RONÎDA HACÎ

Hasakah- Women’s organizations in northeastern Syria kicked off their activities and actions on November 10 with the motto, “Defend yourselves with the philosophy of Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, annually observed on November 25.

In an interview with NuJINHA, Ahîn Elî, member of the Women’s Academy and the Education Council of North and East Syria, gave information about their activities and women’s struggle against violence.

‘We fight violence every day’

“As women, we fight gender-based violence every day, not only a month,” said Ahîn Elî. “November is the month of strengthening our struggle against violence. This struggle has existed since ancient times.”

Why did they choose the Jin, Jiyan, Azadî slogan?

Ahîn Elî also talked about why they chose the ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ slogan as their motto this year. “Because Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan presented this slogan to all women’s movements. Today, this slogan has become a philosophy showing the way to be yourself. This philosophy has spread the struggle of the women in northeastern Syria to the whole world. All living things have a defense mechanism and women should know that they do not need someone to protect them. Therefore, we should protect ourselves, our philosophy and the gains of our revolution.”

Awareness-raising activities

“Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” means social freedom, Ahîn Elî stressed, adding: “The world is going through an era of conflicts and wars. Sovereign powers attack the ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ philosophy because they do not want social freedom.”

Speaking about their activities to eliminate violence against women, she said, “We have been holding seminars in villages, neighborhoods, cities and cantons. We have also started our awareness-raising activities. For instance, we have held courses and workshops for both women and men to raise awareness about gender-based violence. We will hold meetings, workshops and marches in all cities and cantons.”

‘We will liberate life by organizing ourselves’

Ahîn Elî also drew attention to the situation of women, who live in areas controlled by the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions. “Women are subjected to violence and oppression. Our primary duty is to reach all women and strengthen the struggle for freedom. Women must unite to protect themselves from violence. We will liberate life by organizing ourselves. Every woman is like a universe and the ‘Jin Jiyan Azadî’ philosophy gives spirit to this universe.”