YUSRA AL-EHMED

Raqqa- Activities for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women have already kicked off in all cantons of North and East Syria. Women aim to raise awareness and strengthen their unity against male-state violence by organizing various activities and events in each carton.

NuJINHA spoke to Miadê Al Ahmed, coordinating member of the Zenubya Women’s Community, about their program. “Our struggle for women's freedom will pave the way for the freedom of all women in the world,” she told us. “As the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is approaching, we have been holding various awareness-raising activities such as seminars, meetings and workshops in all cities and villages. We think that men should be also educated because men are the perpetrators of violence, which has a devastating effect on women, children and the future of society. Society is not free unless women are free.”

 ‘Women are deprived of their right to exist’

We aim to eliminate violence against women by organizing these activities, Miadê Al Ahmed said, adding: “The 21st century will be the century of women's freedom. Women are subjected to oppression by the patriarchal mindset, authoritarian, oppressive states. They are subjected to psychological, physical and domestic violence. Many traditional and social norms deprive women of their right to exist.”

Miadê Al Ahmed also commented on political violence against women. “In many Middle Eastern countries, women are subjected to violence due to the lack of laws protecting women. For instance, the proposed amendments in the Iraqi Personal Status Law No.188 of 1959 are a threat to women’s lives; the laws in Iran and Libya aim to keep women under control. In Afghanistan, the Taliban have imposed restrictions on women’s dress. The assassinations against women politicians are another threat to women's freedom.”

‘Turkish occupation increases violence against women’

Pointing to the ongoing Turkish attacks on North and East Syria, Miadê Al Ahmed said, “The Turkish occupation targets critical civilian infrastructure, increasing violence against women. The Turkish attacks aim to break the strong will of women. Despite everything, we will fight for women’s freedom against the patriarchy.”