“Woman, Life, Freedom” is alternative to systems of 21st century

September 16 of every year marks the anniversary of the killing of the young Kurdish woman Jina Amini at the hands of the Iranian morality police and the outbreak of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” uprising throughout Eastern Kurdistan and Iran.

In Rojava, the slogan has become the sole slogan of women’s movements and has gained increasing momentum day by day. Amina Ossi, a member of the Diplomatic Relations Committee of Kongra Star, spoke to our agency about the impact of the uprising and the “Woman, Life, Freedom” slogan, its spread around the world, and its philosophical foundations.

On the occasion of the anniversary of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” uprising, Amina Ossi extended her greetings to all women who have struggled and continue to struggle, saying:

“The philosophy of ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ undoubtedly constitutes an alternative philosophy to the systems of the 21st century; a system in which women find themselves free and see themselves as an essential element of life, aware of their position and role, and aware of what they can contribute and the positive change they can bring about. Women rose up with this philosophy. To this day, the uprising that began under the slogan ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ in Eastern Kurdistan has become a demand shared by women around the world.

“This uprising erupted against systems that do not allow women to see their role in life, and it addressed all women. It was not confined to Eastern Kurdistan alone, but spread throughout the entire world.”

Amina Ossi assessed the concerns of ruling systems regarding the “Woman, Life, Freedom” uprisings and women’s struggle as follows:

“This uprising demonstrated how afraid the existing systems, which are based on the status quo, are of this philosophy, whether in the name of religion or nationalism. To protect their power, which is based on the value imposed upon women, these systems launched a brutal attack. They have used numerous methods, including law, politics, economic measures, torture, executions, abductions, and genocide, and they continue to do so to this day. Through this approach, they sought to break women’s will.

“This approach is also being implemented in other parts of Kurdistan. In Syria, it is being carried out by the transitional government. They are attempting to push women out of all areas of life. In Northern Kurdistan and Southern Kurdistan, they are also resorting to other methods.”

Amina Ossi criticized women and women’s movements around the world, saying:

“In the face of these policies, a determined struggle is being waged, drawing on the legacy of thousands of martyred women who were killed for this philosophy. This is also bringing about a change in the way the struggle is conducted.

“Kurdish women have united around this philosophy. Unfortunately, however, although women around the world have struggled and been active in different ways, these efforts have not been sustainable. They have not developed into efforts capable of creating legal and political pressure.”

“It is necessary to unite the struggle”

Amina Ossi stressed the importance of uniting the struggle of all women around the world and concluded her remarks by saying:

“We Kurdish women see the issue of women as one single issue. Women around the world should also view the issue of women as one single issue. Regardless of our color, nationality, or identity, this entire issue needs to find a fundamental solution in the Middle East and throughout the world. This can be achieved through changing the existing systems.

“At Kongra Star, we do not view the achievements we have made as achievements belonging solely to the women of Rojava. Rather, we see them as achievements that should be recorded in the history of women, and it should be recorded that women built them upon the legacy of Kurdish women. All women should build their future upon this legacy.

“There must be support and unity among women so that they can struggle in the face of these systems. They must continue on their path in the spirit of ‘Woman, Life, Freedom,’ ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî.’”

ANHA