International Women’s Day: Speech by Ayesha Baloch of Baloch Community of British Columbia Canada

On this international Women’s Day March 8th, I would like to express my admiration of all the Women around the world for their contributions in all walks of life and society in general.  Together we stand united in the struggle for gender equality.

As you know, we are truly fortunate to live here in a free and democratic country.  Here, in Canada, gender equality encouraged by society and protected by law.  We dearly cherish Canadian values such as freedom of expression, cultural & social pride, and the freedom to participate in organizatiions promoting these values as well as human rights.  These realities we enjoy here are but a dream for those of us living back home in forcefully occupied territories; a dream if expressed carries significant consequences.

Having said that, as you know two nations – the Baloch and Kurd – have endured a long and painful history.  Living in the most dangerous and turbulent regions of the world.  Entire Ethnic groups are suppressed and oppressed by one occupational regime after another across Central Asia.  The secular ethnicities that we are born to, we have never accepted religious extremists and radicalism among our nations.  We have become victims of the most sinister agendas of which our people are fiercely opposing through peaceful and armed struggle.  Kobani is a prime example where Kurdish women are fighting on the front line.  Battling side by side with their brothers against medieval forces.  A testament to the Kurds deep rooted secular beliefs.

Similarly today, Baloch women, innocent school girls and boys are threatened by the same primitive extremist forces.  The girls and young women in Balochistan have often been victims of shootings, bombings, and acid attacks.  They are forced to abandon any form of modern and significant education.  Modern schools are attacked and burned down and teachers who education girls or bestow modern secular education upon students are openly gunned down by fanatic death squads.  English language schools and centres are specifically targeted because through learning English students gain access to modern and often secular learning materials.  Our youth need to succeed in modern society but state forces are in effect enforcing a policy of systematic oppression and deprivation.

Much like our highly admirable Kurdish cousins, the Baloch nation also refuses to abandon hope, bravely opposing the oppression of their people through both peaceful protest and armed struggle.  Today the Baloch women are at the forefront of the movement.  Well educated female activists, intellectuals and student leaders such as Banuk Farzana Majeed Baloch, Banuk Karima Baloch, Bibi Gul and many other Baloch female activists raise their voices against State barbarism in occupied Balochistan in peaceful protests and demonstrations.

The Baloch women have been a significant and highly inspirational influence in Baloch society.  Banuk Farzana Majeed has for the past six years demanded justice for the 20,000 forcefully abducted Baloch people and over 2000 extra judicially killed by the occupying state.  In 2009 her brother Zakir Majeed was snatched from Mastung by State Intelligence Agents and was never seen again.  Sadly, when Banuk Farzana Majeed attempted to fly to New York to attend a human rights conference, Pakistani security prevented her from leaving.  Although she and her companions held valid passports and were granted 5 year Visas in the United Stated; State authorities claimed she was on the “exit control list” and was prohibited from travelling outside Pakistan.  As well as having their movement unconstitutionally restricted, the Women activists are regularly threatened and persecuted by the Pakistani authorities and their agencies.

Today, we gather for International Women’s Day to express my personal and our mutual admiration for each and every empowered Women.  From the courageous activists opposing oppression, to the strong brilliant Women whom are raising our children, attending schools, and contributing to every facet of our communities; adding to the rich diversity of Canadian society.

Thank You

Ayesha Baloch

Representative of Baloch Community of British Columbia – Canada