NORŞİN ABDİ

 Kobanê – The Joint Action Platform of Women’s Movements and Organizations in North and East Syria kicked off its activities for International Women’s Day on February 24. Women, who led the revolution in Rojava have been organizing many activities to mark International Women’s Day to defeat the politics of genocide, occupation and isolation with the free will of women. NuJINHA spoke to women in the Euphrates Region of North and East Syria about International Women’s Day.

Hadla Hassan, Co-chair of the Movement for a Democratic Society (Kurdish: Tevgera Civaka Demokratîk, TEV-DEM) in the Euphrates Region, wished a happy International Women’s Day to resisting women. “March 8 is an important day for every woman struggling for her existence and identity. The history of International Women’s dates back to the 1800s; over 40,000 women garment workers lit the women’s struggle in New York on March 8, 1857. 123 women and girls were killed in the fire at a factory. Since 1975, the United Nations has observed International Women's Day on March 8,” she said.

 Day of resistance and struggle

Throughout history, women have been subjected to injustice and slavery by the patriarchal mindset, she said. “The patriarchal mindset aims to take women under control so that women cannot demand their rights. Despite everything, women resist and struggle for their rights. March 8 is the day of resistance and struggle for women.”

‘The resistance started by women in the USA continues’

The resistance started by women, who were killed in the USA in 1857, continues, Hadla Hassan said, “Women all around the world, especially in the Middle East and North and East Syria, keep resisting the patriarchal mindset. Women make great sacrifices in order to change their societies. The struggle of Middle Eastern women is not an easy struggle; they also struggle against the tribes and the patriarchal mindset. The revolution led by women in North and East Syria is known by everyone. The women’s revolution in Rojava defeated injustice and slavery. Now, women play an important role in all facets of life thanks to the revolution.”

Speaking about the women’s struggle and resistance, Berivan Jumah, member of the women’s office of the TEV-DEM in Kobanê, said, “In North and East Syria, women continue to struggle for their rights and identity. We demand freedom every day, not only a day. March 8 is the day when women reject slavery, injustice and marginalization. Women have achieved many gains by struggling and they should struggle more to protect their gains. Today, women are decision makers, participate in politics, social life, military and economy in North and East Syria thanks to the revolution. As women of North and East Syria, we are determined to defend our people and lands.”

 ‘March 8 is an important day for women of North and East Syria’

“March 8 is an important day for women of North and East Syria,” said Vahide Süleyman, member of the Hîlala Zêrîn Cultural Movement. “Every year, we greet International Women’s Day by growing our struggle. Kurdish women celebrate International Women's Day by wearing their traditional clothes and demanding freedom. This year, we will greet International Women’s Day by chanting the ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadi’ slogan.”