Honoring Pakhshan Azizi in Women’s History Month &
Social Work Month –
Dr. Soraya Fallah
During Women’s History Month and Social Work Month
(March 18), I honor the courageous women who have dedicated their lives to
justice, equality, and humanitarian service—women like Pakhshan Azizi,
whose work should be celebrated, not punished.
As a Kurdish humanitarian worker and social worker,
Pakhshan has devoted her life to advocating for marginalized communities,
supporting victims of violence, and aiding displaced refugees, including those
in northern Syria. Her unwavering commitment to human rights and social justice
embodies the very spirit of resilience and compassion that these months seek to
uplift.
Yet, instead of recognition, she faces an unjust death
sentence in Iran, a stark reminder of the dangers women and social workers face
when they stand for justice.
As we celebrate the
achievements of women and honor the vital contributions of social workers, we
must also call on the global community to defend and protect them.
Pakhshan’s legacy should be one of empowerment, not
persecution. I call on the world to support her and demand justice—because
defending human rights should never be a crime.
The virtual seminar titled
"Empowering Women: Celebrating Our Legacy, Inspiring Our Future,"
held on March 26, 2024, marked a significant celebration of Women's History
Month. Organized by the United Nations Association of San Fernando Valley
(UNA-USA) in collaboration with the National Women's History Alliance (NWHA),
the event aimed to honor women's remarkable achievements and enduring legacy
throughout history.
Dr. Jill Kracov Zinckgraf, the Interim
Executive Director of NWHA, delivered a compelling keynote address that
illuminated the resilience, courage, and empowerment defining the legacy of
women worldwide. Through captivating storytelling and insightful analysis, she
highlighted the significant contributions of women throughout history, from
pioneering trailblazers to unsung heroes.
During the interactive discussion
session, the facilitator posed a crucial
question to Dr. Zinckgraf: "It's
crucial to ensure that our exploration of women's history is inclusive and
representative of diverse experiences worldwide. How can we effectively
highlight the contributions and experiences of non-Western women throughout
history, and why is it important to amplify these voices in our discussions on
gender equality and empowerment? For instance, the latest feminist movements,
such as 'Woman Life Freedom,' have gained significant momentum in recent years.
Could you share your insights on how these movements are shaping the discourse
around women's rights and empowerment today, and what role they play in
advancing gender equality on a global scale?"
Dr. Zinckgraf provided a comprehensive
response, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and representation in
discussions on gender equality. She highlighted the need to recognize and
amplify the voices of non-Western women, whose contributions have often been
overlooked or marginalized.
She replied to attendees' questions
about SDG5, the role of initiatives, other significant events, and the role of
men in gender equality.
The virtual seminar featured dynamic
presentations, interactive discussions, and shared insights. It raised
awareness and facilitated meaningful dialogue on the importance of recognizing
and honoring women's contributions to society.
I had a hard day
It is with heavy heart and deep sorrow to announce the passing of my beloved friend DR.DAVID KAZZAZ in his 100 years birthday, yes I he lived for 100 years full of advice and loved life.
He passed peacefully in Denver Colorado, where I met him first time. I know David and his beautiful family for a long time, I am mourning the loss of an amazing friend, a wise mentor, a visionary philosopher, and a good psychiatrist. David and I had long discussions, trip to Northern Iraq-post Saddam war, to Kurdistan, trip to Red rock in Denver Colorado, and established a nonprofit together.
He was and remains as a remarkable human being who touched many people’s heart, he believed that Kurds are the nation that love life and will survive all the atrocities.
I’ll treasure his book “Mother of the Pound” with his signature on it, I read his wise emails again, and cherish my memory with him.
Farwell David, I am happy everyone loved you and wanted to be around you.
I am mourning the loss of a true friend, a wise mentor, a visionary philosopher, and a good psychiatrist. David and I had long discussions, traveled to Northern Iraq-post Saddam war, to Kurdistan, a trip to Red Rock in Denver, Colorado, and established a nonprofit together.
He was and remained a remarkable human being who touched many people’s hearts; he believed that Kurds are a nation that loves life and will survive all the atrocities.
David!
I treasure your book “Mother of the Pound” with your signature; I re-read your wise emails and cherish my memory with you.
Farwell David, I am happy you were loved and will live in my heart forever.
Dr. David Kazzaz, Denver; Husband of the late Louise Kazzaz; Father of Daniel, Amos, Jeffrey and Jerome Kazzaz; Grandfather of Rebecca, Jeremy, Zachary, Talya, Shira, Ariana, Zoe and Sarah; Great-grandfather of Eitan, Karen, Sophie, Abraham and Gabriella.
Funeral service, Thursday, March 16th at 1pm at Congregation Rodef Shalom. Service will be live streamed by Rodef Shalom: https://www.rodef-shalom.org/stream.
Burial to follow at Mount Nebo.
Following are part of my memories with him.
Soraya Fallah Interviews Dr.David Kazzaz
In May 2014 Soraya Fallah ,Women human rights activist and researcher traveled to Denver to revisit her mentor and friend, Dr. Kazzaz and interview him on his philosophy and activities for peace in the Middle East and Kurdish cause.
Dr.Kazzaz advocates the WOMEN LEADING LIFE movement and provides a set of life-affirming strategies that can be implemented among any segment of a population, in any nation on earth. Above all, in these deeply troubling times, this treatise offers a message of hope and inspiration and urges us all to cherish and celebrate life.
Psychiatrist and author of Mother of the Pound doctor David Kazzaz, a native of Iraq, pursued his medical studies in Beirut in the 1940s and emigrated to the United States in 1954, settling in Denver, Colorado. He was Senior Associate at the Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East in the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. His life experiences extend from the post--World War one period through the post September 11 era.
He offers a unique perspective on the causes behind the rampant brutality witnessed across the globe today—be it suicide bombings in the Middle East, genocidal wars in Africa, or terrorist strikes on American shores.
Powerful images of protests around the world following the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
SENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB People take part in a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran, in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, September 23, 2022. REUTERS/Christian Mang
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People take part in a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran, in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, September 23, 2022. REUTERS/Christian Mang
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A demonstrator holds hair during a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, September 23, 2022. REUTERS/Christian Mang
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People take part in a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, September 23, 2022. REUTERS/Christian Mang
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A pile of hair is seen after demonstrators cut their hair during a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, September 23, 2022. REUTERS/Christian Mang
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
SENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB A civil guard officer asks Activists from the women's rights group FEMEN to remove their signs from the gate of the Embassy of Iran, as they protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, in Madrid, Spain, September 23, 2022. REUTERS/Susana Vera
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
SENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB Activists from the women's rights group FEMEN hold signs, during a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, outside the Embassy of Iran, in Madrid, Spain, September 23, 2022. REUTERS/Susana Vera
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A handmade sign by calligrapher Faramarza Karimi, reading "Woman, Life, Freedom", in Kurdish calligraphy, at a candlelit vigil following the death of a young Iranian Kurdish woman, Zhina Mahsa Amini, outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 22, 2022. REUTERS/Bing Guan
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
Demonstrators sing the Kurdish national anthem in protest at a candlelit vigil following the death of a young Iranian Kurdish woman, Zhina Mahsa Amini, outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 22, 2022. REUTERS/Bing Guan
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
A image of Zhina Mahsa Amini at a candlelit vigil following her death, outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 22, 2022. REUTERS/Bing Guan
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
SENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB Activists from the women's rights group FEMEN protest, following the death of Mahsa Amini, outside the Embassy of Iran, in Madrid, Spain, September 23, 2022. REUTERS/Susana Vera
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
Dr. Soraya Fallah (center), an Iranian Kurd, demonstrates with an image of Zhina Mahsa Amini at a candlelit vigil following her death, outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 22, 2022. REUTERS/Bing Guan
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
Demonstrators construct a heart out of candles during a vigil protesting the death of a young Iranian Kurdish woman, Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 22, 2022. REUTERS/Bing Guan
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
Ardalan Goran, an Iranian Kurd, uses his iPhone while recording fellow demonstrators at a protest following the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, a young Iranian Kurdish woman, outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 22, 2022. REUTERS/Bing Guan
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
SENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB Activists from the women's rights group FEMEN hold signs, during a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, outside the Embassy of Iran, in Madrid, Spain, September 23, 2022. REUTERS/Susana Vera
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
A demonstrator displays an image of Zhina Mahsa Amini, an Iranian Kurdish woman, at a protest and vigil following her death outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 22, 2022. REUTERS/Bing Guan
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Demonstrators scuffle with riot police, during a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, outside the Iranian Embassy, in Athens, Greece, September 22, 2022. REUTERS/Costas Baltas
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
Demonstrators scuffle with riot police, during a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, outside the Iranian Embassy, in Athens, Greece, September 22, 2022. REUTERS/Costas Baltas
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
A demonstrator holds a placard, during a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, outside the Iranian Embassy, in Athens, Greece, September 22, 2022. REUTERS/Costas Baltas
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
Demonstrators scuffle with riot police, during a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, outside the Iranian Embassy, in Athens, Greece, September 22, 2022. REUTERS/Costas Baltas
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
People light a fire during a protest over the death of Mahsa Amini, a woman who died after being arrested by the Islamic republic's "morality police", in Tehran, Iran September 21, 2022. WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
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People light a fire during a protest over the death of Mahsa Amini, a woman who died after being arrested by the Islamic republic's "morality police", in Tehran, Iran September 21, 2022. WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
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Photographs of what are said to be political prisoners held by Iran stand posted with roses during a rally against Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s address at the UN General Assembly during the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly outside U.N. Headquarters in New York City, U.S., September 21, 2022. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
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Women take part in a sit-in following the death of Mahsa Amini, at Martyrs' Square in Beirut, Lebanon September 21, 2022. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
Women hold a picture of Mahsa Amini during a sit-in following her death, at Martyrs' Square in Beirut, Lebanon September 21, 2022. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
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An Iranian woman living in Turkey reacts during a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul, Turkey September 21, 2022. REUTERS/Murad Sezer
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An Iranian woman living in Turkey points at an old Iranian royal flag during a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul, Turkey September 21, 2022. REUTERS/Murad Sezer
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
People take part in a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul, Turkey September 21, 2022. REUTERS/Murad Sezer
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
A demonstrator holds hair during a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, September 23, 2022. REUTERS/Christian Mang
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
A demonstrator cuts hair during a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, September 23, 2022. REUTERS/Christian Mang
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
A demonstrator cuts hair during a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, September 23, 2022. REUTERS/Christian Mang
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
Pro-government peoples rally against the recent protest gatherings in Iran, after the Friday prayer ceremony in Tehran, Iran September 23, 2022. Iranians have staged mass protests over the case of Mahsa Amini, 22, who died last week after being arrested by the morality police for wearing "unsuitable attire". Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
An Iranian pro-government woman holds the Iranian flag during a rally against the recent protest gatherings in Iran, after the Friday prayer ceremony in Tehran, Iran September 23, 2022. Iranians have staged mass protests over the case of Mahsa Amini, 22, who died last week after being arrested by the morality police for wearing "unsuitable attire". Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
Demonstrators burn a hijab in protest at a candlelit vigil following the death of a young Iranian Kurdish woman, Zhina Mahsa Amini, outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 22, 2022. REUTERS/Bing Guan
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
Demonstrators at a candlelight vigil following the death of a young Iranian Kurdish woman, Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 22, 2022. REUTERS/Bing Guan
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Protests: Mahsa Amini
Faramarza Karimi, an Iranian Kurdish calligrapher from San Diego, displays his handmade sign reading "Woman, Life, Freedom", in Kurdish calligraphy, at a protest following the death of a young Iranian Kurdish woman, Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 22, 2022. REUTERS/Bing Guan
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Nasibe Samsaei, an Iranian woman living in Turkey, cuts her hair during a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul, Turkey September 21, 2022. REUTERS/Murad Sezer
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A police motorcycle burns during a protest over the death of Mahsa Amini, a woman who died after being arrested by the Islamic republic's "morality police", in Tehran, Iran September 19, 2022. WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
Demonstrators in Canada, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Lebanon, Turkey, and the United States rallied in solidarity with protesters in Iran who have filled the streets over the death of Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish woman who died in police custody on September 16.
Amini was from the Kurdish minority and was with her brother in Tehran when she was arrested by morality police for wearing an “improper hijab.” She allegedly had some hair visible under her headscarf. She fell into a coma after collapsing at the Vozara Detention Centre. She died three days later.
Amini’s death has sparked widespread protests in Iran, with women burning headscarves in a defiant act of resistance against the Islamic Republic's strict dress code.
Now, the world is joining the women who are at the forefront of the fight against Iran’s government.
