Although it is believed that fundamental rights and freedoms have been achieved in Europe, the reality is much different. Women in particular are still struggling on many issues such as gender equality, equal pay for equal work, the glass ceiling effect (used to refer to mechanisms that prevent women's advancement in working life) and the effective fight against sexual violence. Women who were forced to migrate from the Middle East due to war face many problems in Europe, especially language and adaptation.

 

Women come together against these problems and organize themselves to find solutions. One of these organizations is the Rienk'elles Association, founded by French and Kurdish women to find solutions to the problems of refugee and migrant women. We talked to the Chair of the Association, lawyer Zerrin Bataray, about the problems of migrant women in Europe and the struggle.

 

PURPOSE OF THE ASSOCIATION 

 

Recalling that the association was founded with the joint struggle of French and Kurdish women activists, Bataray said that they aim to create space for women's development and society. “We make it a matter of honor to condition membership on the recognition of fundamental freedoms, including the right of peoples to self-determination. For us, this is an inevitable commitment because we believe that freedom is the foundation of a just and inclusive society. By supporting women's autonomy, the association helps through personal and professional projects, while on the other hand helping to change attitudes through awareness raising and educational initiatives,” she said.   

 

Emphasizing that the association fights against discrimination, “Our goal is to build a world where every woman can freely exercise her rights and where authenticity is valued. With other organizations that share our values, we are working for a future based on justice, freedom and dignity for all,” Bataray said. 

 

THE GOAL IS TO ENSURE SOCIAL EQUALITY 

 

Stating that France officially recognizes the equality of men and women, Bataray said that all women in the country face a great challenge. “Although French society officially recognizes the equality of men and women and accepts it as the basis of our freedoms, all women face a great challenge. Our goal is to make this equality a reality.”  

 

THE EXPERIENCES OF REFUGEE WOMEN 

 

Referring to the problems faced by refugee and migrant women in the country, Bataray said: “Women coming to the country from persecuted minorities face the same obstacles. Therefore, they face more problems and have to struggle more than French women. Immigrant women especially face a cultural dilemma and are caught between multiple identities. They are torn between their own identity on the one hand and the new identity given to them in their country of origin on the other. They lack the education, knowledge, networks and support to succeed. We organize psychological support workshops for the trauma experienced. We create a space of sisterhood and support to enable every woman to overcome obstacles and break the glass ceiling. We believe in the importance of active solidarity for every woman to reach her potential and equal opportunities. Unfortunately, in a Europe and a world that is turning inwards and increasingly surrendering to individualism and nationalism, it is difficult to find one's place. This is even more difficult for minorities. The inability of the state to respond to gender equality issues or to effectively combat discrimination is evident. There are many support associations but their resources are often limited, which means that women from persecuted minorities are not a priority.” 

 

CONTACTS WITH ROJAVA 

 

Noting that many European-based women's associations are in contact with women's associations in the Middle East, “Many of them and local authorities have been active supporters of the Yazidis, victims of the atrocities committed by ISIS. When it comes to Bashour, there is action, but Rojava and Rojhilat remain forgotten regions. The channeling of financial aid is complicated by the intervention in these regions. Moreover, local authorities are unable to provide financial support to regions that are not diplomatically recognized by France. Within our association, we have raised funds to help women students in the region. We work with other organizations active in Rojava. Many of these women have fought against ISIS, suffer from war-related injuries and lack the resources to continue their lives and education. In the near future, we hope to partner with universities in France to pave the way for them to obtain internationally recognized diplomas and thus open up new opportunities around the world,” Bataray said. 

 

WOMEN'S SOLIDARITY

 

Pointing out that women's solidarity against the current situation is getting stronger in the 21st century, “Feminist movements in France are quite strong. As an association, we create safe spaces. Contrary to the stereotypes conveyed to us, the sisterhood is strong. Women support, help and understand each other. These bonds between women show that true solidarity can exist away from prejudices that portray it as impossible or confrontational,” she said.  

 

Referring to the struggle of Kurdish women in Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey, Bataray continued as follows: “The situation of women in the Middle East as a whole remains critical. The experience of Jineology in Rojava is important. In Iran, women bravely assumed the leadership of a revolutionary movement against intense psychological and moral pressure. They were at the forefront, demanding their rights despite brutal repression. But this resistance movement is sometimes flawed because it tends to ignore the specific demands of Kurdish women. For Kurdish women in Bakur under Turkish rule, prospects for 'recovery' look bleak. Turkey has withdrawn from the Istanbul Convention, a crucial treaty that protects women against domestic violence and guarantees their fundamental rights. This withdrawal is a worrying signal of a political orientation hostile to women's rights, and is exacerbated for Kurdish women who face multiple forms of discrimination in this context. Against this backdrop, the basis for a real improvement in women's rights is to educate both girls and boys. It is essential to deconstruct the culture of domination and toxic masculinity that fuels these conflicts and sustains oppressive structures. This will require long-term work spanning several generations if there is to be any hope for lasting peace and true equality. Relationships of domination that are deeply rooted in patriarchal culture must be challenged. This work of cultural transformation is essential if we are to secure a safer and more equitable future for women all over this land. Jin, jiyan, azadi (Women, life, freedom) can be the philosophy for this. This philosophy has now become universal and united us all.”

 

 

MA / Berivan Kutlu