02 Aug Our Story is One
BRUSSELS – 2 August 2023 – Unprecedented support: the hashtag #OurStoryIsOne reaches hundreds of millions of views worldwide.
Last June, the Baha’i International Community launched a campaign in honour of a tragic event that took place in Shiraz, Iran, 40 years ago and has influenced and inspired many people in their efforts for gender equality, social justice and freedom.
Forty years ago, on 18 June 1983, 10 Baháʼí women were executed in a square in Shiraz, Iran, without their families knowing about it. One of them was 17, most were in their twenties. Their crime: believing in a faith that advocates gender equality, justice and truth. They were hanged one after the other, each forced to witness the death of the next, in an attempt to force them to recant their faith. None did.
(source : Baháʼí International Community)
The story of Iranian women’s resistance and sacrifice for equality continues. Throughout the four decades following this tragic event, hundreds more Baháʼí women have been persecuted – both as women and as Baháʼís – imprisoned, tortured and executed. Baháʼí women in key positions in the country have been sacked, arrested or killed. Those who survived were excluded from universities, public jobs and virtually all aspects of social life.
Today, in the blood, tears and wounds of thousands of young Iranian women fighting for equality, we can recognise the legacy of the ten women of Shiraz whose tragic deaths touched the lives of so many. We see the same spirit and the same choice: to stand up for justice and equality, even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice. Although mistreated and imprisoned, the women of today – just like those who came before them – sacrifice themselves courageously and voluntarily to live in a fairer and more prosperous Iran.
Over the decades, thousands of people have given their blood to build a better Iran. And despite the Iranian government’s efforts to sow discord and hatred between groups, Iranians have forged a sense of unity in suffering and resilience, and a unity in their struggle to rebuild Iran, whatever the sacrifices.
Beyond Iran, it is together, as humanity, that we share this common destiny. This thirst for justice and freedom is felt by millions of people around the world. Our story is one. #OurStoryIsOne
(source : Bahá’í World News Service)
In an extraordinary global response, the #OurStoryIsOne campaign has, in the few weeks since its launch, attracted unprecedented levels of support with a reach of several hundred million views across traditional and social media. The momentum has been reinforced by an avalanche of statements from UN officials, senior dignitaries, government figures, parliamentarians, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, artists, celebrities, members of the public and prisoners of conscience in Iran.
Various events and activities are also being organised in all the countries. Discussions, concerts, art exhibitions and service initiatives are all opportunities to celebrate the unity of humanity and promote the universal values of peace and love.
And what is most encouraging is the spirit of joy and unity that animates this campaign. It’s a sign of hope for the future, and shows us that we can all contribute to creating a fairer and more peaceful world. Together, we are proving that unity is our greatest strength.
Link to the campaign website: https://www.ourstoryisone.bic.org/ and Bahá’í World News Service: https://news.bahai.org/fr/story/1686/