In Pictures - Tamils across Europe commemorate Tamil Women’s Day 

Commemoration events were held across Europe this month to mark Tamil Women’s Day and 38 years since the death of Second Lieutenant Maalathy, the first female fighter of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to lose her life in the Tamil armed struggle.

Members of the Tamil diaspora gathered to honour Maalathy and remember the countless Tamil women who played vital roles in the liberation movement. Across the Tamil homeland and diaspora, 10 October has come to be recognised as Tamil Women’s Day, a moment to reflect on the contribution, sacrifice, and leadership of Tamil women throughout the struggle for self-determination.

Maalathy was killed in battle at the age of 20 during a confrontation with the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Jaffna on 10 October 1987. Her death marked a turning point in the Tamil armed resistance, symbolising the growing participation of women in the liberation movement.

At remembrance events across Europe, floral tributes were laid and candles lit in her memory, as speakers reflected on how Tamil women have continued to lead struggles for Tamil liberation.

See photographs from the various events below.

United Kingdom

 

Belgium

 

Denmark

 

France

Finland

Italy

Netherlands

Switzerland