In his defence writings, Abdullah Öcalan developed a radical democratic, women-libertarian alternative to capitalist modernity and thus gave the struggle for freedom a new perspective.

On 10 October 2023, academics, journalists, civil society organisations, political parties, parliamentarians, activists, Nobel Prize winners, representatives of women's organisations and celebrities from all over the world initiated the campaign "Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan and a political solution to the Kurdish question". People in the self-governing regions in North and East Syria are also actively participating in this international campaign.

Öcalan reading events have been organised everywhere since the launch of the campain. Even in the self-governing neighborhoods of Şêxmeqsûd (Sheikh Maqsoud) and Eşrefiye (Ashrafiyah) in Aleppo, which have been encircled by the Syrian regime, people are coming together to read and discuss Öcalan's paradigmatic defence writings. 121 women have organised themselves as part of the Women's Council and are reading the writings in four groups. Hundreds of other people from the municipalities and councils are also taking part in reading events.

The women gathered in the Şehîd Gûlê Selmo Council building have already read the first four books from the five-volume Manifesto of Democratic Civilisation and are now starting on the fifth volume. The group of 36 women will hold intensive discussions following each chapter of the books.

"The annihilation of the Kurds is also realised through language and culture"

Leyla Elo, who provided assessments during the discussion, said: "In his fifth defence, Rêber Apo (Leader Abdullah Öcalan) talks about culture and language. The language and culture of peoples can be understood directly from their perspective and way of life. Every people has its own culture and language. Genocides are also carried out through culture and language."

Participant Zelûx Îzzet Ebdo stated: "The language and culture of the peoples are wanted to be destroyed. The creators of the capitalist system are the enemies of the peoples, they want to separate the peoples from their essence. There is intense oppression, especially against the Kurdish people. Our mother tongue, Kurdish, is not accepted. Kurdish is the language of the people but is being suppressed and attempts are being made to ban it. This is how they want to destroy the Kurdish people. The existence of a people is realised through its language. They want to end our existence by banning our language. The social culture is wanted to be destroyed. Culture can also be seen as humanism, solidarity, unity, respect, love and the creation of common living conditions. But today, capitalism is trying to create a corrupt model of life by destroying cultures.”

"Rêber Apo is a guide for everyone"

Another participant, Fatma Emîr, said: "We come together as women and read the books. We not only read, but each of us also gives an evaluation. Our exchange of ideas is very rich. Hearing different views and interpretations contributes to intellectual deepening. By reading Rêber Apo's work, we realise who we are and what we want. Rêber Apo's paradigm is not only for the Kurdish people. Rêber Apo is a pioneer who stands up for all peoples. Today, Rêber Apo is read everywhere, his paradigm has spread all over the world. This is how the fraternity of peoples was achieved. His project of the Democratic Nation has led the peoples to unity and solidarity."

"Women have a pioneering role in changing society"

Ciwana Keçxemîs said: "In his books, Rêber Apo repeatedly refers to justice, equality and the path to a solution. In his view of the peoples, he goes into detail about the solution to the state of war. He devotes his attention to topics such as how love between peoples can blossom again and how to educate young people in harmony with culture and ethics. He is a compass for us, showing us that the development of society takes place through its culture and its language. Convinced that the 21st century would be a century of women, he gave women a pioneering role and declared that women would return society to its essence and revitalise it. By reading his work, we make his paradigm known in society. As women, it is our fundamental task and responsibility to spread the philosophy, knowledge and paradigm of Rêber Apo."