On the occasion of the third anniversary of the ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ [Woman, Life, Freedom] revolution, the Free Women’s Community of Eastern Kurdistan (KJAR) issued a statement honouring those killed during the uprising, reaffirming their commitment to continuing the struggle for women’s liberation, peace and democracy.
KJAR condemned the Iranian government’s ongoing repression, including the execution and arrest of activists, and emphasised that true democratisation in Iran can only be achieved through women’s leadership. The KJAR described the 2022 uprising as a historic turning point for Kurdish and Iranian society, and called for the philosophy of ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ to be transformed into a lived social reality.
The KJAR statement includes the following:
“On the third anniversary of the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ revolution, we honour the memory of the martyrs of peace and democracy — Şilêr Resûlî, Jîna Emînî, Nîka Şakeremî, Armîta, and many others — and renew our vow to continue the struggle until victory is achieved.
Since June, the Iranian regime has found itself in a critical situation. In the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, the Islamic Republic has suffered significant setbacks. But how has the regime responded? At the height of its weakness, it resorted to the execution and arrest of activists, particularly women, in an attempt to appear powerful. Yet this policy will not succeed. The failure of the regime’s domestic and foreign policies over the years is clear for all to see. Internally, the economic situation has worsened, and there have been more executions and arrests. Zeyneb Celaliyan’s health is deteriorating, and Wirîşe Moradî, Şerîfe Mohammadî and Paxşan Ezîzî are facing execution. Unless the regime listens to the radical opposition — the women and youth — it cannot escape the crises it has created. Democratisation can only be achieved through this process.
Throughout history, women around the world have achieved significant victories through their organisation. They became the vanguard of the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ revolution, challenging the nationalism, sexism and class-based oppression of the Islamic Republic. The results of these struggles will soon be evident. Therefore, the events of the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ revolution must not be forgotten, as they mark a turning point in the history of Kurdish and Iranian struggles. The essential message of this revolution is the foundation of a democratic society.
The 2022 uprising was profound, radical and courageous. Iranian women, particularly those in Rojhelat (Eastern Kurdistan), began a journey from which there is no turning back. Women in Iran will no longer bow their heads! With women at the forefront, society as a whole has risen up under the philosophy of ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ — and continues to resist. The spirit of resistance in Eastern Kurdistan has inspired the whole world. Three years have passed. Despite heavy sacrifices, we have managed to demonstrate a new approach to struggle, vision, lifestyle and worldview. From the very first days, men also took to the streets, joining the common struggle against patriarchal and centralised mentality.
A unique feature of this revolution is that it focuses on women’s issues, is led by women, and is carried out under the slogan ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’. Symbols of women’s unity have grown stronger, and women’s dances, songs, slogans and chants all carry a distinctly feminine spirit of profound aesthetic power. It was in this atmosphere that women emerged. Symbols of women and freedom brought new values of liberty. Their hair became flags of freedom across Kurdistan and the world. By burning their veils, they breathed life into the spirit of freedom. This philosophy broke the chains imprisoning women. These demonstrations also dismantled the concept of the ‘classical man’. Women such as Zeyneb Celaliyan, Werîşe Moraî and Pexşan Ezîzî, who are imprisoned, have imprisoned patriarchal thought itself and carry the promise of freedom from behind bars.
Freedom is impossible without women. Therefore, in this century, women’s liberation is fundamental to solving all problems, and women play a strategic role in this revolutionary process. In Iran, too, the philosophy of ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ is closely linked to Apoism and the ongoing history of the struggle for freedom. On the anniversary of the revolution, we must once again declare: ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ is more than just a slogan that has spread around the world by chance. As Leader Apo [Abdullah Öcalan] has stated: ‘The main contradictions of the 21st century will be between authoritarian statist systems and society, and between gender and ecology.’ In their wars, rulers also commit ecocide against nature. Today, we also commemorate the martyrs of nature — those who defended the homeland — whose memory has taken root in the soil and will live on.
Women have paid a heavy price in these protests, sacrificing their lives, being imprisoned and even being condemned to death. In Eastern Kurdistan, women have been active and fighting for decades. The current situation is the result of the efforts of pioneering women such as Shirin Alamhouli, Zilan Papole, Rojda Kotul, Arîn Arî, Mizgîn Ronahî, as well as the resistance of prisoners like Zeyneb Celalyan, Ciwane Sine and Pexşan Ezîzî. It can now be said that women themselves will determine their own future. The only way to truly resolve women’s issues in Iran and Rojhelat (Eastern Kurdistan) is through revolution. Victory against systemic femicides in Iran will be achieved through organised struggle and the Democratic Nation project. Women have now reached positions of political leadership.
The Islamic Republic relies on patriarchy and promotes violence; it must be resisted. Women have a deep awareness of freedom and of their own agency, and the regime cannot suppress this. In the current climate of intensifying patriarchal policies, the Manifesto of Democratic Society, Peace and Freedom by Leader Apo is more necessary than ever. By dismantling patriarchy, Leader Apo has given a deeper meaning to women’s liberation and socialist values. He explicitly stated that the 21st century would be the century of women’s freedom, that women would be the pioneers of social revolution and transform this century into the century of women’s liberation because they are firm and determined in their stance. Revolutionary struggles have been passed down through generations and continue to expand today. Women are murdered daily, activists are arrested and imprisoned, and the regime attempts to suppress dissent. However, it is important to note that the cry for freedom of women and the philosophy of ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ have transcended Iran’s borders and become a global movement. These three words are no longer just a slogan; they have become a living force in all spheres of life. Therefore, women’s mission at this juncture is enormous, and unity and collective action can bring them closer to achieving peace, democracy and freedom. Undoubtedly, KJAR is actively working in this direction.”