Zeinab Jalalian, a Kurdish political prisoner in Iran for the past 17 years and under imminent threat of execution, has written a poignant letter from Yazd prison celebrating the resilience and resistance of women worldwide, with particular reference to the struggles and sacrifices of women in Rojhilat (Iranian Kurdistan) and wider Iran.
Her letter, published on the eve of International Women’s Day on 8 March, underlined the wider struggle against injustice and the ongoing quest for freedom and equality.
Jalalian’s message is not just a commemoration but a call to action, highlighting the significance of 8 March in the wake of the ‘Jin Jiyan Azadî’ (Woman, Life, Freedom) movement, which has faced a severe backlash, including brutal attacks and arrests aimed at suppressing the women’s resistance movement. This movement, in Jalaliyan’s view, is a symbol of resilience against the regressive forces and ideologies of groups such as the Islamic State (ISIS), with the support of international powers.
Furthermore, Jalalian extended her message to the plight of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan, the founder of the slogan and idea of ‘Jin Jiyan Azadî’, who has been imprisoned for 25 years in Turkey’s İmralı Island Prison as a result of what she describes as an international conspiracy. She called for support for Öcalan, framing his freedom as an integral part of the wider struggle for liberation and justice in which she and others are engaged.
In her letter, Jalalian highlighted the interconnectedness of struggles across borders and the vital role of international solidarity in confronting injustice and standing up for the rights of the oppressed.
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“”First of all, I congratulate the women of the world and all humanity on 8 March, International Women’s Day. This year, too, we have reached 8 March, Newroz and spring. Women have paid a great price and lost their lives on 8 March due to unjust, brutal approaches and for the sake of achieving their goals. These women can no longer experience or participate in 8 March. Commemorating them is inspiring, they never died. Many women are in prison because of injustice and persecution. I congratulate these women on 8 March. We, imprisoned women, embrace 8 March with respect wherever we are. We are trying to create an equal world so that not just one day, but every day becomes 8 March, Working Women’s Day. We are facing difficulties, but we will resist until we achieve victory.
This year, 8 March has a special meaning. Last year, after 8 March, the ‘Jin Jiyan Azadî’ (‘Woman, Life, Freedom’) revolution started and was followed by numerous attacks against women. They attacked women with gas and chemical substances, seeking to obstruct their goals by arresting them. Women fighting against the reactionary ISIS mentality in Rojava were subjected to ISIS attacks supported by international powers. Women in Eastern Kurdistan (northwestern Iran) and the world are resisting with great will and marching towards the light. At the same time, freedom-loving people were executed and arrested. These people were executed and arrested but did not accept surrender. That is why 8 March this year has an important meaning after a year full of resistance.
Our Leader Abdullah Öcalan, the creator of the idea of ‘Jin Jiyan Azadî’, has been kidnapped by an international conspiracy and kept in prison for 25 years. Every day, different individuals, groups and peoples support the campaign for the physical freedom of our Leader Abdullah Öcalan (Apo). I would like to ask the personalities who are participating in this campaign, especially women who are fighting for freedom, to support Leader Apo and demand his physical freedom. Leader Apo is the representative of freedom, and he is currently imprisoned. For 25 years, he has been resisting against Turkey and NATO. Leader Apo is the representative of a universal thought. Therefore, he is worth supporting. Leader Apo’s resistance has caused prisoners to call for freedom. All people who resist for freedom deserve to live free. Therefore, it is a humanitarian attitude to support them. I hope to celebrate 8 March together.
I congratulate the resilient women and peoples on 8 March. As I have said before, I will always strive and continue my struggle to prevent the shedding of the blood of free people.
Happy 8 March to all of you! Long Live Free Women. Jin Jiyan Azadi!”
