PELÎN NÛPELDA

Qamishlo- The 10th Women’s Literature and Art Festival, which was scheduled to be held on the International Women’s Day; however, postponed due to the attacks, was kicked off in the city of Qamishlo on Thursday with the motto, “Free art is the voice and color of women”.

The opening ceremony of the 3-day festival organized by the Culture Committee of the Cizîrê (Jazira) Canton and the Hîlala Zêrîn Culture and Art Movement was attended by the representatives of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, non-governmental organizations, women's organizations and residents of the canton.

After a minute's silence, Şiham Qeryo, Co-chair of the Democratic People's Assembly of North and East Syria, made the opening speech of the festival. Stating that the women in North and East Syria became a role model to the whole world by achieving significant success in literature, art and culture, Şiham Qeryo said, “Women take part in the cultural revolution in the region, founding many women’s organizations.”

‘It is a success for women’

Firyal Çoli, a member of the preparatory committee of the festival and Co-chair of Culture Council of Jazira Canton, also made a speech, stressing that the festival is a success for women. After her speech, many musicians took to the stage and the messages of the musicians from Syria and Kurdistan were read.

Message of Abdullah Öcalan

In an interview with NuJINHA, Culture Committee Co-chair Canda Esad spoke about the purpose of the festival.

“The 10th Women’s Literature and Art Festival has been held with the motto, ‘Free art is the voice and color of women’. This year, we kicked off the festival by reading the message sent by our leader. This festival has been organized for years, annually in March. However, we had to postpone the festival this year due to the attacks on the Tishreen Dam. The purpose of the festival is to give women moral support, to make visible the invisible efforts of women.”

‘The festival is a source of joy and courage’

“I have been making handicrafts for about 27 years,” said Qûtriya Hisên, a craft artist exhibiting her handicrafts at the festival. I love festivals because we have an opportunity to exhibit our art. This festival is a source of joy and courage for us.”

After the award ceremony on Saturday, the festival will end.