International Women’s Day is often marked by speeches about equality and symbolic gestures celebrating women’s progress. But these rituals ring hollow when girls are still losing their lives to war. The bombing of a girls’ school in Minab, Iran, is a stark reminder that discussions about women’s rights cannot be separated from the violence and militarism that continue to threaten their lives.

International Women’s Day on 8th March is recognised around the world as a symbol of women’s struggle for equality, rights and dignity. Each year, discussions about women’s rights, freedoms and social justice take place in many countries. Civil society organisations hold demonstrations; institutions publish statements and social media fills with messages celebrating women.

Yet as we approach another 8th March, there is an image that should not be forgotten: a girls’ school struck by bombs in the city of Minab.

Yet as we approach another 8th March, there is an image that should not be forgotten: a girls’ school struck by bombs in the city of Minab.

Inside that school were girls studying during class hours – girls who were preparing themselves for the future. They were learning so that one day they could defend their rights, shape their own lives and contribute to their communities. In that classroom there were school bags, notebooks, words written on the blackboard and the hopes of a generation.

Those girls had dreams about the future. Some hoped to become doctors and save lives. Others wanted to become teachers, to educate the next generation. Some........

© Middle East Monitor