In a powerful appeal to politicians and society, the Kurdish Peace Mothers Initiative in Istanbul called for concrete steps toward a sustainable peace process in Turkey. The planned demonstration march from the historic Tünel Square to the symbolic İstiklal Square on Sunday was prevented by Turkish police. The participants then staged a short sit-in and subsequent rally.

With slogans such as “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” (Woman, Life, Freedom), “Long live the resistance of mothers” and “We want peace, not mourning,” dozens of activists were accompanied by supporters of the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) and civil society organizations. Among those represented were the Time for Women Association, the Mesopotamia Cultural Center (NÇM), and the Free Women's Movement (TJA).

DEM Party MP Çiçek Otlu sharply criticized the ban on the planned demonstration for peace: “While peace is being discussed in parliament, we are not allowed to take a single step in that direction here on the streets.”

In a statement on behalf of the Peace Mothers, activist Rewşan Döner emphasized that the war in Kurdistan, which has been going on for years, and the state policy of denial in society caused great suffering, poverty, and displacement: "We insist on peace. Now is not the time to remain silent—we mothers must speak out because we have lost our loved ones, our children have been imprisoned. We don't want any more mothers to cry. There must be no more deaths."

Appealing to the mothers of soldiers killed in battle, Döner said: “Let us work together to ensure that no more mothers have to mourn and no more children have to die. We have dedicated our lives to peace and would do so again at any time. We fully support the appeal for peace and democratic society published on February 27. If necessary, we will go from door to door to promote social peace.”

Döner emphasized that political parties in particular have a central responsibility in the current process and stated: "They must provide guidance to society. Our appeal is directed at everyone who has a conscience: women, young people, intellectuals, journalists; everyone who can raise their voice for social peace. Let us pave the way for peace together. Let us support those who are willing to take responsibility. Peace will grow through our hands."

Among other things, the Peace Mothers called for concrete, visible steps toward the peace process, the release of sick and political prisoners, a political language of understanding instead of confrontation, and cross-party cooperation for a peace platform for society as a whole. “Even though we Peace Mothers have gone through endless pain, we do not speak with hatred, but with love. Speaking out for peace, walking for peace, and persevering for peace is part of being a mother,” Döner concluded.