KCIL and the Stefanos International Alliance organized a seminar on Women's rights and Freedom of Expression in the context of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). It took place at the Azadbun
Organization hall.
Many important people attended,
including representatives from different religious groups like Muslims, Bahaae's,
Kakay's, Zardashty's, and Christians. There were also religious scholars and
legal experts. Mr. Edwar Brown, a notable figure, was there too.
The seminar discussed topics related
to freedom of religion and belief in the Kurdistan region and how to combat
hateful speech in extremist groups. The seminar was led by Mr. Edward
Brown, who discussed real-life cases and highlighted the importance of the
topic. They explored the intersection of two crucial rights: freedom of
religion or belief and women's rights. It was clear that while freedom of
religion or belief is essential, it should not be used to treat women unfairly
or limit their freedom to express themselves. They discussed how certain traditional
or religious beliefs can hinder women from receiving a good education, pursuing
good jobs, and achieving equality in society. Striking a balance between
respecting people's beliefs and ensuring equal treatment for both men and women
is vital.
Mr. Brown also emphasized the
responsible use of freedom of expression in matters related to freedom of
religion or belief. This means refraining from promoting hatred, violence, or
unfair treatment of women or minority groups. To make the seminar more
engaging, they presented real-life scenarios and case studies. These practical
examples illustrated the challenges individuals and society face when trying to
reconcile freedom of expression with freedom of religion and belief. By
examining these cases, participants gained a better understanding of how human
rights laws work in practice. In simpler terms, the seminar
provided an important platform for people from diverse backgrounds to exchange
views on the status of women's religious freedom. It allowed them to share
their thoughts and experiences and foster a sense of belonging to a larger
group. Through collaboration, the seminar helped people grasp the numerous
challenges and opportunities associated with women's religious freedom.