Berîvan Ênatji
News Center - Women in the Middle East have been at the very heart of struggles - on the frontlines of war and in the arenas of social and political resistance. The continuous conflicts and the systematic human rights violations imposed by nation-states have cast a long, dark shadow over the lives of women in the region.
Despite the harsh realities, women continue to fight for their rights, determined to play an active role in the processes of peace and freedom. Their persistent participation reflects a steadfast will to break the cycles of violence and contribute to building a fairer and more equitable future.


A Historic Shift in the Kurdish People’s Struggle
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) held its 12th congress in response to the call of its leader, Abdullah Öcalan, making a historic decision to cease armed struggle and dissolve its organizational structure. On July 11, in a symbolic ceremony led by Bese Hozat, a group of fighters from the Freedom and Democratic Society Movement destroyed their weapons - a gesture symbolizing the shift from armed struggle to political resistance.
This marked the beginning of a new phase in the Kurdish people’s struggle, led by the Freedom Movement. On October 26, the movement announced its withdrawal from Northern Kurdistan and Turkey - a historic step reflecting a genuine desire for political dialogue, peace, and confidence-building.
Women have been central to this movement for freedom, playing a key role in advancing peace and justice. Achieving Abdullah Öcalan’s physical freedom remains a crucial condition for the progress of the peace process - something women understand deeply. They continue to organize and participate actively in political, cultural, and social spheres.
Women’s participation is essential to ensuring equal representation and an inclusive vision in peace negotiations. Their presence is not limited to advocacy - it forms a cornerstone for building a democratic and just future that reflects the aspirations of society as a whole.


Women as a Guarantee for Peace and Self-Defense Amid Political Challenges
In North and East Syria, inspired by Abdullah Öcalan’s call for “Peace and Democratic Society,” preparations continue for women’s active participation in the peace process. While discussions with Damascus address the potential integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian army, the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) have emphasized, in official meetings, the importance of maintaining their independence within the SDF and their right to self-defense.
Women across the region have affirmed that the existence of the YPJ is a genuine guarantee of their own existence. They support this struggle as an extension of their broader fight for dignity and rights, and as a source of strength in confronting political and social challenges.
In areas where women lead community-building projects, they work to establish a social system capable of resisting religious and nationalist oppression. Through this leadership role, women aim to create a democratic system throughout Syria - one based on gender equality, social justice, and peaceful coexistence among all communities.
Meanwhile, in areas under the control of the jihadist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, women face severe threats to their lives and rights. In recent weeks, a woman was killed by the group - part of an increasing trend of violence, particularly targeting Alawite women, as well as ongoing pressure and violations against the Druze community.
This grim reality restricts women’s freedom, weakens the feminist movement, and poses serious obstacles to their struggle for security, freedom, and social justice.


Legal Representation vs. Violent Reality in Iraq, Lebanon, and Egypt
Although Iraqi law guarantees women a 25% representation in parliament, female candidates in the latest elections faced direct attacks and threats. Instead of fair political competition, many endured severe pressure and violence, revealing the urgent need for real protection and guarantees that allow women to participate freely and safely.
The situation is similar in Lebanon, where female candidates also face targeted threats during elections, sometimes forcing them to withdraw. Meanwhile, reforms included in the 2024 law addressing issues such as marriage age and inheritance rights remain incomplete and have not yet translated into tangible change.
Despite ongoing inequality, women persist in defending their rights and advocating for real reforms that ensure justice and equal participation in political and social life.
In Egypt, recent developments have shown a dangerous escalation in the targeting of women. Over the past two days alone, at least 70 women and children have been killed or gone missing - evidence of the severe threats facing women physically and legally.
This exposes the fragility of both legal and social protection systems and highlights how the state’s repressive policies restrict women’s lives and weaken civil movements, hindering their struggle for justice and equality.



Iranian Women Between Arrest and Torture
In Iran, women continue to face intensifying repression since the start of the “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” (Women, Life, Freedom) uprising. Widespread arrests, torture, and crackdowns on feminist activism persist, with many activists enduring severe abuse in prisons.
In the past ten days alone, at least three Bahá’í women were arrested and tortured - a troubling indicator of systematic repression threatening women’s safety and their right to seek justice and freedom.
Despite overcrowded prisons filled with activists, the Jin, Jiyan, Azadî movement continues inside Iranian and Rojhilat (Eastern Kurdistan) prisons. The “No to Executions Tuesday” campaign announced this week that Iranian authorities released only 283 people, while resistance continues inside 54 prisons nationwide.
Through women’s resilience, the death sentence against activist Sharifeh Mohammadi was commuted to 30 years in prison — a symbolic victory against state repression and a testament to the strength of the women’s movement defending rights and freedoms.

Afghan Women: Deprived of Rights, Fighting Secretly to Survive
Under Taliban rule, Afghan women are deprived of their most basic rights - education and work. They face collapsing healthcare, worsening economic conditions, and strict restrictions that directly impact their daily lives.

According to data gathered by our agency, over the past two months, at least 10 women and 6 children have been killed or disappeared - a reflection of the immense dangers women face in Afghanistan amid the absence of protection and justice.
Despite the restrictions, women continue their struggle through underground educational and artistic activities. Secret lessons and workshops held in homes or private spaces serve as lifelines for Afghan women — preserving their social connections and expressing their unwavering determination to resist oppression, continue learning, and create despite the risks.

Women in Gaza Amid Genocide and Humanitarian Catastrophe
Gaza reveals the stark failure of international institutions to protect women and civilians from genocide. In the midst of a suffocating humanitarian crisis, 68,531 people have been killed so far, including 12,500 women and 18,500 children, according to available data. In recent months, an average of 63 women have been killed daily as the violence intensifies.
Severe shortages in healthcare, relentless bombardment, and the lack of access to basic services have made women’s lives in Gaza increasingly fragile and perilous. This catastrophe endangers not only women but all civilians, in the absence of any effective international protection or accountability.


Women in Darfur: Systematic Violence and Collapse of Services
The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) poses an immediate threat to women, particularly in Darfur. Over the past three months, 659 incidents of violence were documented, 94% of which targeted women and girls. Restricted access to healthcare and food has deepened women’s struggle to survive.
El-Fasher, in South Darfur, remains among the hardest-hit areas, witnessing horrific atrocities against civilians following RSF control - including systematic mass assaults on women - amid a total absence of international protection or legal accountability.
Journalists, especially women, are also targeted. According to the latest report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), at least three female journalists have been sexually assaulted by RSF members, while over thirteen journalists remain missing — underscoring the severe risks faced by women in media.


Women’s Rights Defenders in Tunisia Confront Governmental Restrictions
In Tunisia, women’s rights defenders face increasing pressure from authorities. Prominent organizations such as the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women (ATFD) and the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights have had their activities suspended. Despite these restrictions, Tunisian women persist in their struggle, maintaining an active and influential role in social life and reaffirming their commitment to continue civic engagement despite repression.


Yemeni Women at the Heart of the Peace Process
After eleven years of war, Yemen has returned to the spotlight with renewed peace efforts. Although women in Houthi-controlled areas continue to suffer from violence and abuse, they are striving to participate in the peace process.
Their involvement is not merely a matter of rights - it is essential for achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace that addresses the needs of all segments of society and strengthens national recovery after years of conflict.


Uniting Women’s Struggles Against Violence and Tyranny
Women’s movements across the Middle East have faced distortion amid escalating violence, repression, and conflict. Yet, women across the region persist in resisting, defending their rights, and actively engaging in social transformation.
There is an urgent need to unify women’s struggles across borders through a shared platform. Fragmented and isolated efforts are insufficient to confront systematic oppression and organized attacks. By connecting their experiences, resistance, and organizational practices, women can pave the way for the establishment of a Global Democratic Women’s Confederation.
Such a path would not only serve women’s liberation but also mark a strategic step toward a more just and stable future for all peoples of the Middle East - strengthening the continuity of women’s struggle against violence and tyranny.