Women Against Fascism – street action

Over 1,500 people witnessed the street action “Women Against Fascism” organized by the Center for Girls. There were messages of support, but unfortunately, one of our fellow citizens responded with a Nazi salute. Informational leaflets were distributed to passers-by, while the song “Break the Chain” played through the loudspeaker.

FASCISM is a political system in which one leader or a small group of people has complete control over others, denying them human rights and freedoms based on nationality, race, or political beliefs, while using intimidation, threats, and violence to maintain power. Although fascism is commonly associated with Italy and Germany during World War II, it still exists today in many countries around the world. In Serbia, it is reflected in:

• Chauvinism – the belief that our nation is superior to others;

• Militarism – glorification of military force and conscription, arming of civilians;

• Violence against women and inequality – justifying violence, lack of punishment for perpetrators, normalization of violence in the media, repealing laws (such as the Law on Gender Equality) that protect women’s rights;

• Non-acceptance of diversity – violence and discrimination against Roma people or other ethnic groups (xenophobia and racism), LGBT persons (homophobia), people with disabilities, etc.;

• Abolition of freedom of speech and free media;

• Dictatorship – when one person or party tightly controls all power and dominates all areas of society (employment conditioned by loyalty, citizens treated as property of the state, control over information available to the public, etc.);

• Persecution of political dissenters – threats, violence, arrests, and more.

Photo: Marija V.