Blog 7

Most recently in the news I found that Women in Iran were just granted an award called the Anna Politkovaskay award for Courage. This award is given out once a year in to women who stand up for women’s rights, in memory of the Russian humans rights advocate and journalist who was murdered three years ago in her elevator of her apartment complex. Anna was a very brave woman who spoke out against violence of women and supported equality for all people with a strong emphasis on women’s rights. The Anna Politkovskaya award for courage is an award that is meant to keep Anna’s spirit alive. Each year the award goes to women who demand great women’s rights. This year it was presented on Tuesday October 5, 2009 to a group of women in Iran who have set out to ascertain one million signatures on a petition that supports greater women’s rights in their country, Iran. The group that gave the award to the Iran women said, “"We gave them the award because they are an extremely brave and courageous group of women and they are really changing the society in Iran, which is extremely difficult," RAW in War founder Mariana Katzarova told Reuters”. (www.reuters.com) This is a very powerful statement because it shows that the passion of a small group of individuals can bring about awareness and ultimately promote positive change. I found this out only an hour after it happened and I am a world away from this situation, but it affects all women and me in that right because where there is injustice for one there is injustice for all. The spirit, fight, and risk of imprisonment that the Iranian women put forth shows their determination and dedication towards this problem and by all means I hope they continue bringing about such broad awareness and support towards this very urgent issue. Power to the Women and may change occur faster than they expected. One Million signatures are on there way!!!!!