“We extend our gratitude and appreciation to the free woman who builds a free society”

In the past weeks, thousands of residents in North & Eastern Syria, along with representatives of the Autonomous Democratic Administration, civil and military councils and committees, the Future Syria Party, and tribal elders and dignitaries of the region, participated in massive marches to protest violence against women.

The participants carried flags and banners bearing slogans such as “No to Violence Against Women”, “The State is killing Women”, “Every Woman is a World. Take care of her”, “Violent manhood isn’t biological. It is a Disease” and “Women, Life, Freedom.” The men chanted slogans promoting women’s freedom throughout the event and carried pictures of women who have been martyred in their struggle for freedom.

The most remarkable demonstration probably took place in Raqqa. Comrade Mishleb Turkan, Co-Chair of the Executive Council, delivered a speech in which he stated: “First, we extend our gratitude and appreciation to the free woman who builds a free society devoid of slavery. On this day, which we refer to as the Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we acknowledge the immense challenges women have faced, yet they have achieved great victories with every step forward.” Comrade Turkan went on to say, “Women have endured oppressive policies and have lived through periods of slavery, injustice, and tyranny. They were treated as commodities for sale and purchase and marginalized in every aspect. Particularly during the period of ISIS control, women were stripped of their value and forced to endure the dark veil of ISIS oppression. Yet, women played a significant role in combating ISIS terrorism. Today, we see women on the frontlines and in shared leadership roles alongside men, working hand in hand without discrimination to build a society based on justice and equality.” In conclusion, Comrade Turkan emphasized: “Women are the cornerstone and foundation of society. They represent half of society and raise the other half. As men, we will stand in solidarity with all women across all civil and military institutions. Together, hand in hand, we will build a society based on the principles of democratic, pluralistic freedom.”

Who would have thought that in the city proclaimed by ISIS as the capital of the Islamic Caliphate, hundreds of men would one day take to the streets for the freedom of women and an end to violence against women? In this sense, this was a historic moment.

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