As systematic oppression and rights violations against women in Iran deepen, women are showing great resistance with their demands for freedom. Although the regime tries to forcibly suppress women's organisation and social demands, women's movements are expanding their struggle for a democratic society with the slogan "Jin, Jiyan, Azadî (Women, life, freedom)". 

 

Meanwhile, the war that began on 13 June between Israel and Iran quickly resulted in a temporary ceasefire. This situation has created a complex crisis environment that deeply affects both the Iranian people and women's lives.  

 

Rûken Nexede, a member of the Executive Committee of the Free Women's Community of Eastern Kurdistan (KJAR), spoke to the Mezopotamya Agency (MA) about the war between Israel and Iran, the regime's internal repression, and the struggle of women. 

 

WORLD WAR III 

 

Rûken Nexede said that the war in the region has not ended, but has entered a new phase, and that the people are experiencing deep suffering in this process. Rûken Nexede emphasised that the hegemonic powers' regional transformation project has made major change inevitable in Iran: "The Third World War, which began with attacks on the Islamic Republic, has entered a new phase. The destruction and suffering caused by the war in society and nature are not yet fully visible. The war is being directed by many parties and is being waged using different methods. On the one hand, there is a technological hot war, and on the other hand, special warfare methods are being used to target the deepest emotions of the people. While some parties want to end this war with the surrender of the state, others are trying to draw the people to their side. However, when the people are unable to do anything, these efforts are fruitless."

 

Rûken Nexede stated that the war has directly harmed the lives of the people and that some of the people have taken a radical stance against these conditions. 

 

"The regime's atrocities, such as torture, poverty, executions, and the killing of kolbers and smugglers, have created deep hatred among the people. When discussing the effects of this war, we must also consider all the aspects that the people are exposed to. The people have been in a state of war for a long time and are facing severe economic destruction. Today, this devastation has deepened even further," she said.   

 

FREE WOMEN, DEMOCRATIC IRAN

 

Rûken Nexede said: "The people are making great efforts to establish their own decision-making power. While the state is sending the message that 'we are still strong, we have not been defeated,' it is trying to intimidate the people by increasing internal pressure. The Kurdish movements are the main target of these messages."

 

She recalled that PJAK has been fighting for a democratic society in Iran and Eastern Kurdistan for 21 years, and that the state fears the will of the people led by PJAK and has tried every means to suppress this will. Rûken Nexede said that KJAR has also been the representative of women and society for 21 years, and that they are targeted by the regime because they defend free women and a democratic Iran and fight for this cause. 

 

KURDS AND BALOCHIS TARGETED

 

Rûken Nexede said that another target of the regime is the Baluchi people, whom they also see as an opposition force, and recalled that many Baloch youths have been executed. Expressing that the regime continues its threats and intimidation policies against Kurds and other peoples, Rûken Nexede said: "Arrest has become a political hostage. The regime is trying to intimidate the people with classic methods, but they have realised that they can no longer silence the people with these methods. They have entered a cycle of repetition within themselves."

 

WOMEN ARE RESISTING 

 

Rûken Nexede said that women do not support the war but are resisting the regime's attacks, adding that women have taken a clear stand against the state in Iran for three years with the slogan "Jin Jiyan Azadî". She added: "Women have taken all kinds of risks and made themselves a shield for their children's future. Women are resisting for a free life. The struggle of Kurdish women in Iran has created awareness among all women. Kurdish women organised themselves against the regime and established their own system under the leadership of KJAR. They defended themselves with a freedom-loving mindset in Iran and Rojhilat. They have achieved important gains."

 

KJAR PREPARES WOMEN FOR FREEDOM

 

Rûken Nexede stated that KJAR is defined by a communal life and is the carrier of society. Rûken Nexede stressed: "Kurdish women have shaped the world with their thoughts and knowledge in Iran, this is a great source of fear for the government. Because the system wants to see women obedient. Religious, scientific, nationalist and patriarchal ideologies ignored women. KJAR, on the other hand, prepared women for the struggle for freedom based on gynecology, the science of women. The Rêber Apo paradigm of the philosophy of 'Jin, Jiyan, Azadî' is based on 3 basic principles. These 3 basic principles are women's freedom, democratisation of society and ecology. If women are liberated, free individuals grow up, and if the unity of men and women is established, a democratic and nature-friendly society is formed."

 

Rûken Nexede emphasised that Iranian peoples are also trying to weave a free life in partnership with Kurdish women: "Everyone has seen that Jin Jiyan Azadî is not just a slogan, but a source of transformation, resistance and belief.  With this philosophy, women and men get to know themselves, right and wrong are separated, relationships are clarified and a free life is fought for."

 

SOLUTION ÖCALAN'S PHILOSOPHY

 

Stating that everyone should stand by the system built by women without ignoring it, Rûken Nexede concluded: "The real solution is Rêber (Leader) Apo's thought and philosophy. Anyone who gathers around free thought can achieve success. Women's courage, will and wisdom will carry the society forward. 'Jin Jiyan Azadî' revolution is the revolution of all life. Women's finding their truth is the finding of the truth of all humanity. Every woman who organises herself is the pioneer of democratic society.  In the face of fragmentation, loneliness, poverty and crises, women are the power of solution. The real solution lies in Rêber Apo's thought and philosophy, and everyone who gathers around free thought will achieve success."

 

MA / Zeynep Durgut