Tampa, FL – Freedom Road Socialist Organization hosted a discussion panel for International Women's Day, March 8, at the First United Church of Tampa. Groups that spoke at the event included the local immigrant rights group Raices en Tampa and the Committee to Stop FBI Repression-Tampa.

Marisol Marquez and Alicia Gazga spoke on behalf of Raices en Tampa. They spoke of the Farah Strike in El Paso, Texas. The Farah Strike, which started in May of 1972, was primarily composed of women Chicana garment workers, who demanded union representation at their workplace. It was a long and hard fought strike that lasted until 1974. Alicia Gazga said of the strike, “We chose this topic in celebration of International Women's Day; these were revolutionary women who stood up and said enough is enough. Their history led to better pay and they were able to unionize.”

Danya Zituni of The Committee to Stop FBI Repression-Tampa spoke of the fights of Arab and Muslim women for liberation, stating “Arab and Muslim women residing domestically and abroad bear the brunt of various forms of damage due to American imperialism. Palestinian women and native women everywhere have a righteous anger toward ending colonialism and imperialism, and this refutes the idea militancy is somehow masculine. As the primary targets we deserve to be on the front lines. There are many examples of strong resistance to capitalism, colonialism and imperialism by revolutionary Arab women such as Souha Bechara of the Lebanese Communist Party and Leila Khaled of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.” Zituni also spoke of the necessity to fight against the government's current attacks against Rasmea Odeh, who has been a tireless advocate for Arab and Muslim women.

Those gathered at the event left with a renewed sense of hope and vigor for the liberation and emancipation of women. Gazga said of the event, “I celebrate this day with my comrades; we are strong beautiful women trying to make the world a better place. Women's Day is every day, let's celebrate it! Let's embrace it!”

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