March 8 represents legacy of resistance, struggle - Bahar Oren

the struggle and resistance in the Middle East region, especially Kurdistan, is not limited to a specific day or date only. The Third World War and its consequences, along with the culture of male hegemony and religion, have made the lives of oppressed nations, especially women, difficult, and in light of the re-building of the culture of male hegemony, it has built itself once again, with different structures, and its manifestation in the state, the institution of family, marriage, and the media. There is a need for a multiple and organized struggle according to a road map. The Kurdish women’s freedom movement, which has been fighting in a radical and effective manner for nearly half a century, has greatly influenced the women of the region and the world, and has become the most prominent example. On local and global connection and integration, this struggle has valuable social experiences and expertise. They advanced step by step from the first women’s organizations to the steps of establishing the Democratic Confederation of Women of the World, and they had visions and projects at every stage.

The social revolution cannot be achieved unless it is preceded by a cultural revolution

This struggle was launched, of course, thanks to the struggle and efforts of leader APO, who describes himself as a fighter for women’s freedom, which undoubtedly created a revolution within the Kurdistan liberation movement itself on the one hand and within society on the other hand. At that time, the Women’s Freedom Movement was founded and the women’s revolution took place. A revolution cannot Socialism cannot be achieved unless it is preceded by a cultural and intellectual revolution in the Middle East, and just as the leader criticized the characteristics of the traditional man in his book “Killing the Man,” in which he said: “The first step towards socialism is killing the dominant man,” so the greatest struggle must be against the characteristics of the dominant man and his culture. Basically, the causes of all social problems are due to the relationship between men and women, which is based on men’s dominance and control and the oppression and subjugation of women. Therefore, work must be done to build new relationships between men and women and change the mentality of men.

Legal equality does not mean freedom

On the 8th of March; On International Women’s Day, the struggle and resistance against the system of capitalist modernity and the system of male hegemony turned into a culture and a tradition, but historical developments taught us very valuable lessons, including that every historical stage requires a new perspective or approach to the struggle, despite women being granted their legal rights in many countries. However, unfortunately, we cannot say that women have obtained their freedom anywhere in the world. In other words, we can say that legal equality does not mean freedom, and the global system has always tried to liberate the movements fighting for women’s freedom and integrate or dissolve them into its system

The emergence of Jineoloji as a women's science is a radical transformation

Unfortunately, some feminist movements have recently been affected by this policy, but current developments indicate that historical hostility towards women appears in this century in various ways and forms, so we must be alert to ideological attacks and efforts to eliminate women’s identity and develop a science specific to women, otherwise we will lose the achieved achievements as well. The emergence of Jineoloji as a science for women is a radical transformation that goes beyond the feminist and human rights movements. Jineoloji represents a political, scientific and social struggle against male hegemony and all hierarchical systems such as modern governments based on power and capitalism.

Creates a strong foundation for the formation of the Women's Union

The Women's Union is one of the basic factors for building a strong front against the regime, and this union must be formed on common points to break down the walls of state tyranny and the culture of male domination. The conferences and meetings that we have witnessed in recent years have created a strong basis for the formation of this women's union so that it can communicate directly and discuss woman issues. No borders can any longer hinder women’s strength and struggle. The Kurdish Women’s Freedom Movement has tried, in recent years, to build a network of communication with all the women of the world through Jineoloji science and women’s diplomacy, so that we can form a union regardless of the gaps and differences between us. At the same time, laying a foundation for building a global confederation for women. As we mentioned above, women have represented the resistance front in all stages of history and will continue to do so now and in the future.

Women's education is the second essential factor

There is no doubt that organizing women is one of the main steps to achieving the women’s revolution in the region, and all parts of Kurdistan have experience in this field, and it cannot be strongly effective without women’s institutions and individual activities. Women’s education is the second basic factor, as education makes them who they are and creates awareness in them. And knowledge, they cannot struggle to obtain their rights unless they first know what their rights and demands are, and of course, this education must include all women, especially women of the oppressed classes who are affected by wars, poverty, and migration. Awareness or education is a basic measure for every society, and it is of great importance, especially for women. Therefore, one of the main strategies for women’s organizations and movements is to develop training and awareness programs. Of course, education or awareness should not be in an incomprehensible, elitist language. It should be in a simple language that can be understood. Hence, interaction and participation. The educational opportunities available to women are still very limited in many regions around the world and completely non-existent in many places. Therefore, women cannot understand their problems, become familiar with their issues, and find solutions to them unless equality in education and equal opportunities are achieved.

We can chart a history full of freedom for the future

As a result of the historical legacy of revolution and resistance in Mesopotamia, the same culture still persists. The women’s revolution in the Middle East has moved to the most difficult and sensitive stage, and all women must bear responsibility so that we can chart a history full of freedom and equality for the future and change the course of history on the basis of equality between women and men. And the freedom of peoples, only then can we fulfill our historical duties.

T/ Satt.

ANHA