Women's Festival in Leverkusen: A strong sign for Jin, Jiyan, Azadî”

Women's Festival in Leverkusen: A strong sign for Jin, Jiyan, Azadî”

Last Saturday, the 19th Zîlan Women's Festival took place in Leverkusen, an event that served as a powerful celebration of Kurdish women and their identity. Under the motto “Defending Women – With Jin, Jiyan, Azadî”, an impressive program was put together that brought together women from Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands and offered a space for the neglected topics of resistance and self-determination. The festival particularly honors the women of the Kurdish liberation movement who fell in the fight for freedom and equality.

The event offered a colorful program ranging from music to political speeches to children's activities. Meryem Rojhilat, spokesperson for the Community of Free Women of East Kurdistan (KJAR), drew attention to the tensions between Iran and Israel in her speech and called for a rejection of the geopolitical blocs. Abdullah Öcalan's political theory was particularly powerful, which many women in the region see as a perspective for peace and self-determination.

A look at the protests in Iran

The background of the festival is inextricably linked to the current protests in Iran, which are directed against the strict dress code and the systematic oppression by the mullahs' regime. The slogan “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî,” meaning “women, life, freedom,” has become a central slogan of the demonstrators. The protests are not only an outcry against discrimination against Iran's Kurdish minority, but also a broader demand for freedom and human rights.

A particularly tragic symbol of this movement is the case of Mahsa Amini, who, like many others, suffered under the brutal regime. At her funeral, Kurdish women removed their headscarves and chanted slogans that show the momentum of the protests across Iranian territory. In these turbulent times, Kurdish women are particularly active on the front lines, fighting for their rights and against oppression.

Cultural identity and resistance

The festival also provided a platform for cultural activities that embodied the spirit of resistance. Performances by musicians such as Berfin Mamedova, Sosin and others created a lively atmosphere. The folklore performances by the Govend group and traditional Dengbêj singers contributed to the preservation and promotion of Kurdish culture. The connection between culture and identity became visible, which for many also represents a form of resistance.

The children's program “Zarok Ma” also promoted Kurdish language and culture through interactive activities so that the younger generation comes into contact with these important topics. The organizers drew a positive conclusion and emphasized how important it is not only to experience the spirit of “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî”, but also to carry it into everyday life.

The speech by Safia Mansur, who represented the Baluchi Liberation Initiative, and the greeting from Alawite women from Syria highlighted the need to promote cross-border solidarity in the freedom struggles. At the end of the festival, musical performances that addressed resistance, women's rights and cultural identity provided an emotional conclusion and allowed the participants to return to everyday life with new determination.

The 19th Zîlan Women's Festival not only sent a strong signal for women's rights, but also built a bridge between culture, identity and the tireless fight against discrimination.