Maryam Namazie has, through writing and campaigning, been instrumental in raising awareness of violence against women and children under Islamic and religious laws. Most recently via her work with Equal Rights Now – Organisation against Women’s Discrimination in Iran where she has campaigned against sexual apartheid and with the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain where she has campaigned to break the taboo that comes with renouncing Islam, opposing Sharia law, and defending universal women’s rights. Since women are the first victims of religion in power, Namazie’s work has been most important for women facing threats, violence and intimidation for transgressing religious norms and rules – whether abroad or right here in Britain.