On the occasion of the International Day of Peace on September 1, numerous women gathered in Amed (tr. Diyarbakır) on Friday evening for a peace forum. The event was organized by the Free Women’s Movement (TJA) to highlight demands for a democratic solution to the Kurdish question and for greater participation of women in the peace process.
The focus was on the voices of women from different political and social backgrounds who spoke out in favor of an inclusive, legally secure, and transparent process.
‘Peace begins with the voice of women’
Eylem Kaya from the Human Rights Association (IHD) emphasized that women have always been a driving force for peace. “Women are not only fighting against the system, but also against the patriarchal mentality. This double resistance is part of the path to peace. In everyday Kurdish life in particular, women are marginalized on many levels—in language, education, and participation—and must constantly assert themselves,” she said.
Kaya called on all institutions to involve women more actively: “Where women are empowered and solidarity prevails, sustainable, democratic processes emerge. Today’s gathering is an expression of this strength.”
‘Peace process needs legal guarantees’
Güler Koçyiğit, women’s representative for the CHP (Republican People’s Party) in Amed, also supported the call for peace, but urged for legal binding and transparency. “People hope for peace, but as long as the details remain unclear, skepticism will remain high. We demand a legally sound and open process,” she said.
Koçyiğit noted that the whole of Turkey was suffering from the consequences of the unresolved conflict: “We have all experienced heavy losses. That is why women in particular must take a leading role in the peace process.”
‘The greatest force for peace lies with women’
Güliz Kaya, spokesperson for the Women’s Council of the DEM Party in Amed, pointed out that a lasting solution would not be possible without the participation of society. “A sincere, democratic dialogue must be conducted. This also requires the voice of Abdullah Öcalan, whose role in the peace process is central and must not be ignored,” she said, referring to the leader of the Kurdish freedom movement, who has been held in political captivity since 1999.
Kaya said their goal is to reach women who are not politically organized: “Whether they are housewives or factory workers, all women should be part of this process. Because if anything is to change in this country, it will be women who bring about that change.”