The Sakine Cansız Women's Festival, held annually in memory of Sakine Cansız, one of the founding members of the PKK who was murdered in Paris on January 9, 2013, began in Zurich. Organized by the Kurdish Women's Union in Switzerland (YJK-S) and supported by over 20 women's organizations and initiatives, this year's festival is taking place at the Zurich Kasernenareal under the slogan “We are defending women's gains, building a democratic society with Jin Jiyan Azadî.”

The festival area, decorated with posters of female revolutionaries who died in the struggle for freedom and of Abdullah Öcalan, is often filled with the slogan “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” (Woman, Life, Freedom).  As in previous years, the festival grounds feature the traditional women's dengbej tent and book stalls, along with play areas for children. Information booths set up at the festival grounds, which brings together numerous initiatives and organizations engaged in the women's struggle, highlight the importance of the Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan’s women's libertarian paradigm.

The festival began with a minute of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the revolutionary struggle. Women's organizations were the first to take the stage and greet the festival participants.

Selam Sürer, spokesperson for YJK-S, delivered a speech, saying: “Today, you are the guests of Comrade Sakine, Comrade Ronahi, Comrade Rojbin, Comrade Evin, and Comrade Zilan. We are building a democratic society together with ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî.’ Together, we are raising the Kurdish women's struggle for freedom.”

Selam Sürer emphasized that women will continue to support the peace and democratic society process initiated by Abdullah Öcalan with a historic call for February 27.

Following the speech, the event continued with a musical performance and various activities.

Throughout the day, female artists Sasa Serap, Jala, Zerifa Zerrin, Gulan Silav Rojava, and Awaze Mitra will take the stage.