Leader Ocalan: Women's Liberation is Foundation for Peace, democratic society

On Friday, the 14th conference of the Ishtar Council was launched in the Makhmur Refugee Camp (Restum Judi), under the slogan, "Let us create a democratic and communal society, and let us live freely under free leadership," with the participation of about 400 women from the camp and local leaders.

Leader Abdullah Ocalan sent a message to the conference, congratulating the council on its convening this conference. The message included,

"I hope that the conference of the Makhmur Women's Council will escalate the women's struggle for freedom and equality, and enable them to fulfill their duties and responsibilities in building the peace process and a democratic society.

A new era is beginning, and a democratic and communal system will advance and develop under women's leadership. The democratic communal process is a form of a renewed woman – mother society. Social truth can only be attained through this method.

If the patriarchal power is not overcome, social truth will not emerge in the realms of philosophy, science, ethics, aesthetics, and religion. If the culture of patriarchal power, hidden deep within contemporary society, is not overthrown, the success of socialism will not be possible, as Marxism has also demonstrated. The path to socialism lies through women's freedom, and without women's freedom, socialist existence cannot take root. It cannot exist. In this sense, it is essential that the foundation of political, economic and cultural activities of our Women's Council in Makhmur rests on this.

Our people in Makhmur, forcibly displaced from their land and homes, have not relinquished their identity and culture despite the hardship, suffering, persecution, and injustice they have endured. They have succeeded in building a life worthy of respect amidst the desert, becoming an integral part of the liberation struggle, and their place in our struggle is undeniable.

To reach a sustainable solution, the rights of the Kurdish people must be recognized within a legal framework, channels for democratic politics must be opened, and rights and freedoms must be guaranteed. In addition, the return of the Makhmur people will be significant under these circumstances.

To achieve return to the homeland, it is essential to prepare the political, legal, and social groundwork. The return must be assessed collectively within a political framework, not individually or through family channels. The people of Makhmur, who have suffered and been victims of war and conflict, are also active participants in the peace process and the democratic society. I am certain that the success of the peace process and the democratic society will pave the way for their return to their land. In this context, I salute our people and the Women's Conference.

My sincerest regards and eternal affection

Abdullah Ocalan

October 15, 2025."

The conference continues its work by presenting annual reports and discussing future action plans aimed at strengthening women's role in leading society and consolidating the principles of equality and freedom.

J.J