Amed (Diyarbakır)- The Mesopotamia Women Journalists Association (Turkish: Mezopotamya Kadın Gazeteciler Derneği, MKG) has issued a written statement to mark International Women’s Day, annually observed on March 8.

“Today, we welcome International Women’s Day, the symbol of women's struggle for equality, freedom and justice all over the world,” the statement said.

 “As the Mesopotamia Women Journalists Association, we continue to be the voice of women journalists and to fight against oppression, violence and discrimination faced by them. We will continue to defend women’s rights and make them visible by following the path of truth with our pen, camera and voice. Women journalists are subjected to threats, censorship, unemployment and violence while doing their profession. Today, 10 women journalists are behind bars for reporting the truth. But we know that the truth is never hidden. As women journalists, we will continue to be stronger by being in solidarity with each other and supporting each other and to report the truth despite all kinds of oppression. On International Women’s Day, we call on all women to be in solidarity with women journalists and be the voice of women journalists. We will keep struggling for a free and equal world. Long live women’s struggle! Long live free press!”