TJA: Let’s meet in Gemlik on 19 April

In a written statement regarding the Gemlik March, the Free Women’s Movement (Tevgera Jinên Azad – TJA) said: “Women’s time is the time of freedom. Against the male-dominated system where labor, bodies, and life are exploited, we once again turn our direction toward peace. Because peace is not only the end of war, but the collective construction of an equal, free, and democratic life based on women’s freedom. Today we know that overcoming the ongoing crises and conflicts in the Middle East, opening channels for democratic solutions, and ensuring the physical freedom of the People’s Leader Mr. Abdullah Öcalan, are essential. The physical freedom of Mr. Abdullah Öcalan is not only for one individual; it is a vital threshold for the hope of peace among peoples and the construction of a democratic society.

As women, we say. based on our historical experience, that no peace which does not center on women’s freedom can be lasting. For this reason, our struggle is for a democratic society in which all identities, beliefs, and cultures are recognized and where women are subjects. In this geography where great suffering has taken place, it is time to inherit the legacy of resistance and socialize peace. Against the destruction of war, let us defend life; against oppression, let us defend freedom and truth together. From here we call on all women’s organizations, feminists, and women’s movements in Turkey.

This struggle does not belong to only one group; it is the common struggle of all women who stand for an equal and free life. By standing side by side with our differences, multiplying our voices, and expanding the grounds of joint struggle, we can build peace together. To raise the voice of peace against war and to remove the obstacles to freedom, we call on all women to gather in the march to Gemlik on April 19. Come, let us walk side by side in this historic gathering. In this period when peace is needed the most, let us grow hope and build freedom together. With all our colors, our voices, and our struggle, let us meet in Gemlik.”