Women Leading the Call for Peace and Democracy in Kurdish Regions

After Abdullah Ocalan’s historic “Peace and Democratic Society” call on February 27, women’s organizations have become the driving force demanding action from the Turkish state. Tens of thousands of women marched in Amêdî on May 31, demonstrating their commitment to peace and democracy.

Bêrtan Guneş Altin, a Peoples’ Democratic Party deputy from Mardin who joined the march, told ANHA that women carry a special responsibility in this movement. “This call carries important messages for women, and we are fighting on this basis,” she said.

Altin emphasized the significance of recent gatherings, including the Kurdish parliamentary women’s conference held in Amêdî on May 28-29. The event brought together parliamentarians from South (Başur), North (Bakur), and Rojava Kurdistan, with messages from Eastern Kurdistan (Rojhelat) read aloud. Discussions focused on how women can lead unity efforts, including plans to establish a secretariat dedicated to women’s solidarity.

“This process is about expanding our international struggle,” Altin noted, highlighting the importance of such conferences in strengthening Kurdish women’s leadership for peace and freedom.

Reflecting on Abdullah Ocalan’s statement that the issue of women surpasses the Kurdish issue itself, Altin explained, “This process is moving forward on two fronts: the national unity and Kurdish identity struggle, and the women’s struggle for identity. These issues are inseparable.”

She concluded, “Women have once again shown they will uphold peace. At the Amêdî march, they sent a clear message to Imrali Island that peace is their mission. Since women suffer most from war, they deeply understand its cost. That’s why women will pioneer peace and lead the path ahead.”