The Kurdish Women’s Movement in Europe (TJK-E) said, “The Newroz of 2026 is an expression of rebirth in every part of Kurdistan where major changes are taking place, and of a resistance that extends from the past to the present. This resistance has been shaped by the legacy of our martyrs who set their bodies on fire and has become one of the strongest symbols of existence.”
TJK-E said in its statement:
“The fire lit by Mazlum Doğan with three matchsticks reminded us of Kawa’s epic of resistance from the depths of history and turned Newroz into not only a celebration, but also the continuity of resistance and the memory of the search for freedom.
Zekiye, Ronahi, Berivan and many of our comrades whose names cannot be fully listed became the Newroz fire itself; they became torches against policies of denial and genocide, and as guides illuminating the darkness, they expanded our struggle.
The values they created continue to light our path today.
In the new process that has developed since February 27, the perspective of Democratic Society and Peace presented by Abdullah Öcalan will crown the struggle of the Kurdish people and leave a historical legacy for future generations. This legacy is not only a resistance; it is also the expression of the will of a people to protect its existence, identity, culture and its contribution to civilization. As Abdullah Öcalan has consistently emphasized, a people can only survive by protecting its language, culture, history and will.
As women comrades, we reaffirm the promise we have given to Abdullah Öcalan, who has defined women’s liberation and struggle as the cornerstone of the freedom struggle through the philosophy he developed. We will persistently carry forward this struggle for his freedom.
In this new period, one of the most important dimensions of the social struggle is women’s freedom. With the spirit of Newroz, it must be expressed more strongly that no system in which women are not equal and are subjected to discrimination can be accepted. A social transformation that develops under the leadership of women will open the way to a life where truth, equality, freedom and differences are embraced as richness.
Women are not only a part of life; they are also the subjects of resistance, rebirth and freedom. For this reason, the organized struggle that develops around women will be decisive in the construction of a democratic society. A society shaped by the will of every individual, of women, youth, the elderly and children, will both stand against the destruction of nature and form the basis for humanity to build an equal and free life.
This will that rises with Newroz is not only the memory of the past, but also the construction of the future. As this fire is lit again each year, it grows our belief in freedom, our tradition of resistance and our hope for a shared life.
In this sense, Newroz is resistance, existence and freedom. And this freedom will only become lasting by growing through organized struggle, under the leadership of women and through social solidarity. The fire of Newroz will continue to light our path today and tomorrow.
On this occasion, we call on all peoples living in Europe to strengthen the consciousness of a democratic society, to expand peace and to raise the will to build our common future together. Let us recognize our differences as richness, and with a spirit of solidarity, shoulder to shoulder and heart to heart, carry the struggle forward. Come, let us gather around the same fire at Newroz, the symbol of hope, resistance and rebellion; let us grow our enthusiasm, increase our dances and build together a free, equal and peaceful future.
Long live Newroz!”
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