ON THE evening of Saturday March 7 left parties and women’s organisations from a number of countries will come together in London, as they do every year at this time, for a celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) that is truly international — in its politics, its cultural programme and the delicious buffet it offers everyone who attends. 

The annual event, organised by the Women’s Group of the Co-ordinating Committee of Communist Parties in Britain, has become a much-anticipated and valued element of the left and progressive calendar and we are sure that this year’s celebration will not disappoint. 

The evening opens with greetings from the National Assembly of Women, Britain’s affiliate to the Women’s International Democratic Federation. 

This is followed by a rally through which we can learn first-hand from international speakers about the struggle of women to end sex-based injustice and for equality across the world, often in very harsh conditions. 

These contributions never fail to demonstrate unequivocally that the battle against the oppression and super-exploitation of women is integrally linked with the fight against global capitalism, imperialism and war. 

This year’s theme is “Women at the Forefront of Struggle for Justice, Equality and Peace” and it will be reflected in all its many aspects by our platform speakers — representatives of the Communist Party of Bangladesh, the Party of the Progressive Working People of Cyprus in Britain (Akel), the Communist Party of Britain, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), the Iraqi Women’s League UK, the Democratic Organisation of Iranian Women and the Communist Party of Sudan. 

They will provide a unique perspective on the issues facing working-class women and the strength and momentum of their struggles — things that are so often under-reported or unreported and erased by the capitalist mass media. 

Several will bring us news of the brave struggle of women against repressive and dictatorial regimes. 

During the past 12 months in many countries this has included going out onto the streets in the face of live fire from security forces with “shoot-to-kill” orders. Many women have been arrested, tortured and imprisoned for nothing other than exercising their right to protest. 

These women are an inspiration and we cannot hear enough of them. Other speakers will bring us up to date with analysis and insight into women’s campaigning in the heart of leading capitalist countries and, of course, we will not forget our sisters who have been at the forefront of struggle in generations past and whose memory we strive to keep alive and from whose stories we never cease to learn. 

The second half of the evening will be devoted to a cultural programme, including again by popular request, Silvia Balducci, the Italian guitarist and singer, who will play and sing songs from Latin America and Europe, including from the movement in Chile where she has spent time during recent months. 

Sahereh, a member of the Iraqi Women’s League, will sing and play traditional music on her oud and a special treat for the audience will be a children’s dance performance and Bengali songs.

We hope that Morning Star readers, family and friends will join us for this event on Saturday March 7 from 6.45pm (doors at 6.15pm) to approximately 9.15pm. The venue is Ealing Green Church, Ealing Green, London W5 5QT (nearest Underground station — Ealing Broadway). Admission is free and everyone — women, men and children — is very welcome.