Page 3758 - Week 11 - Thursday, 24 November 2022
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The denial of women’s rights under the guise of cultural norms is nothing new. As a privileged woman from a westernised and rich country, it is important to recognise that women’s expression of feminism is different and sits within a cultural context. It is not for us to say what their feminism looks like and it is not for us to impose our views on them.
However, women in Iran are expressing the reality that strict dress codes for women can impact on all aspects of public life and can restrict the ability for women and girls to even participate in public life. They have been joined by their husbands, their friends and their children to say that enough is enough. They have the attention of the world, who are coming together to express their solidarity.
Today, this parliament joins this global community of people committed to human rights, to kindness and inclusion, to say that we are here with you in solidarity. We echo the calls of the Australian Greens that the international community condemn ongoing abuses of freedom and human rights. Those responsible for Mahsa Amini’s death must be held accountable through a criminal investigation. Those responsible for ongoing state violence and harassment must stop and be held accountable for their actions.
MS CHEYNE (Ginninderra—Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Business and Better Regulation, Minister for Human Rights and Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (10.19): I rise today to echo the comments of colleagues across the chamber, as Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Human Rights, in solidarity with Iranian women and girls and their right to peacefully protest against the oppression of women. Women’s rights are human rights.
Multiculturalism, human rights, peace and diplomacy are fundamentally important values in the ACT. I want to assure the local Iranian community that the ACT government recognises the seriousness of the situation overseas, and the anger and anguish being felt by those who have connections to Iran and its people. I also want to acknowledge that many people in the Canberra and wider Australian community are equally aghast at reports of the deadly and disproportionate use of force against protesters in Iran.
The ACT community is built on a foundation of diversity, empathy, inclusion and respect for each other, and in the context of a framework of human rights. I encourage anyone in distress and requiring help to talk through their thoughts and feelings, and to connect with organisations such as Lifeline on 13 11 14. For access to in-person support in a nonclinical environment that is safe, welcoming and supportive, the Safe Haven at Belconnen Community Health Centre is available for drop-in conversations and is free to access.
As Canberrans, regardless of our cultural backgrounds, we must continue to stand together in support of gender equality and the human rights of women, and to reaffirm our commitment, as a people, to end the senseless violence perpetrated against women and girls worldwide. I commend Minister Berry’s ministerial statement to the chamber.
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