Shinfujin at national assembly determined to fight for peace

The New Japan Women's Association (Shinfujin) on December 21 held the National Assembly in Tokyo focusing on "Grassroots actions in defense of the Constitution for peace and various demands." It adopted a special resolution opposing the dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces to Iraq and adverse revisions of the Constitution.

Delegates from all over the country reported on experiences they had in various grassroots activities to defend peace and living conditions.

Representatives of Kumamoto Prefecture spoke about their signature drive demanding free infant medical treatment. Collecting more than 4,000 signatures in support of their petition, they made their local government establish a system for free infant medical care.

Speaking to more than 1,000 participants, Japanese Communist Party Vice-chair and Lower House member Ishii Ikuko, who took part in the founding of Shinfujin 41 years ago, pointed out that many women's organizations have begun raising voices against the SDF dispatch plan.

Stressing that Shinfujin has been the first women's group to rise in action to stop the government moves toward making Japan a war-fighting nation, Ishii encouraged the participants to further develop the movement to defend the war-renouncing Article 9 of the Constitution.

Takada Kimiko was elected as new Shinfujin president succeeding Inoue Miyo (JCP House of Councilors member). (end)