On the occasion of November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, meetings were held in the villages of Azîkan and Kullikreş in Adıyaman, organized by TJA (Free Women’s Movement) with the participation of DEM Party (Peoples’ Equslity and Democracy Party), DBP (Democratic Regions Party), and DAD (Democratic Alevi Association).
Speaking at the Cemevi (Alevi place of worship) in the village of Azîkan, DAD representative Hayriye Korkmaz commemorated Seyit Rıza and his companions, emphasizing the importance of the Alevi community having a say in the current processes seeking peace and democratization in Turkey.
“With the founding of the Republic, an unprecedented massacre of Alevis was perpetrated. We, as Alevis, are here today to have our say in a democratic society,” Korkmaz said.
DBP Co-Chair Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar stated that Alevis and Kurds had undergone a severe process of denial, adding, “To embrace the current process is to embrace our faith, our identity, justice, and freedom.”
Emphasizing that women’s struggle is crucial for social freedom, Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar stated, “A society where women are not free cannot be democratic. We do not accept the mindset that seeks to impose limits on the lives of women who shoulder the burden of democratic politics and society.”
The meetings in Adıyaman concluded with evaluations in Kullikreş.
As part of the events to mark November 25, the DBP Women’s Council organized a workshop on “women’s liberation ideology” in Erzurum’s Karaçoban district, bringing women together.