The 14th edition of the Zilan Women's Festival is coming to an end in the city of Dortmund, Germany.

Dedicated to Zilan (Zeynep Kınacı) the PKK guerrilla known for the action she carried out in Dersim in 1996, the festival was attended by thousands of women from around Germany.

Posters of women who wrote the history of Kurdistan and Kurdish women, like Zilan, Sakine Cansız, Barin Kobanê, Avesta Xabur, Arîn Mirqan were hanged in the festival area.

Meetings as well as exhibitions and debates took place at the festival which was opened by Suzanne Rössling on behalf of the CENI Women's Bureau and Zeynep Güler on behalf of the Kurdish Women's Movement of Germany.

Rössling talked about the history and importance of the festival and stressed the importance of the Rojava Revolution. “In Rojava - she said - a revolution is developing and it is already affecting the whole world, giving hope to many."

Zeynep Güler added that this edition of the festival actually happened at a crucial time, as on Sunday people in Turkey will go to the polls to renew the Parliament and to elect the new President.

Women will get rid of the AKP

Speaking on behalf of the European Kurdish Women's Movement (TJK-E), Aliye Varto talked about the role of Zilan in the Kurdish Freedom Struggle.

Varto said: “Our festival happens on the eve of elections that will affect Turkey and Kurdistan. Women on 24 June will put an end to fascism and to the AKP bullying regime.”

During the 16 years under the AKP, violence in the society has increased, said Varto and added: “Harassment and rape became widespread. Women's institutions were closed.”

Aliye Varto added: “The 24 June elections will determine the fate of women and of all the peoples in Turkey and Kurdistan. Everyone should go to the polls - she said - so that we can all celebrate on 25 June.”

A music program was organised by the Festival with Koma Dengê Xweza, artist Jala, Armenian artist Yeksah on the stage.

On Saturday morning the Jineology committee had organised a debate on “Fighting violence against women”.