Semiha Alankuş

 

SILÊMANÎ – The Women's National Unity Platform, which was founded in Southern Kurdistan, is launching a new campaign to address women's shared issues and bolster national unity. Journalist Kurdistan Lezgiyeva says, "When women come together, it boosts morale. National interests should be prioritised."

 

Women in Southern Kurdistan want to play an active role in national unity efforts to achieve peace and a democratic society. Determined to carry their long legacy of resistance and struggle into the future, women are taking steps to solve social problems, strengthen women's resolve, and ensure national unity. The struggle centred on the philosophy of 'Jin, Jiyan, Azadî' enables women to unite in demanding not only their own rights, but also the status and future of Kurdistan.

 

Ms Lezgiyeva drew attention to the efforts of women to participate in the process with a collective will, despite the social, economic and political problems they face. She also evaluated the establishment of the South Kurdistan Women's National Unity Platform.

 

'The call for "Peace and a Democratic Society" has given the people a voice and a sense of morale. Women also want to be part of this process," said Kurdistan Lezgiyeva, who drew attention to the importance of national unity. She said, "Women's work and coming together creates morale. Women are also demanding recognition of Kurdistan's status. They also say that personal interests should not take precedence over national interests.'

 

'Kurdish women have paid a heavy price.'

 

Lezgiyeva stated that Kurdish women have paid a heavy price throughout history, continuing as follows: "Women in Southern Kurdistan have a rich history of resistance. They took part in movements, became peshmerga and fought on the front lines of the war. There are many pioneering women. Women paid a heavy price. They also paid the price for the suffering experienced in these lands. Consequently, every woman has played a pioneering role in society. Women in Southern Kurdistan have such a history. However, despite all these struggles, there are still weaknesses in terms of women's organisation and asserting their will. The best-known women's organisation in the south today is the Kurdistan Women's Union. Within this framework, women are trying to organise themselves."

 

'Women coming together contributed to national unity'

 

Kurdistan Lezgiyeva described the work of Kurdish women for unity as follows: "The first Kurdish Women's Unity Conference was held in Amed in 2009, the second in Hewlêr. It was decided to organise the third one in Silêmanî. For this, a committee was formed from four parts of Kurdistan and abroad. The third conference was to be held in 2018 but was postponed due to the situation in the region. It was decided to hold it again this year and a meeting was held on 7 April in Silêmanî. It was decided to establish the Kurdish Women's General Platform with the participation of women from four parts of Kurdistan and abroad. The decision was shared with the public and it was also decided to establish the platform in the South. The main aim of this platform is to strengthen national unity. It was decided to continue the work step by step. Culture and art activities and women's festivals were also planned.

 

On 5 July, a platform was established in Silêmanî. Women from various cities of the South participated. Three main topics were discussed: Social problems in Southern Kurdistan, national and unity issues, the importance of conferences. Women emphasised that their problems and sufferings are common. Women coming together contributed to national unity. Women in the South want to establish ties with all parts of Kurdistan and to create unity among Kurds in the diaspora. 'We will overcome the borders drawn for us, the concept of borders is no longer valid,' they said. They say that women have this power. We will continue this work and prepare for new conferences."

 

'National interests must be prioritised'

 

Kurdistan Lezgiyeva stated that Kurds should unite everywhere, saying: "Women's work and coming together boosts morale. Women demand the status of Kurdistan. Personal interests should not take precedence over national interests. Women want Kurds everywhere to recognise each other and unite for national unity."

 

'Women's voices united'

 

Kurdistan Lezgiyeva shared the impact of the ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadi’ resistance philosophy on Southern Kurdistan and Rojhilat, saying: "There is a connection between Southern and Eastern Kurdistan. Developments in the east also affect the south. When the 'Jin, Jiyan, Azadî' rebellion began, women's determination and organisation came to the fore. Women made efforts to join organisations and express themselves through this philosophy. They wanted to be part of it. Women know that they can become powerful by getting organised. In this process, women from the South joined their voices with those of women from Rojhilat. Many demonstrations were organised in the south in support of Rojhilat. Demonstrations were also held in support of Rojava. While all of this is important, it is not enough. 'Jin, Jiyan, Azadî' has now become an identity."

 

'Women played a role in the process'

 

Kurdistan Lezgiyeva concluded her speech as follows: "After the Call for Peace and a Democratic Society on 27 February, women joined the process. They made efforts to understand this process. There have been efforts in this direction in Southern Kurdistan, but these efforts need to be expanded. They should not remain just words. These problems exist all over Kurdistan. We must not tire of this issue; we must take the lead and establish relations with women from other communities. If we are successful in our own land, we will also be successful abroad. When Kurdish women recognise the importance of their contribution to the process, social problems can be solved. These activities are important for reaching out to society. Our aim is to learn all Kurdish dialects and preserve our identity."