With ceremonies, cultural contributions and an evening torch march, fighters of the Free Women’s Troops (YJA Star) marked International Women’s Day on March 8 in the Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq). The celebrations were held under the slogan “Jin Jiyan Azadî” (Woman, Life, Freedom) and also served as a reaffirmation of the commitment to continue the struggle for women’s liberation.
Visit to the martyrs’ cemetery
The commemorations began early in the morning with a visit to the martyrs’ cemetery. The guerrilla fighters placed daffodils on the graves of their fallen comrades and remembered those who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom. After a minute of silence, additional flowers were planted at the gravestones.
Afterwards, YJA Star commander Şafak Yekbûn Evîn took the floor. She congratulated everyone on International Women’s Day and particularly highlighted the role of women in the liberation struggle. “We congratulate all resilient women, the women fighting in the guerrilla ranks, and our fallen comrades on March 8,” she said. At the same time, she recalled Abdullah Öcalan, whom she described as a pioneer of women’s liberation and social freedom.
Cultural program and message from Öcalan
On March 9, the celebrations continued with another program. A message from Abdullah Öcalan to women was at the center of the event. In addition, the guerrilla fighters organized a cultural program. Music, performances, and preparations were entirely carried out by women; their work and their colors shaped the entire celebration.
YJA Star fighter Zîlan Cudî stated that International Women’s Day has gained a special significance within the Kurdish freedom movement. “We dedicate this day to our leader Öcalan, to all women who are fighting, and to the women who resist for freedom,” she said. “The freedom movement has given March 8 a new meaning. It is no longer just a symbolic day, but the expression of a struggle that is carried out every day. As fighters of YJA Star, we see our task as continuing to advance this struggle.”
Tribute to Sakine Cansız
Another guerrilla fighter, Sara Ereb, particularly commemorated Sakine Cansız (Sara), one of the co-founders of the Kurdish freedom movement who was murdered in Paris in 2013. She stated that International Women’s Day is also an occasion to honor the role of the martyrs in the struggle for freedom and social change. According to her, the developments of today would not be conceivable without their efforts and sacrifices.
Torch march in the mountains
In the evening, the celebrations concluded with a torch march through the mountains of Kurdistan. Amid chants and traditional Govend dances, the guerrilla fighters marched through the night carrying torches. The fighters of YJA Star eventually ended the event with the slogans “Bê Serok Jiyan Nabe” (No Life Without the Leader) and “Jin Jiyan Azadî” (Woman, Life, Freedom).
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