Today, August 27, 2007, marked the one year anniversary of the start of the One Million Signatures Campaign. The day started with a press conference on the subject, which was held in the offices of the Nameh, a quarterly journal which has been suspended. Members of the Iranian and international press were present to hear comments by Nobel Peace Laureate Shirin Ebadi, award winning poet Simin Behbehani, Author Babak Ahmadi, Human Rights Activist Nargess Mohammadi and Campaign members, Jilla Shariatpanahi, Sarah Loghmani and Nahid Keshavarz. A summary of these discussions will be translated and posted on the English section of the Campaign’s website.
Later in the day, Campaign members celebrated the one year anniversary of this important effort at a private gathering which included 150 participants. The event featured speeches by Campaign members, on the progress of the effort, pressures faced by Campaign members, the results of a survey on the penetration of the Campaign into grassroots groups and the general public and updates on the activities of the Campaign’s 10 committees, in Tehran. Similar celebratory events are being held in other provinces where the Campaign is active. Such events marking the anniversary of the Campaign will be held throughout the month. The event also included musical performances by Mahsa Vahdat and Parvin Bahmani. Stay tuned for reports on this festive event.
Also, to mark this occasion a painting exhibit, titled “Our Mothers,” was inaugurated on Sunday August 26, in Bahman Cultural Center. The Exhibit which intends to celebrate women will feature painting workshops for visitors, with artists included in the exhibit. Campaign members will be on hand, to engage in face-to-face discussions with visitors about laws impacting women. The exhibit will last through Tuesday August 28th.