The Iranian-Kurdish women’s organisation the Community of Free Women of Eastern Kurdistan (KJAR) has marked the second anniversary of the ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ (Woman, Life, Freedom) uprising, reaffirming their commitment to a shared, peaceful existence and ongoing resistance against state repression in Iran.
“The ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ uprising aims for a collective, peaceful life for all peoples,” the KJAR stated. “Although it is two years since the uprising, hegemonic global powers, state policies and regional dynamics continue to impose patriarchal and nationalist agendas on society, especially targeting women.”
The statement highlighted the oppressive measures employed by the Iranian regime in the past two years, including arbitrary arrests, brutal detentions and the disproportionate impact on Kurds of the widespread economic and social crises. “Iran’s regime has intensified its internal and external policies, using every crisis to suppress protests, manipulate public perception and instill fear,” the KJAR added, condemning the increased use of force against women activists.
The KJAR specifically noted that women have become the primary targets of the regime’s policies, as they represent the dynamic force behind societal change. “Despite severe sentences, such as that [life sentence] imposed on Zeynab Jalalian, who has been in prison for 17 years, female activists continue to resist,” the statement emphasised. “Their actions show how resistance creates a path to a free life.”
The organisation urged international solidarity and collective action to confront Iran’s oppressive policies and support the movement’s goals of freedom and democracy. “As we commemorate the second anniversary of the ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ uprising, we call on all women and freedom-loving societies to unite against state violence and continue the struggle for justice,” they concluded.
The Jin, Jiyan, Azadî movement is a women’s liberation movement rooted in the Kurdish women’s struggle for liberation in the Middle East, challenging patriarchy, authoritarianism and all forms of oppression. Originating in the early 2000s and inspired by Abdullah Öcalan’s ideas on democratic confederalism, it emphasises the interconnectedness of gender equality, democracy and social justice.
The movement gained global prominence during the 2022 protests in Iran following the death of the young Kurdish woman Mahsa (Jina) Amini, who died after being arrested by Iran’s morality police for allegedly failing to comply with their hijab laws. Amini was taken to a detention centre, but collapsed shortly afterwards and died in hospital.
The Jin, Jiyan, Azadî movement became a rallying cry against state repression and for women’s rights. It represents a transformative vision that links women’s liberation to broader societal freedom and has inspired feminist activism worldwide.
