Makhmour- Iştar Assembly, a women’s organization carrying out activities and events for women since the Makhmour refugee camp was established, kicked off its activities on November 16 to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women with the motto, “We weave life with the  philosophy of Jin, Jiyan, Azadi”. In an interview with NuJINHA, Xurbet İşlek, coordinating member of the assembly, spoke about their activities.

 ‘Kurdish women have been entering a new phase’

Xurbet İşlek started her speech by commemorating the women who died while fighting for freedom. “Mirabal sisters were brutally killed on November 25. Women all around the world keep struggling while Kurdish women have been entering a new phase. Although years have passed, the mentality of governments and hegemony is still the same. Women and children are the most affected in wars and conflicts.”

‘Women must organize themselves in all facets of life’

Indicating that women are subjected to serious attacks, she said, “Despite the attacks, women struggle more. The governments are afraid of organized and strong women. Today, women are killed, attacked and subjected to violence in the name of love. At least a woman is killed every day. Not only Kurdish women, but women all over the world suffer from gender-based violence and attacks. Women must organize themselves against the attacks in all facets of life.”

Activities

Xurbet İşlek told us that the assembly planned a series of activities to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. “We kicked off our activities on November 16. We have held many seminars, workshops and other activities for students and young women until now. On November 25, we will hold a march in the camp.”

13th Conference of the assembly

Xurbet İşlek also talked about the 13th Conference of the assembly. “We held our 13th conference participated by 300 delegates with the motto 'Towards freedom with ‘Jin Jiyan Azadi’”. Everyone in the camp attended our conference. Self-organization was one of the issues discussed at the conference. After a three-day discussion, we made our plan for the next two years. The conference was dedicated to all the martyrs of freedom, who sacrificed their lives for the Kurdish people and Kurdish women, including Martyrs Evîn Goyî and Raperîn Amed.”