“We have no choice but to continue our struggle,” declared Berfin Polat, a member of the Rosa Women’s Association, as women gathered in Diyarbakır (Amed) on Wednesday to honour Rojin Kabaiş, whose body was discovered in Van (Wan) 18 days after her disappearance. The poignant silent march led to a memorial set up in her honour, with participants vowing to fight against femicide until justice is served.
The demonstration began at Göletli Park, culminating at the Abdurrahman Enç Taziyeevi, where Kabaiş’s family received condolences. Attendees included members of women’s organisations, local politicians, and representatives from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, who carried banners proclaiming, “Femicide is political and ideological.” Many wore photographs of Kabaiş as a symbol of remembrance and resistance.
Polat highlighted the culture of impunity surrounding femicides in Turkey, emphasising the need for sustained activism.
Neslihan Şedal, co-chair of the Van Metropolitan Municipality, echoed this sentiment, affirming, “We will find the killers of Rojin and all those who have been lost,” as the crowd responded with chants of solidarity.
This demonstration comes amid increasing concerns over rising femicide rates in Turkey, highlighting a broader movement demanding accountability and change.
