WAN – Members of the Free Women’s Movement (Tevgera Jinên Azad-TJA) described the Peace and Democratic Society Process as a promising development for Kurds and other peoples, emphasizing that women have played, and will continue to play, a leading role in shaping it.
Following Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan’s call for a Peace and Democratic Society Process and the PKK’s decision to dissolve and disarm, the Kurdish Freedom Movement announced on 26 October that it had withdrawn its forces to prevent possible clashes or provocations, marking the start of the process’s second phase.
TJA activists, assessing women’s role at this stage, underlined that women are at the forefront of the initiative.
TJA member Yildiz Cetin said the process carries hope and moral significance for Kurds and other communities. She said: “We, as women, have made great sacrifices in our homes, with our children and our lives. The recent TJA march once again demonstrated the importance of women’s mission in this process. In a Middle East marked by new borders and bloodshed, we struggle for peace. We reject imperialist systems built on profit and domination. We will continue to fight so that peace can prevail.”
Yildiz Cetin highlighted that women remain the vanguard of the peace process but noted lingering fears of mistrust and sabotage. “The PKK’s withdrawal has brought great morale. What women now expect is an end to mothers’ tears, equal rights for all, and freedom to express oneself in one’s mother tongue,” said Yildiz Cetin and added: “When a grieving mother demands peace, it is deeply meaningful. If the process collapses, everyone loses.”
She criticized the government for violating human rights and failing to uphold the “right to hope,” creating public disillusionment. “All peoples must believe in and embrace this process. We have fought for years with this faith and will see peace together,” she added.
‘WE ALWAYS STAND FOR PEACE’
Activist Ilknur Aydin said women have historically borne the greatest suffering yet led every struggle. She said: “Women and mothers are central to this process. Our ‘Jin, jiyan, azadî (Women, life, freedom)’ philosophy embodies this truth. Both sides have endured great pain, and it is mothers who grieve most. We want peace, not more bloodshed,” she said. “Women must take ownership of this process. Only then can it succeed.”
Ilknur Aydin added that while the Kurdish Freedom Movement has fulfilled its responsibilities, the state has yet to take the necessary steps. “We expect concrete action from now on,” she said and added: “Statements alone are not enough, the government must act in line with the spirit of peace. We call on all people, especially women and mothers, to take ownership of this process. What matters most is our children’s future and ending a century of conflict. We will continue to fight for that.”
MA / Ozlem Yacan