The Education Committee of the Community of Kurdish Women (Koma Jinên Kurdistan-KJK) issued a written statement on the occasion of 15 May, Kurdish Language Day, titled 'Let us make Kurdish language education the foundation of a democratic society and lasting peace.'

We are entering a new phase of struggle

The statement said: "On the occasion of 15 May, Kurdish Language Day, We remember with deep gratitude and bow in respect to the memory of the immortal teachers and laborers of the Kurdish language, from Melayê Cizîrî, Ehmedê Xanî, and Mîr Celadet Bedirxan to Viyan Amara and Zozan Fatimê, committed to the belief that the success of Kurdish language education and efforts must form the foundation of Abdullah Öcalan’s call for a democratic society and peace. On this Kurdish Language Day, we also celebrate and salute the tireless Kurdish mothers, foremost defenders of the language, and all Kurdish language teachers and workers who, with unwavering faith, have worked selflessly and resisted the policies of assimilation and cultural genocide, never bowing to pressure or oppression.

Mr. Öcalan’s February 27 Call for Democratic Society and Peace marks the beginning of a historic and significant period for the Kurdish people. Grounded in the principles of peace and democracy, we, as the Kurdish people and Kurdish women, are entering a new phase of work and struggle to strengthen our rights to language, culture, and national identity."

The Kurdish people no longer accept denial policies

The statement added: "The issue of mother tongue is indispensable for all peoples around the world, and for the Kurdish people, it is even more vital. For more than a century, the Kurdish people have been subjected to systematic policies of assimilation, genocide, and repression. The Kurdish language is the cornerstone of the Kurdish people’s existence and identity. As one of the world’s most ancient peoples, the Kurds, through years of great struggle and resistance, have proven to the world that they are a rebellious and dignified people with their own identity, language, culture, and history. Today, the Kurdish people reject all policies of assimilation, denial, and cultural genocide."

Let us join the building of a democratic society with the spirit of mobilization

The statement continued: "For 52 years, Mr. Öcalan has guided the Kurdish people and Kurdish women through every difficult and complex phase with the vision of a free homeland and democratic society. Today, through his Call for Democratic Society and Peace, he has once again created a new ground for organizing efforts to promote the mother tongue across all areas of life, particularly in the fields of education and language, based on the consciousness of a democratic nation. This new phase represents a vital and historic opportunity for all society, led by women and youth, o speak their mother tongue more frequently, to educate their children in their native language, and for people of all ages to embrace national values. We believe that all those who feel a sense of responsibility will prioritize the development of the mother tongue in every sphere of life and join efforts to build a democratic and communal society with a spirit of mobilization.

These thoughts and convictions guide our celebration of Kurdish Language Day alongside all Kurdish mothers and the Kurdish people."