mae Soledad, Joanne Villanueva, Rachel Mariano, Asia Isabella Gepte and Shirley Ann Angiwot are targets at the hands of a tyrannical state. Hands Off Women Human Rights Defenders!
Please see the Urgent Alert for more details on the situation and the call for support: https://ascentph.wordpress.com/2017/10/18/urgent-alert-from-the-cordillera-human-rights-alliance-stop-the-attacks-on-women-human-rights-defenders-in-the-cordillera-philippines/
Resist Fascism!
The worsening crisis of capitalism and neoliberal policies continue to threaten and attack our communities in the U.S. and across the world. The rise of fascism is endangering the lives and security of our communities. As a result, women, children and families are experiencing increased homelessness, gentrification, militarization, state-sponsored violence, unemployment, poverty and the lack of access to basic necessities.
Unite to End Rape Culture and All Sexual Violence!
Over the last few weeks, countless women and survivors of sexual violence have spoken out utilizing the #MeToo platform on social media. High-profile predators like Harvey Weinstein, James Toback and former President George H.W. Bush have been exposed for their unabating harassment and violence against women.
Read this article on the origins of Tarana Burke’s Me Too movement and its development: http://www.ebony.com/news-views/black-woman-me-too-movement-tarana-burke-alyssa-milano#axzz4wltQhkbA
GABRIELA New York will continue to rise, resist, unite to end fascism, state repression and sexual violence. We link arms from New York to the Philippines, collectively committed for our genuine liberation!
Together, united, we’ll never be defeated!
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GABRIELA New York 