AF3IRM joins #DalitWomenFight against Caste-Based and State Violence with Santa Clara University and Los Angeles events!

NATIONAL -- Join AF3IRM as we support the Dalit Women’s Self-Respect Movement and their events around the United States! The #DalitWomenFight Tour has visited cities across the country, from New York to San Francisco, with AF3IRM chapters coast to coast there to welcome them.As an anti-imperialist, transnational feminist organization, AF3IRM is proud to be able to share space with the Dalit Women’s Self-Respect Movement and to support their fight against state violence and towards liberation. We have always recognized the intersectionality of oppressions and the part that the State plays in maintaining these systems of power. The caste system in India is a clear example of this. Because of their caste and their gender, the Dalit women have a long history of being targets of sexual and physical violence, discrimination, and trafficking, while the State does little to protect them. Their stories of caste apartheid are evidence of one of the oldest systems of oppression - yet their stories also speak to a long history of resistance.Indeed, we salute the Dalit women’s continued fight against all forms of oppression and their willingness to put their bodies on the frontline of the struggle, as they did during the Dalit Women’s Self-Respect March. We are inspired by their fierce passion and leadership, as the Dalit women activists not only bear witness to the caste-based violence and oppression they face in India and in the diaspora, but also demonstrate their courage in breaking the silence around the caste system and share their visions for revolutionary change.This week the Dalit women activists finish the Bay Area leg of their tour and make their way to southern California. AF3IRM San Francisco Bay Area and Central Coast chapters will host #DalitWomenFight Breaking the Silence on Caste Apartheid at Santa Clara University on Wednesday, October 7th. The event begins at 7pm at the Music Recital Hall - Room 103, located in the Music and Dance Facility Building 114, located at 952 Franklin Street. The night will feature Dalit-American artist Thenmozhi Soundararajan, as well as personal testimonies, songs, performance, film and discussion. There will also be photographs and posters that document the work of the Dalit Women’s Self Respect Movement from artists all over the world.On Saturday, October 10th, AF3IRM will join #DalitWomenFight in LA at Chuco’s Justice Center (1137 E. Redondo Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90302) from 2 to 5pm. More events from the tour can be found via Facebook (http://bit.ly/dalitwf) and their website (http://www.dalitwomenfight.com/).The activists on the frontline of the Dalit Women’s Self-Respect Movement show the world what we in AF3IRM have always known - that a woman’s place is at the head of the struggle for liberation! We call on all to join us this week and resist these divisions created by class, caste and oppressive traditions! Across borders and oceans, we join the Dalit women activists in calling for the end of caste apartheid, caste-based sexual violence, and all forms of state violence!#DalitWomenFight Breaking the Silence on Caste Apartheid at Santa Clara UniversityWednesday, October 7, 20157pm to 9pmMusic Recital Hall - Room 103Music and Dance Facility Building 114952 Franklin Street, Santa Clara, CA 95050AF3IRM Info: http://bit.ly/dalitwfscuFacebook Event Page: http://bit.ly/dwf-scu#DalitWomenFight in LA: The Struggles Against Caste Apartheid and State ViolenceSaturday, October 10, 20152pm to 5pmChuco’s Justice Center1137 E. Redondo BlvdInglewood, CA 90302Facebook Event Page: http://bit.ly/dalitwfla