As women around the world prepare to take to the streets on 8 March, women in Kurdistan will once again raise their voices for 'freedom and peace.' In the 21st century, a time when the women's struggle has become universal and women in the Middle East have played a leading role in shaping it, women continue to organize around the philosophy of 'Jin, Jiyan, Azadî', waging a battle for identity and freedom against male-dominated power structures.

Free Women’s Movement (Tevgera Jinên Azad, TJA) activist Seval Bilgin spoke to ANF about International Women’s Day and said: "8 March is, in fact, a revolutionary day of women's rebellion. As you know, it began with the sacrifice of 129 women workers and has continued as part of the women’s struggle for centuries. In Turkey, March 8 became recognized in 1927 through the power of women's labor. Since then, we have defined this day as a day of resistance for women worldwide against colonialist, male-dominated mentalities."

'Jin, Jiyan, Azadî': A global call for women's freedom and justice

Seval Bilgin said that women across the world are organizing around the philosophy of 'Jin, Jiyan, Azadî'. She said that after the murder of Jîna Mahsa Amînî, this philosophy became a powerful voice not only in Turkey and the Middle East but across the entire world. According to her, 'Jin, Jiyan, Azadî' is more than just a slogan; it is a call, a stance of resistance, and a symbol of freedom for women. She emphasized that this philosophy has become a source of hope for women everywhere, uniting them as one voice against male domination and state violence. She added: "We now hear this philosophy echoing in every space."

Bilgin also addressed the ongoing femicide crisis, stating that women are being murdered every day and that they will take to the streets to protest. She described the situation as a systematic massacre targeting women and stressed that they are in the streets and public squares because they refuse to remain silent. She said: "Unfortunately, femicides are increasing daily, and the reason behind this is the impunity granted to perpetrators. As women, we will take to the streets against this war waged on us. Women demand the right to live, women demand justice, and we will take to the streets to make these demands heard."

We will take to the streets to raise our voices for peace

Bilgin referred to Mr. Öcalan's "Call of the Century" made on 27 February and spoke about the excitement it sparked in Diyarbakır (Amed). She said: "There is a sense of excitement in Diyarbakır because, as you know, the ‘Call of the Century’ has been made. This call is especially significant for us as women. I believe it has brought new energy to this year's March 8 events."

Bilgin highlighted their determination to take to the streets for peace and continued: "We, as women, will raise our voices for peace in the streets. 8 March is not just a day to talk about femicides; it is a historic day when women freely express their demands."