Men demonstrate in North-East Syria against patriarchal violence and femicide

In the autonomous region of northern and eastern Syria, activities to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women continued today. After various women’s demonstrations and events on the topic in recent weeks, men took to the streets in numerous locations today to take a stand against patriarchal violence and femicide.

The women’s association Kongreya Star, which is active in northeastern Syria, has focused on the fight against violence and occupation on November 25 this year. Today’s demonstrations by men also took place under this slogan, including in Kobanê, Shehba, Qamişlo, Hesekê, Amûdê, Dêrik and Girkê Legê. The central message of the demonstrations was, “Without free women, a society cannot be free.”

“Their freedom means our freedom too”

PYD politician Salih Nûh stated at the demonstration in Kobanê that men must be made aware through educational work so that femicide and violence against women come to an end. “Women’s struggle has already made the 21st century the century of women. A free and equal future will be possible under the leadership of women,” said Salih Nûh at the closing rally at the Free Women’s Square in Kobanê.

Heyder Reşid from the Afrin People’s Council said the following at the demonstration in Shehba: “Violence against women is the result of the male-dominated mindset, which makes the man dictator of the woman and the family. However, women themselves have the right to decide about their bodies and lives. Kurdish women have become a symbol of courage worldwide, and this must be recognized and respected.”

PYD politician Abdulkarim Ahmed expressed similar sentiments in Qamişlo: “We do not accept that women are murdered in our society because of the concept of honor or for other reasons. Half of society is made up of women and their freedom means our freedom too.”