MEDİNE MAMEDOĞLU

 

Amed (Diyarbakır)- As every year, women commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This year, women will take to the streets against the increase in violence against women in Kurdistan, Türkiye and all around the world, by chanting the “Jin, Jiyan, Azadi” slogan.

On November 6, 2024, the Free Women’s Movement (Kurdish: Tevgera Jinên Azad-TJA) announced a declaration about its activities and events to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. According to the declaration, the TJA will organize women’s gatherings, workshops and a march in Amed.

In an interview with NuJINHA, Arzu Karaman, member of the TJA, gave information about their activities and events.

‘The struggle has been going on since the Mirabal sisters’

Women's struggle is a source of morale and motivation in the Middle East, where gender-based violence is on rise, Arzu Karaman told us. “Today, the whole world knows how the Mirabal sisters fought against fascism and dictatorship. Their resistance is remembered by women taking to the streets on November 25. Since 1960, fascism and violence against women have increased.”

 Kurdish women fight against gender-based violence through the “Jin,Jiyan, Azadî” philosophy, Arzu Karaman said. “They have come around this philosophy and organized themselves against gender-based violence and femicide. For years, we have been witnessing the misogynous policies of nation-states. These policies are implemented not only in Kurdistan but also in Iran, Afghanistan and all other countries. As Kurdish women, we have been resisting these policies for years. Despite all kinds of attacks and policies of intimidation, we have preserved our identity.”

‘The struggle inspires’

The revolution in Rojava was led by women, Arzu Karaman said, adding: “Whenever women achieve gains and resist, they are targeted by men. Women’s gains are being targeted in the name of war and security. Despite everything, the struggle of women against dictators in all Middle Eastern countries inspires and gives morale to all of us.”

Call for participation in march to be held on November 25

 Arzu Karaman also called on everyone to participate in the march, which will be organized in Amed on November 25 by the TJA. “Women's struggle is a universal struggle. This struggle will continue as long as violence and oppression exist. As the TJA, we have been organizing awareness-raising activities and workshops until November 25. On November 25, we will hold a march to say no to violence against women and femicide.”