The next edition of the martial arts and solidarity gala "Thirtysix Fights" will take place in Berlin in April under the motto: "Jin Jiyan Azadî - United for the Women's Revolution in Rojava". All proceeds from the event, which will take place on 6 April at Club SO36 in Kreuzberg, will go to Mala Jin (Women’s House) in Cizîrê, the first women's shelter of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, also known as Rojava.

In a statement announcing the event, the organisers said the following:

“The revolution in Rojava is seen worldwide as an inspiration in the fight for a just, grassroots- democratically organized society. The aim is to guarantee equal participation in political and social decision-making processes for all people - regardless of ethnicity, religion or gender. The women's revolution in particular has made great progress in this regard. In defense of the rights they fought for, all self-governing bodies now have dual leadership and there are numerous autonomous women's structures with political veto rights.

But social change takes time. This is why many women in Rojava are still affected by patriarchal oppression, for example through forced marriages, domestic violence or honor killings. To protect these women, the first women's shelter was established in 2015 in the Cizîrê region in north- eastern Syria. Here, those affected are not only offered refuge from violence, but also education and psychological support to strengthen their self-confidence and independence and make them aware of their rights. The leading women's commission works closely with other self-governing institutions to enable women to return safely to their families. In 2023, 81 out of a total of 92 women were able to leave the women's shelter after several months. Those who cannot or do not want to return have the option of joining a women's cooperative or moving into a permanent facility.

The women's shelter in Cizîrê is currently facing existential problems. Due to Turkey's ongoing war against the autonomous self-administration in Rojava, almost all financial resources have to be used for defense. In addition, representatives of the self-administration are constantly exposed to mortal danger from Turkish drone terror. This includes Evin Paşo, the head of the women's shelter and chairwoman of the women's commission in Cizîrê, whose predecessor was murdered by a Turkish drone strike.

With this year's solidarity martial arts event THIRTYSIX FIGHTS, we are therefore supporting the women's shelter in Cizîrê with all the profits under the motto: "Jin Jiyan Azadî - United for the Women's Revolution in Rojava".

Donations can be made here:

Name: Kurdistanhilfe e. V.

IBAN: DE40 2005 0550 1049 2227 04

Keyword: Women's shelter