Ayten Kaplan, spokesperson for the Kurdish Women’s Movement in Europe (TJK-E), said they will support the current process by gathering women's views through the campaign 'Dialogues with a Free Life', based on Abdullah Öcalan’s call to build a democratic society.

Large-scale global actions continue as part of the campaign Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan, Solution to the Kurdish Question, launched by Kurdish allies on 10 October 2023. Women have led the majority of these actions. Embracing Mr. Öcalan’s paradigm of women’s liberation, women demand his freedom through their demonstrations and events. Following the solution-oriented discussions in Turkey since October, meetings were held to highlight the central role of the women's struggle. Mr. Öcalan once again emphasized the importance of women’s resistance and freedom by sending a special message to women. The TJK-E announced that it has launched a new campaign within the framework of the global initiative demanding Mr. Öcalan’s freedom. In the statement released by the TJK-E, it was shared that the campaign, titled Dialogues with a Free Life, will begin on 3 May.

A democratic society can only be achieved through women's liberation

Ayten Kaplan spoke to ANF about the campaign. She said that Mr. Öcalan took an important initiative with his call on 27 February and has been leading this process. She stressed, however, that women also have a vital mission in the democratization of society. Kaplan stated that they aim to spread Mr. Öcalan’s paradigm and to gather views and proposals from different circles. She said, “We will establish platforms focused on women, where we will discuss their place in society, their identity, the recognition of their will, and the broader societal acceptance of women. A democratic society can only exist through women’s freedom and their rightful place in social life.”

Each region will develop actions based on its own unique context

Kaplan said that before launching the actions within the scope of the campaign, discussions will be held to determine the roadmap. Based on this framework, a wide variety of plans will emerge, including cultural and artistic events, discussions, workshops, outdoor activities, marches, and press statements.

Kaplan noted that each region will organize its actions and events according to its own unique circumstances. She added that current developments, Mr. Öcalan’s role in this process, and the potential consequences of his release, will also be discussed.

Kaplan shared that regional preparations have already begun and that marches will be held in many locations on 3 May.

We want to involve different circles in this process

Kaplan pointed out that the campaign’s actions and events will gradually expand over time and stated that one of their goals is to include different communities in the process. She also emphasized that they will act in solidarity with Iranian, Assyrian-Syriac, and Armenian women. She said, “This will be a grassroots effort built through local meetings that bring together, unify, and strengthen women’s will. In line with Mr. Öcalan’s call, we will support the process by gathering women's perspectives to build a democratic society.”

Kaplan noted that despite Mr. Öcalan’s call, the state has yet to take any concrete steps. She emphasized that the Women’s Freedom Movement has a vital mission in building an organized society. She noted that although the Kurdish people are organized, this organization must be broadened through relationships with different segments of society. She said, “If we want to develop real change and transformation, we must come together with other women’s movements.”

Everyone should take part in this process

Kaplan said that everyone can and should contribute to this process and added: “Even the smallest idea shared during such discussions or in the course of dialogue can significantly contribute to building a free future. We invite women and our society to participate in these discussions. Everyone must contribute to ensure that this process develops correctly and leads to the building of a democratic society.”