Guerrillas from YJA Star (Free Women’s Troops) organized a celebration event on the occasion of International Women’s Day on March.
In the mountains of Kurdistan in the guerrilla-held Medya Defense Zones, female guerrilla fighters gathered for a celebration in which they saluted the global struggle of women for freedom and equality with songs, slogans and traditional dances.
Under light snowfall, the guerrilla fighters held up a picture of the Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, chanting slogans such as “Bijî Serok Apo,” “Bê Serok Jiyan Nabe,” and “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî.” They then lit a fire and continued the celebration with Govend dances.
Guerrilla fighter Asmîn Zelal recalled in a speech the historical persecution of women and those who were burned and killed throughout history. March 8, she said, emerged from the struggles carried out to remember these women. “Kurdish women, especially revolutionary Kurdish women, have transformed this day from a mere day of remembrance into a celebration of the women’s liberation struggle. Kurdish women therefore have a major share in the significance that this day holds today,” Zelal said.
The YJA Star fighter continued: “The struggle for women’s liberation is at the same time a struggle for the freedom of all women worldwide. Particularly for women who suffer under the attacks of the existing system of power and capitalist modernity, March 8 remains a central reference point of resistance. As leader Abdullah Öcalan says, without the freedom of women, society cannot be free. On the basis of the philosophy “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” and jineology, we aim to open the path toward a free society.”
Referring to the ongoing violence against women worldwide, Asmîn Zelal said that femicides, assaults and systematic violence remain a reality. “Women must therefore organize themselves and strengthen their self-defense. Today women must organize themselves against attacks—against violence coming from men, brothers, fathers or husbands, as well as against systematic attacks. Self-defense does not only mean military means, but also the awareness, ideas and creative power of women. If women can defend themselves, they can also protect their society,” she underlined.
In conclusion, Zelal commemorated those who fell in the Kurdish freedom struggle. She dedicated March 8 to Abdullah Öcalan as well as to all women who struggle for freedom around the world. At the same time, she congratulated the mothers of the martyrs, political prisoners and all women worldwide on International Women’s Day.
YJA Star guerrilla Dilpak Cudî congratulated all her comrades on March 8, and said: “For us, not only March 8 but every day is a day of struggle. On this occasion we remember all our comrades who have taken the lead in the struggle. The arrival of Leader Öcalan’s letters created great excitement among us women. He had special messages for women. Today we see millions of women taking to the streets on the occasion of March 8. The women’s struggle reaching this level is thanks to Leader Öcalan’s efforts. Today we see how determined and strong women are. This has become possible thanks to the value he has given to women. Just as the Kurds were denied existence, women were also denied existence within the home. But just as Leader Öcalan revived Kurdish society, he also raised women up. Woman is society; if there is no woman, there is no society. Hostility toward women becomes the cause of attacks, massacres, and harassment. A great struggle is being waged against this. Women must not accept attacks against them or the belittlement directed at them. Today, women have become a powerful presence in society. Women must participate in the process of a peaceful and democratic society. Everyone must assume their own responsibility. I call upon all women to rise up on the occasion of March 8 and fill every place with their voices and colors. Let us advance socialization. We are also struggling for this, and as women we continue our struggle to fulfill the tasks that the Leader asks of us.”
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