The Challenging Capitalism towards the Construction of a Democratic Society conference in Colombian capital Bogotá entered its second day with the establishment of working groups, fostering dialogues on crucial topics such as self-government, ecology and territory, and women and gender liberation. Throughout the day, participants actively engaged in lengthy debates.
Dilda Roj, representing the Kurdish Women’s Movement, took the stage to highlight the advancements in societal transformation. She discussed the implementation of mechanisms for criticism and self-critique, the transformation of masculinity, the establishment of a culture of free and equal coexistence, and the promotion of democratic family structures.
Roj further underscored the enduring impact of Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), on societal transformation, despite his ongoing isolation in İmralı Island Prison. His ideas continue to resonate with the public, rendering his isolation seemingly inconsequential.
The conference kicked off on Friday with a ceremonial performance by representatives of the Colombian Indigenous Peoples National Congress, on behalf of the Inca community from the Putumayo region.
The subsequent panel discussion, titled “Capitalism as a Civilization Crisis,” set the stage for the day’s events. The second session, themed “Alternatives to Capitalism and the Nation-State System,” fostered conversations on alternative systems to capitalism. Distinguished speakers from Latin America shared their insights and experiences, with contributions from representatives of the Kurdish freedom movement.
The Challenging Capitalism conference, a collaboration between the Academy of Democratic Modernity, the Kurdistan Solidarity Committee in Bogotá, the Jineolojî Centre, the Women Weaving the Future Network, Colombia-based Congreso de los Pueblos, MODEP, Colombia National Indigenous Organisation (ONIC), and the Proceso de Comunidades Negras, will conclude its discussions on Sunday, marking the final day of the event.
