Jineolojî Academy: “Women, Life, Freedom” Uprising Has Spread a Culture of Resistance

On the occasion of the 3rd anniversary of the “Women, Life, Freedom” uprising which began after the killing of the young Kurdish woman Jina Amini by the “morality police” under the Iranian regime Bahar Oren, a member of the Jineology (Jineolojî) Academy, spoke to ANHA agency.

At the start of her interview, Bahar Oren commemorated all the martyrs of the “Women, Life, Freedom” uprising through the figure of Jina Amini, stating: “The ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ uprising has become a regional and global revolution. These past years have witnessed many actions and sufferings, yet the uprising has continued with all its strength. Perhaps it no longer persists through street protests, but it has spread a culture of resistance in prisons and on the streets. This is the nature of social movements in the 21st century they do not fail; rather, they change their methods and continue in different forms and ways. The activities of political detainees, especially women, have become a source of inspiration and resistance. Therefore, it can be said that in its third year, the uprising has undergone many changes and transformations. It may not have radically changed the regime, but it has pressured the state and revealed the true face of the Iranian regime, which in itself is highly significant. The uprising has brought about social, cultural, and intellectual changes. If we want to make a change aligned with the culture and geography of the Middle East, we must begin a social and intellectual revolution. This is the character of the ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ movement social problems cannot be solved by a political uprising alone.”

“Many efforts and activities must be undertaken for the uprising to achieve its goals”

Bahar Oren emphasized that the “Women, Life, Freedom” uprising cannot be separated from previous struggles in Eastern Kurdistan (Rojhilat) and Iran. She continued: “The ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ uprising is a collective memory expressed through these words. This uprising is the fruit of the Kurdish women’s freedom movement, which has continued for nearly 50 years. To achieve its goals, many organizational and strategic activities and efforts must be undertaken.”

“Laws and pressures imposed on women have fueled growing anger and resistance”

Commenting on the current level of the uprising, Bahar Oren said: “One must consider the factors of time and place in this matter. We are now in the 21st century, witnessing a Third World War. The nature of the first and second world wars differs from the current one. The current war does not rely only on physical annihilation but also on cultural genocide, the eradication of women, and the destruction of nature. As for the place, this uprising takes place in the Middle East a region that has been experiencing wars for nearly a century. It is the cradle of all civilizations, religions, and societies. Yet, we see this region turning into a center of crises and conflict between states. After the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the establishment of the new government, attacks began on the rights women had been struggling for. Many laws and pressure tactics were issued to control and dominate women, including the mandatory hijab law. Over the years, this law has been a source of conflict between women and the government. The Iranian state sought through these laws to force women to stay home and exclude them from social and political arenas, which led to growing anger and resistance.”

“The ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ uprising is a historic example in Iran”

Bahar Oren highlighted women’s activities in Iran and Eastern Kurdistan over the years, noting that the “Women, Life, Freedom” uprising represents the peak of their resistance. She added: “In the history of revolutions and uprisings in Iran, the ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ uprising is an exemplary case. It witnessed significant political and intellectual developments, which were the result of the awareness of Iranian women; women who revolted against the policies of the Iranian regime.”

She also noted the need for a democratic system in Iran and the promotion of a culture of democracy, equality, and freedom. She said: “Unfortunately, many countries, including Iran, remain silent regarding the demands and struggles of their peoples, even attempting to suppress these demands and silence their populations through executions and attacks. Leader Abdullah Ocalan says, ‘The 21st century is the century of women’s revolution,’ and we see this truth. Women in the Middle East face oppression and repression through religious and ethnic fanaticism, as well as outdated social customs and traditions. Their demand is for a society based on freedom and equality.”

“The policy of denial must be abandoned”

Bahar Oren referred to the “Peace and Democratic Society” call made by Leader Abdullah Ocalan, describing it as the manifesto of the current era. She continued: “The region has been a stage for bloodshed, wars, and conflicts for years. Therefore, peace and dialogue processes could be a solution to the peoples’ problems, especially through political, legal, and rights-based methods. The Kurdish issue has become the central issue in the region. If the Kurdish issue is resolved through political, legal, and rights-based means, then all countries will be obligated to solve it, allowing all other peoples to gain their rights. Eastern Iran also requires a process similar to that experienced by Northern and Western Kurdistan. The leader says, ‘Peace is harder than war,’ and now is the time for freedom. The four states that divided Kurdistan have always denied the existence of the Kurds. Every nation has the right to self-determination and self-governance. Iran must abandon its policy of denial and repression not only towards the Kurdish people but towards all peoples.”

Bahar Oren pointed out that women have been the most resistant over the past 20 years. She highlighted numerous conferences, events, and activities led by women and affirmed that women can take the most important step in this process through their unity.

ANHA