March in Êlih: Appointment of trustees is a form of violence against women
A march was held in Êlih (Batman) to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Women participating in the march chanted slogans against the appointment of trustees to Kurdish municipalities.
Êlih (Batman)- The Free Women’s Movement (Kurdish: Tevgera Jinên Azad-TJA) held a march in Êlih to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, November 25. Hundreds of women gathered at the Yılmaz Güney Park marched to the Press Junction, chanting slogans such as “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî”, “Bijî berxwedana Batmanê (Long live the resistance of Batman)” and “Oppression cannot intimidate us”. Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan, representatives of political parties and members of NGOs also participated in the march.
Women participating in the march held banners, reading, “Appointment of trustees is a coup against the will of people”, “No to trustees, no to plunder, yes to women and life” and “Hope is more precious than victory”.
‘You will lose’
On October 4, 2024, Turkish Ministry of Internal Affairs removed the elected co-mayors of Mardin, Êlih (Batman) and Xelfetî (Halfeti), three municipalities run by the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), from office and appointed trustees in their place. On November 22, 2024, the Turkish ministry removed the elected co-mayors of Dersim and Ovacık.
Women participating in the march protested violence against women and the appointment of trustees to the Kurdish municipalities. After the march, TJA member Hava Can said that they, as women, would fight against the patriarchal mindset. “The resistance in cities and districts, where trustees were appointed, continues to be stronger. With the ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ philosophy, we say: This philosophy will prevail and you will lose (the government).”
In her speech, Ayşegül Doğan drew attention to the intensified attacks of the government against women’s struggle. “Mothers continue to preserve their language, culture and existence. The people of the city have been resisting the attacks on women’s will since October 4. We will take to the streets to protest the mindset that does not recognize women's will.
Stressing that the appointment of trustees is a form of violence against women, she said, “The appointment of trustees (to municipalities) is theft, plunder, and usurpation. We were subjected to violence while protesting the appointment of trustees. Jin, Jiyan, Azadî is a philosophy and they (the government) now attack this philosophy.”