The Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK) released a statement on the occasion of International Women’s Day. In the statement, PJAK congratulated women, especially freedom-seeking and democratic women, and emphasized the important role of women in social and political change in Iran and Rojhelat. The party highlighted the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom” and stated that women’s freedom is essential for building a democratic and just society.
The statement added: “In the coming period, Iran and East Kurdistan will undoubtedly become lands of free women. Although women’s movements around the world continue based on ideological awareness and new perspectives, today a dominant system based on anti-women principles controls life and the world. This system does not recognize women as equal human beings and treats them as a second gender. In such a world, technological, artistic, and scientific progress, as well as political and social power—are often used by the ruling system to keep women oppressed. Therefore, daily struggle is necessary in such conditions.”
The statement continued: “In today’s Iran, which is one of the most anti-women systems in the region, the government has been shaped by patriarchal values. For more than four decades, society has moved toward destruction because women have been denied freedom. Almost everything has been turned into a tool against women. However, there is no doubt that society in Iran and Rojhelat has now reached a level of awareness that is sufficient for a revolution led by women. Today, the revolution of the peoples of Iran—especially the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ revolution—has reached an important stage. In the past month of January, society once again witnessed a wave of awareness and protest. This shows that the end of oppression against society and women is becoming visible. The anti-women Islamic Republic is reaching its final stage. It has become clearer that a new Iran can only achieve a system that respects its diversity if it is built on the principle of ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’.
PJAK underlined that “at this historical moment, when Iran stands before a major transformation and regime change is approaching, the fate of women and their right to freedom is a top priority for our party. The attacks by the United States and Israel have accelerated the process of change in Iran. However, what will shape a truly free society is the awareness and awakening of the people themselves. In this path, only democracy and the foundation of a democratic civilization can give women their rightful place in Iran and East Kurdistan. This begins with recognizing women’s right to participate in politics, management, and the administration of society, because women have been one of the main forces of the new revolution in Iran. This will also be an important test for the future of Iran. In a new Iran, the future of society, women, and the environment must be placed at the center of all policies and programs. A truly free society should be measured by the freedom of these three pillars—especially the freedom of women. Therefore, a great historical test lies ahead for the societies of Iran and East Kurdistan.”
PJAK said that it “remains committed to these principles to secure the natural rights of women and continues to struggle for them. Change should begin with the release of women political prisoners in Iran. By using the achievements of the Kurdish freedom movement, a more beautiful Middle East can be built. Today, Kurdish women in the Middle East not only have strong social organizations but also their own revolutionary and guerrilla forces. These organizations operate based on the paradigm of a democratic and ecological society centered on women’s freedom. They have become an inspiration and support for the peoples of the region and for freedom-loving women around the world. The progress of Kurdish women goes beyond the current conditions of misogyny and political backwardness that dominate many states in the region. These achievements have been gained through decades of struggle and hard work, and they are valuable for the peoples of the region, especially the Kurdish people.”
The Free Life Party of Kurdistan “once again congratulates all women—especially women who struggle for freedom and democracy—on March 8, International Women’s Day. We call on all aware members of society to honor and celebrate this day. A misogynistic and backward society is a male-dominated society, and such a structure no longer has meaning among the Kurdish people. The coincidence of Iran’s historical transformation with the days close to March 8 is very meaningful. Freedom for women in a changed Iran is the main condition for all other freedoms. The freedom of the Kurdish people and the freedom of women are closely connected. The strength of our movement comes from the united struggle of our people, women, and the leadership of Abdullah Öcalan. From now on, through struggle, national and democratic unity, and the organization of society, it is possible to achieve full freedom.”
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