Under the slogan “A free life without violence through a democratic society,” the Free Women’s Movement (TJA) began its campaign to mark 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, with statements and marches held in Batman (Êlih), Mardin (Mêrdîn), and Urfa (Riha). The organization called for expanding the struggle against femicide and state-patriarchal violence.
The TJA announced that they will organize marches, forums, gatherings, and commemorations in cities and streets until 25 November. The movement declared, “We will be in the squares, in the streets, and in every area of life until we build an equal, free, and peaceful life.”
ÊLIH (Batman)
In Batman’s Sanat Street, women gathered and marched chanting “Jin, jiyan, azadî” (“Woman, life, freedom”). TJA member Zeynep Aslan said that women have historically been oppressed by violence and that the male-dominated system kills tens of thousands of women every year around the world.
Dismissed Batman Municipality co-mayor Gülistan Sönük described the government’s trustee (kayyım) policy as “male-state violence” and vowed to continue the struggle. She said, “Everyone must take responsibility in building a democratic society. The appointment of trustees is a form of male-state violence. The unemployment faced by our young people is violence; prostitution and drugs are violence. We will continue our struggle against this violence.”
DÊRIK (Mardin)
In Mardin’s Derik district, women marched with banners and slogans. Speaking on behalf of TJA, Eylem Amak said that femicides continue to increase in Turkey and said that state policies feed male violence. She added, “As women, we carry both the resistance of the past and the hope of the future on this land. With the spirit of 25 November, we will continue our struggle against male-state violence with determination. We will be in the streets and every area of life until we build an equal, free, and peaceful life.” Derik Municipality co-mayor Songül Özbahçeci emphasized that they would not leave women alone. Mardin Metropolitan Municipality Co-Mayor Devrim Demir said that women’s resistance in all areas will lead to freedom.
Mardin Municipality Co-Mayors and DEM Party MP Saliha Aydeniz also underlined that through women’s resistance against trustee appointments, impunity, and war policies, an equal and free life will be achieved. She stated, “Women will lead both freedom and the construction of a democratic society.”
RIHA (Urfa)
In a statement held in Urfa’s Hilvan district, participants carried photos of women and children murdered by male violence. TJA activist Başak Sarıdal said they would continue their struggle with the philosophy of “Jin, jiyan, azadî,” and that women would strengthen their organization in all areas to defend life, nature, and society.
Başak Sarıdal said, “We women remain hopeful despite all wars. With faith, commitment, resistance, and struggle, we have no doubt that we will build a free life without violence.”