Racism and sexist discrimination must be fought EVERY DAY across society

Berlin, March 20.03.2024, 21. On March XNUMXst, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, there are numerous projects, events and offers on the topic of racism. On this day, politicians and celebrities take a decisive stand against racism and discrimination. However, the question remains: Why do cuts keep hitting anti-racist projects in Germany?

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was declared by the United Nations in 1966. The reason for this was the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa on March 21, 1960. The consequences of the massacre were decisive for South Africa and the end of apartheid. On this day, the aim is not only to commemorate the victims of the massacre in South Africa, but also to promote and mobilize actions against racism. The memory of the March 21 massacre brings us back to our present and shows that racist violence continues to happen today.

In Germany, many organizations and networks organize events in collaboration with the Foundation against racism the International Weeks against Racism. The foundation, like DaMigra, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Women rais.ed, DaMigra's anti-racism project, is taking part in the education week against racism in Halle (on the Saale) and Erfurt. Such actions, initiatives and projects are essential! Because racism, anti-feminism and discrimination are growing rapidly in Germany and Europe. 

Racism, sexism and right-wing extremism are increasingly finding a breeding ground in the middle of German society and are not a fringe phenomenon. Two current reports (2022 and 2023) from DeZIM/NaDiRa (German Center for Integration and Migration Research/National Discrimination and Racism Monitor) prove this. The reports underline the racist exclusion mechanisms that more than 80% of the population are confronted with in schools, in the working environment, in the healthcare system or in the housing market.

What's more, such ideas and right-wing ideologies lead to deadly violence. It doesn't just happen when a right-wing extremist terrorist murders many people (as in Halle, Mölln or Hanau) or a Muslim woman like Marwa el-Sherbini in Dresden out of racist and sexist hatred. It happens every day and particularly accompanies BIPoC women with a migration and refugee history. Sexism, racism and other forms of discrimination must not be forgotten as interwoven realities. Women with migration and refugee experience often report how they are simultaneously exposed to racist and sexist discrimination. Not just everyday, but also structural. For example on the labor market: Despite good qualifications, knowledge of German and motivation, many migrants encounter structural and institutional racism in the job placement process. This not only affects the women themselves, but also society as a whole, because we are losing important skilled workers as a result. Racism and sexism are economically harmful and make those affected sick! This also means costs for our economy. Instead of supporting projects by migrant organizations, politicians are making budget cuts.  

“Many migrant organizations experienced severe cuts in 2023/2024, despite very good work. Half of our colleagues had to leave in 2023. As a result, the structures that have been built with effort are lost. Most of the investments would have to flow here. It is high time that the democracy promotion law, which has been fought over for far too long, finally comes into effect.“emphasizes Delal Atmaca, managing director of DaMigra, in Interview with the daily newspaper Junge Welt.

The days before and after March 21st should also Days of struggle against racism be, continuous. Only this can sustainably stop a shift to the right in Germany and strengthen our democracy. This requires a strong anti-racist awareness (which is only possible through anti-racism education!), commitment and commitment from all areas of society. Funds for projects should be guaranteed by Germany and the EU and not be determined by the powers of a government. Combating racism and sexism and dismantling existing colonial patriarchal continuity is a task for society as a whole. It's about historical responsibility! We load ANY We warmly invite you to work together with us against all forms of racism. Always and everywhere!

DaMigra eV represents the interests of women migrant organizations and their concerns and advocates equal opportunities, equal participation and the equality of women with a history of migration and refugee experience in Germany. DaMigra follows the approach of anti-racist feminism.