Rûken Ehmed calls for greater women’s representation in diplomacy

In an interview marking International Women’s Day on March 8, Rûken Ehmed answered ANHA Agency questions regarding the significance of this day and the broader struggle for women's rights.

 How do you define March 8, and what does it mean to you?

 March 8 is not merely a day of celebration; it is a day of resistance and struggle against centralized oppressive systems, patriarchal mindsets, and capitalist structures that seek to exploit and suppress women’s agency. This day stands as a symbol of global women's solidarity, as women raise their voices together and form a united front against occupation and oppression. It serves as a reminder that freedom is not granted—it must be claimed. The fight for equality and justice is not an individual battle but a collective movement that transcends borders and geographies. For me, this day represents the continuation of the long journey of women’s sacrifices for a more just and free future and reaffirms the principle that "the women’s revolution is the revolution of society as a whole."

 What achievements have women made globally in recent years?

 In recent years, women worldwide have gained greater awareness of their rights and intensified their struggle. Strong movements and alliances have emerged at both local and global levels, and women's issues have been given greater prominence in political and social debates. However, serious challenges remain. On one hand, women face the repression of authoritarian regimes that perceive women's freedom as a threat to their existence. On the other hand, patriarchal structures remain deeply entrenched in societies, making the pursuit of equality and social justice a long and complex process.

 Moreover, escalating conflicts and wars, alongside the rise of extremist movements, have led to setbacks in some of the progress achieved. In countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, and Yemen, women continue to endure systematic violations. Therefore, despite significant advancements, there is still a long way to go, and strategic, well-organized approaches are essential to overcoming these challenges and ensuring the continuity of the women's struggle.

 Most importantly, women worldwide have initiated intellectual and organizational transformations. Significant progress has been made, particularly in conflict zones such as North and East Syria, where women have introduced an alternative model of revolution and governance. Their role has extended beyond politics to the creation of a society based on gender equality. Additionally, independent women's organizations have been established to counteract dominant patriarchal ideologies. These achievements did not come easily—they are the result of daily struggles and immense sacrifices made by women.

 To what extent has the women’s struggle advanced on the international level?

 The struggle for women's rights is a global issue that transcends borders and cultures. Women across the world face similar forms of oppression and discrimination. While the specifics may vary, the underlying pressures remain the same. The systematic violations against women in Palestine, the abuses against women in Sudan amid armed conflicts, the arbitrary measures against female activists in Iran, and the attempts to amend personal status laws in Iraq to reinforce male dominance all illustrate the ongoing struggle of women against oppressive authorities.

 In Syria, we witness the expansion of jihadist movements aiming to relegate women to conditions of servitude. The targeted killings of leading Kurdish women activists by the Turkish state are intended to break women's free will. Meanwhile, the increasing restrictions on freedoms and the rise in political arrests in Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco pose additional threats to the feminist movement.

 Globally, new challenges are emerging. The simultaneous rise of radical movements and the spread of unchecked liberal capitalism create significant barriers to women's participation in governance and decision-making. The dominant economic and political systems continue to marginalize women, posing a serious threat to their ability to drive meaningful change. To address these issues and sustain the momentum of the women's movement, stronger alliances and more strategic organizational efforts are necessary.

 How Important is the Role of Women in Politics and Society? What are the Obstacles to Women's Struggle?

 Women play a fundamental role in peacebuilding and democratic governance. When women participate in decision-making, policies become more just and inclusive, as women bring a unique perspective to social issues, fostering social justice and sustainable development.

 However, numerous obstacles hinder women's progress, including cultural and social barriers—deeply ingrained traditions and customs that restrict women's freedoms and confine them to superficial roles. Political challenges also persist, such as the systemic marginalization of women within political institutions. Economic barriers further exacerbate gender inequality, pushing women into poverty and exploitation. Authoritarian regimes have historically sought to exclude women from the public sphere, recognizing that women's liberation is intrinsically linked to the liberation of society as a whole.

 What Changes Do You Hope for in Women's Rights? What is Your Message on March 8th?

 I hope to see a profound strengthening of women's rights in the future—beyond legal frameworks, through the cultivation of a societal consciousness that perceives women not merely as individuals, but as the foundation of democracy and a free society. Women's rights must be enshrined in constitutional law, and broader alliances must be forged to ensure their participation in decision-making. Strong protective mechanisms are necessary to shield women from violence and exploitation, alongside economic policies that guarantee their financial independence—true freedom cannot be achieved without economic autonomy.

 March 8th should serve as a call to struggle rather than a mere day of celebration. It must be a day to reaffirm our commitment to resistance because rights are never granted—they are won through struggle. We must unite our voices, strengthen our organizations, and deepen our awareness, as our future will only be built by our own hands.

 What is Your Message to Young Women Engaged in This Struggle?

 Young women must recognize that struggle is not confined to military resistance alone; it extends to intellectual, cultural, social, and political spheres. The fight for freedom is an ongoing process—it is not an option but a necessity. We face a global system of discrimination and exploitation, and young women represent the dynamic force capable of driving change. Do not fear confrontation, do not accept half-measures, and strive for radical transformation.

 How Do You View Women’s Struggles Locally and Globally, from the Perspective of Kongra Star?

 We believe that the struggle for women's rights cannot be separated from the broader struggle for democracy and freedom. Women are not merely participants in change—they are its driving force. That is why we are committed to building a strong and independent women's movement capable of addressing all challenges.

 At the regional level, we are working to expand women's resistance networks and strengthen alliances with other feminist movements across the Middle East, recognizing that our struggles are interconnected and no movement can achieve its goals in isolation. On the global stage, we emphasize the importance of constructing a democratic confederal system for women—a global solidarity network that can support struggles across different countries, increase women's participation in peace processes, and ensure their rightful representation in all spheres of life.

 What Are Your Future Plans?

 Our strategic plans operate on multiple levels. We aim to strengthen ties with women's movements worldwide, develop educational programs to raise awareness about women's rights, and establish women's economic institutions to secure financial independence. Expanding women's diplomatic engagement is also a priority, ensuring that they play an active role in international affairs.

 We are working to organize conferences and forums that address women's issues from a revolutionary and emancipatory perspective. We firmly believe that real change will only be achieved through strong organization and sustained strategic action.

a.k

ANHA