On 9th September, a young Sikh sister in Oldbury was subjected to a horrific racist rape. This has caused outrage and anger in our communities. It is not an isolated attack. It has been made possible by the toxic climate of hate created by the far right, who ramp up hostility through “stop the boats,” attacks on asylum hotels, and the rising flags campaign. Politicians and media, instead of challenging this, have danced to Nigel Farage’s tune – scapegoating migrants while our public services collapse.
Enough is enough. Racist and sexist violence must end. We refuse to be divided, and we refuse to live in fear. This public meeting has been called to bring people together, to share what is happening in our communities, and to develop practical strategies for resistance.
We stand firmly with the young woman who was targeted. This is not a “Sikh issue” – it is a community issue, and all of us must respond.
This meeting is grassroots, led by Black and Brown women who know this violence could just as easily happen to them, supported by comrades and allies. We call on women from every background to speak out and stand together. The fact that this attack happened in broad daylight next to a school makes one thing clear: none of us can feel safe if such violence goes unchallenged.
We reject the far right’s cynical attempts to hijack this moment. Figures like Tommy Robinson have tried to pose as “friends” of Sikhs while spreading Islamophobia and division. Our message is clear: we do not want his hate. We want justice and solidarity.
Our safety, our dignity, and our future depend on unity. We honour those whose lives have been scarred, and we demand justice for those whose lives have been stolen. Together, we will defend our communities, defeat racism and sexism, and rise stronger.
Places are limited to 80 and will be allocated on a first come basis via Eventbrite:
This meeting is called by IWA (GB – Birmingham and Black Country) and supported by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) and others.
