Qamishlo — Women’s struggles and resilience take center stage globally on March 8, a day that has evolved from a symbolic occasion into a moment to renew awareness of women’s role in driving change. Across societies, women continue defending their rights and status, challenging discrimination and violence.

On Wednesday, March 4, in the city of Qamishlo in Rojava, Kongra Star issued a statement emphasizing women’s active role in society and their ongoing struggle for freedom and equality. The statement read: “On International Women’s Day, we celebrate every free, strong, and inspiring woman. You are a source of strength, creativity, and leadership. This day is not merely symbolic, but a moment to appreciate women’s effective role in all fields of life and to remember that their will has always been a driving force for change and progress in societies.”

The statement stressed that Women’s Day is an opportunity to renew recognition of women’s strength and patience. Despite the challenges they have faced, the path toward true equality remains long. “We cannot forget the female fighters who gave their lives for freedom and dignity, among them the martyr Deniz, who sacrificed her life for her principles and for women’s freedom and human rights. She was not merely a symbol of revolution, but a model of a woman who preserves her dignity under the harshest conditions.”

It also praised “the fighter whose braid was cut by a terrorist as part of a brutal act of revenge against the spirit of resistance and an attempt to erase her identity. Yet she remained steadfast in her principles.” The cutting of her braid, the statement noted, became a symbol of ongoing resistance to injustice and oppression, and proof that women’s will cannot be broken.

The statement further highlighted that women have not only endured but have moved to the forefront of decision-making in educational, health, and political institutions. It described the experience of women’s administration in North and East Syria as a living model of women’s participation at all levels of decision-making — from schools to local councils, and from training centers to leadership of public institutions — affirming women’s capacity for leadership, creativity, and initiative.

Kongra Star reaffirmed its commitment to commemorating International Women’s Day while honoring the sacrifices of women who gave their lives for freedom and equality. “March 8 is not just a celebration, but a renewed motivation to continue working to entrench women’s rights everywhere.”

In conclusion, the organization stressed its lasting commitment to strengthening women’s status — not as a slogan, but as a daily practice reflected in education, healthcare, politics, and social work — considering each step forward a move toward genuine justice that fully recognizes and secures women’s rights.