BERÇEM CÛDÎ

Kobanê-For years, the male-state system has been trying to destroy women's gains, uprisings and demands, and to show the International Women’s Day as an ordinary day. The revolution that started in Rojava Kurdistan on July 19, 2012, has become a model for building a new life for women. The resistance of Kurdish women continues to become a role model for the women of the Middle East and all around the world. This revolution is also known as a “women’s revolution” because of the leading role of women in the revolution. NuJINHA spoke to Zozan Bekir, Spokesperson of the Kongra Star Coordination in the Euphrates Region, about the International Women’s Day annually observed on March 8.

 

‘The Rojava Revolution is an excellent opportunity for women’

Speaking about the revolution started in Kobanê on July 19, 2012, Zozan Bekir said, “11 years have passed since the revolution started in Rojava Kurdistan led by women. Despite social pressures and patriarchal mentality, women continue to struggle in all spheres of life. The system in the Middle East and the world has collapsed. Women keep struggling for freedom. As the women of Rojava Kurdistan, we are very lucky to see and experience these days. The dreams of thousands of women have come true in a small city, in Kobanê. Today, women struggle for freedom in Rojava Kurdistan, North and East Syria. In addition, thousands of women rise up today for their freedom. Therefore, this revolution is an excellent opportunity for us, for the women of North and East Syria, and becomes a symbol of strength and resistance for the women in the Middle East and all around the world. All women want to learn how the YPJ (Women's Defense Units) fighters fought ISIS.”

‘A country cannot be free unless the women are free’

She added, “Undoubtedly, we should not forget the ideology of leader Apo (Abdullah Öcalan) that offers freedom to Kurdish women and all women. Leader Apo says a country cannot be free unless the women are free. The efforts of leader Apo are bearing fruit in Rojava Kurdistan, especially in Kobanê. If women chant the slogan of ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadi’ today, it is thanks to the ideology of leader Apo and the struggle of Kurdish women.”

“The women, who rise up against the male-state mentality and system, always face attacks,” Zozan Bekir said, “The system of sovereign powers always tries to destroy the women’s struggle for freedom in order to enslave women. Therefore, we can define attacks against women as genocide. Despite all the attacks, we say our struggle will continue. This year, all women in North and East Syria, in Rojhelat Kurdistan and in all countries will take to the streets to demand freedom and their rights.”

‘The Rojava Revolution has renewed the spirit of March 8’

Emphasizing that the Rojava Revolution has renewed the spirit of March 8, Zozan Bekir concluded her speech by saying, “Before the revolution, the International Women’s Day was celebrated with limited participation due to the patriarchal system in Syria. The Rojava Revolution has renewed the spirit of March 8. The Rojava Revolution has made March 8 more meaningful. The system established in North and East Syria is led by women. Today, women take part in all spheres of life thanks to this revolution.”