The “1st Kurdish Women Parliamentarians Conference” organized by the Free Women's Movement (TJA- Tevgera jinen Azad) Diplomacy Commission has kicked off in Amed (tr: Diyarbakır).

The two-day conference is held at the Çand Amed Congress Center under the slogan “Let's democratize politics, let's build a democratic society” with the participation of several Kurdish women parliamentarians from Kurdistan, the Middle East, and Europe.

Following a moment of silence, Gülcan Kaçmaz Sayyiğit, co-chair of the Democratic Unity Initiative, opened the conference and stated the following:

"Some people are here at the conference, but there are also those who are not physically here but are present in spirit. Some of our friends are unable to attend due to border restrictions and the state's refusal to grant them entry. We send our greetings to them. I also send my greetings to Leyla Güven, Semra Güzel, Pakshan Azizi, and all the other friends who are continuing their resistance in prison."

Remarking that Kurdish women and the Kurdish people have lived through difficult times, Gülcan Kaçmaz Sayyiğit continued, "The nation states showed us three paths. First, they divided the Kurdish people into four parts. Second, they tried to wipe out the Kurdish people and assimilate them. Third, they didn't let the Kurds come together and form a unity. However, today we, Kurdish parliamentarians, will work for unity. We must stand by the statements and decisions made here. If we do so, we will achieve unity. The Third World War is approaching. Amidst hardship and struggle, the philosophy of ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ (Woman, Life, Freedom) shows the third way for Kurdistan and the Middle East. Just as Kurdish women are raising their voices around the world with the philosophy of “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî,” I believe our friends will share their experiences here and good things will emerge. Under these conditions, there are strong efforts today in the four parts of Kurdistan and the diaspora. Women are proving their existence in politics. The resistance of Kurdish women continues and will continue."

Referring to Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan’s February 27 ‘Call for Peace and Democratic Society’, Sayyiğit said, "Mr. Öcalan’s call resonated throughout the world. We women must intensify our efforts to achieve a democratic society. Our responsibility is great, but our faith and confidence are even greater."

Gülcan Kaçmaz Sayyiğit concluded, “We must stand by the decisions to be made at this conference. Let's dismantle the male-state mentality and its policies. Unity belongs to the Kurdish people, to Kurdish women. It will definitely be achieved.”

Following the opening speech, a video presentation on the struggle of Kurdish women was shown.