Statements

As a Kurdish-Jewish alliance, we bring forward the perspectives of Kurds, Yazidis and Jews — communities whose histories have taught them how vulnerable human dignity becomes in times of violence and war. For this very reason, we stand together to ensure that sexualized violence is never relativized, silenced or politically instrumentalized. We seek to make visible especially those women whose fates remain in the shadows of media attention and whose voices too often go unheard. We advocate for recognition, protection, accountability and justice. And we affirm that compassion must not be bound by borders, identities or narratives, but must begin wherever human dignity is violated. Together we say: Silence protects perpetrators. Listening, naming and acting protects those affected.

…Silencing sexualized violence has never led to collective emancipation; it has only ever protected perpetrators and reinforced structures of minimization and denial. Denial is often part of sexualized violence – and of antisemitic violence as well – becoming its cruel, lifelong undertone. For no matter how publicly and self-righteously the violence is carried out and even celebrated, it seems to be intrinsic to it that it will later be possible to deny it. In this way, rapists can boast about their acts while the violence, intertwined with societal hatred and social agreements, extends far beyond the act of rape itself. For sexualized violence carries within it both the strategic use of sexuality as an instrument of domination and the threat that it will be denied – because victims of such violence are not believed in the first place. … If the reactions to the massacres of October 7 have shown anything, it is the necessity of rearticulating a feminism oriented toward situated universalism. Situated universalism means, on the one hand, acknowledging the specific conditions of feminist struggles for liberation, and on the other, keeping the utopian dimension of these struggles in view. Livia Erdösi, Ana Hoffner Ex-Prvulovic* and Nora Steinfeld Auszüge aus der Einleitung von: Denialism. Antisemitismus und sexualisierte Gewalt aus feministischer Perspektive(https://www.verbrecherverlag.de/shop/denialism-antisemitismus-und-sexualisierte-gewalt-aus-feministischer-perspektive/)

Sexualized violence against women has existed since the dawn of humanity, yet it is far too often ignored. I am a Yazidi woman, and in 2014, Yazidis suffered the most horrific massacres, rapes, and enslavements, while the world stood by and watched. To this day, over 2,600 Yazidi women are missing. I want to stand up for Yazidi women and all women worldwide, and that is why I am signing this petition!

Regardless of origin religion age language sexual orientation #freeallwomen

In times of growing division, we need spaces where we can come together around what truly matters: the inviolability of every woman’s dignity. We stand united against sexualized violence — beyond ideologies and political camps.

I support this petition because dignity is universal. No woman and no girl must ever be used as a means of political or military power.

If sexualized violence is used systematically, why is the outrage not deafening? We are easier to hear when we connect — as women and as minorities. When we break the silence together.

I stand against every form of oppression of women — from religious fundamentalism to misogynistic extremism, whether on the right or the left. Human rights first.

Our strength lies in our willingness to connect across communities. To acknowledge the wounds of others. That is our smallest common denominator.

They are not just women experiencing this horrific violence. They are mothers, sisters, wives and friends. And they need our support.

Women’s rights must be understood as universal. As long as women are enslaved, abused, and oppressed anywhere, the destructive patriarchal narrative of gender inequality remains a reality in this world. We must stand together across the globe.

We no longer have the luxury of not being courageous. And that also means: choosing to connect beyond ideological boundaries.

Sexualized violence wounds and marks people for life. Not only the victims, but society as a whole. We stand against it. Regardless of cultural backgrounds. That is what makes us human — together.

If we women do not stand together and collectively stand up, fight, and speak out against misogyny and violence… Who will? FREE ALL WOMEN 💪

Sexual violence is despicable. And unacceptable. Always. Everywhere.

Sexual violence – whether used as a weapon of war or as an expression of patriarchal power – is a crime that deeply shocks us and that we unequivocally condemn. It disproportionately affects women and queer people. They have our full and unwavering solidarity. We stand firmly against all forms of hatred and unequivocally with the survivors. Eva Schmid, Deputy Secretary General Schweizerischer Israelitischer Gemeindebund (SIG)