As systematic repression and rights violations against women deepen in Iran, women continue to mount strong resistance demanding freedom. Although the regime tries to suppress women’s organizing efforts and social demands by force, the women's movements are expanding their struggle for a democratic society with the slogan “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” (Woman, Life, Freedom). Meanwhile, the war that began between Israel and Iran on June 13 quickly resulted in a temporary ceasefire. The war created a complex crisis that has deeply affected the lives of the Iranian people and women in particular.

Rûken Nexede, a member of the Executive Council of the Free Women’s Community of Eastern Kurdistan (KJAR), spoke to Mezopotamya Agency (MA) about the Israel-Iran war, the regime’s internal repression, and the struggle waged by women.

The Third World War

Rûken Nexede said that the war in the region has not ended but has entered a new phase, in which the peoples are experiencing deep pain. Emphasizing that the regional transformation project of hegemonic powers has made major change inevitable in Iran as well, Rûken Nexede said, “The Third World War, which began with attacks against the Islamic Republic, has entered a new phase. The destruction and suffering caused by the war on society and nature have not yet been fully seen. The war is being directed by multiple parties and is being carried out through various methods. On the one hand, it is a technological hot war; on the other, it targets the deepest emotions of people through special warfare tactics. Some forces want to end this war by forcing the state to surrender, while others are trying to pull the people to their own side. But when the people are left powerless, these efforts come to nothing.”

Destruction has deepened

Rûken Nexede stated that the war has directly harmed people’s lives, and a segment of society has taken a radical stance against these conditions. She continued: “The regime’s atrocities, torture, poverty, executions, the killing of kolbars (cross-border load carriers) and smugglers, have created deep hatred among the people. When we talk about the effects of this war, we must also evaluate all the forms of oppression to which people are subjected. The people have been living under war conditions for a long time, and they are especially facing a severe economic collapse. Today, that destruction has only deepened.”

The state fears the popular will led by PJAK

The KJAR official pointed out that: “The people are making great efforts to assert their own will. While the state tries to send the message ‘we are still strong, we have not been defeated,’ it simultaneously increases internal repression to intimidate society. The main target of these messages is the Kurdish movements.” She recalled that the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) has been struggling for a democratic society in Iran and Eastern Kurdistan (Rojhilat) for 21 years, while the state fears the popular will led by PJAK and uses every means to suppress it. Nexede added that the KJAR has also represented women and society for 21 years, and that they are targeted by the regime because they stand for free women and a democratic Iran.

Kurdish and Baluch people under threat

Nexede pointed out that the Baluch people are another main target of the regime, which sees them as an oppositional force, and many young Baluch people have been executed. Remarking that the regime continues its policies of intimidation and threats against Kurds and other peoples, she said: “Arrests have turned into political hostage-taking. The regime is trying to intimidate the people with its old methods, but they now realize that these tactics can no longer silence the public. Even within the regime, a cycle of repetition has begun.”

Women resist in the face of repression

Rûken Nexede stated that women do not support the war and demonstrate strong resistance against the regime’s attacks. She emphasized that for the past three years, women in Iran have stood firmly against the state under the slogan "Jin, Jiyan, Azadî". “Women have put their bodies on the line, taking all kinds of risks for the future of their children. They are resisting for a free life. The resistance of Kurdish women in Iran has inspired awareness among all women. Kurdish women, organized through KJAR, have built their own system against the regime. With a freedom-based mindset, they defended themselves in Iran and Eastern Kurdistan and achieved significant gains.”

KJAR has prepared women for the struggle for freedom

Rûken Nexede stated that KJAR embodies communal life and serves as the carrier of society. She said, “Kurdish women in Iran have inspired the world with their thoughts and knowledge, and this has become a major source of fear for the ruling powers because the system wants women to be obedient. Religious, scientistic, nationalist, and patriarchal ideologies have ignored women. In contrast, KJAR has grounded itself in Jineology, the science of women, and has prepared women for the struggle for freedom. The philosophy of 'Jin, Jiyan, Azadî' is rooted in the paradigm of Leader Abdullah Öcalan and is based on three fundamental principles: women’s freedom, democratization of society, and ecology. When women are liberated, free individuals emerge. Once unity between women and men is established, a democratic and nature-harmonious society can be built.”

Not just a slogan, but a source of transformation

Rûken Nexede emphasized that the peoples of Iran are working hand in hand with Kurdish women to build a life of freedom: “Everyone has now seen that ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ is not merely a slogan. It is the source of transformation, resistance, and faith. Through this philosophy, women and men come to know themselves, right is separated from wrong, relationships become clearer, and the struggle for a free life becomes stronger.”

The solution lies in Öcalan’s philosophy

Rûken Nexede stressed that everyone must stand by the system built by women. She added: “The real path to a solution lies in the thought and philosophy of Leader Öcalan. Anyone who gathers around the idea of free thought can achieve success. The courage, will, and wisdom of women will move society forward. The ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ revolution involves all life. When women discover their truth, it becomes a discovery of truth for all humanity. Every woman who organizes herself becomes a pioneer of democratic society. In the face of fragmentation, loneliness, poverty, and crisis, women are the force of resolution. The real solution lies in Leader Öcalan’s thought and philosophy, and everyone who gathers around free thought will achieve success.”