Rîhan Loqo: struggle against violence continues

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which falls on November 25 each year, the spokesperson for the Star Conference, Rîhan Loqo, spoke to ANHA's agency about violence in North and East Syria, the foundations of violence, and the plans and measures of Kongra Star to reduce violence in all its forms and the results of social awareness.

"Women have taken a radical step, and the struggle continues."

Rîhan Loqo mentioned that women are waging a historical resistance worldwide against violence towards them, and she explained that their struggle in North and East Syria is part of the global struggle. She said, "Women have played a pioneering role in all fields in North and East Syria during the Women's Revolution. They have revolted against the authoritarianism imposed on them and have taken a radical step. Women are enhancing their level of struggle, strength, and knowledge day by day to build a model and ideal society in North and East Syria. The Kongra Star organizes the community in the streets, neighborhoods, and cities, because any violence against women is violence against society as a whole."

"Violence is based on a specific mentality against women."

 Rîhan Loqo pointed to the foundation on which violence is built, mentioning that the mentality of racism and sexual, and religious intolerance is based on how a specific mentality against women is constructed within nationalistic tribalism. For example, the Ba'ath regime in Syria considered psychological, verbal, physical, political, and economic violence as legitimate. She continued her speech, saying,"It is based on an authoritarian mentality and a patriarchal and colonial mentality. Just as everything was taken from women in the past, they want to do the same today. They want to erase women's efforts and kill their will."

"Women in the region are subjected to psychological and political violence"

 Rîhan Loqo revealed that the level of violence in North and East Syria is no longer what it used to be in previous years. She continued, saying, "We notice a decline in physical violence year after year. Society has begun to be ashamed of physical violence and considers it a disgrace. However, there is still psychological violence, and also political violence due to the attacks by the Turkish occupying state, especially against women. Women leaders are often targeted in their marches, and this political violence occurs before the eyes of the entire world, yet the world remains silent, unfortunately."

Free co-existence courses in the face of violence

 Returning to the activities of the Kongra Star and its work on changing social awareness regarding women, Rîhan Loqo explained that they organize courses for women and men, as well as courses specifically for men. During these courses, the existing societal conflicts are revealed, and the supervising committee discusses these issues with the men attending the courses. She said, "They are presented with the true history of women, so they can also struggle against the authoritarian mentality, and men and women together can achieve free coexistence and lead the democratic system."

"We see the change as positive."

 Rîhan Loqo considered the results of community awareness efforts, especially among men, to be positive. She continued, saying, "They are not at the desired level, but they are good. It is not possible to radically change a mentality that has persisted for 5,000 years through training alone. However, to introduce the authoritarian mentality, eliminate it, and bring about a change in awareness, we see the change as positive as initial steps."

"Standing against violence through joint struggle is essential."

Rîhan Loqo pointed out that women's struggles, uprisings, and revolutions throughout Kurdistan and the Middle East during this century are considered a historic step. She saluted the struggle of women worldwide and noted that women together can enhance the circle of freedom more through these uprisings and revolutions. Freedom is achieved through the strength, ideology, unity, and organization of women. She concluded her speech by saying, "Women are united by solidarity and unity. They should build their own democratic confederation for women in North and East Syria. Women from all Kurdish, Arab, Turkmen, Circassian, and Syriac components have come together. Standing against violence through joint struggle is essential. We must strengthen this confederation internationally together and make this century the century of the free woman. We will enhance our organizational and defensive strength together and thwart the enemy's dirty schemes."

 T/ Satt.

ANHA