The East Kurdistan Free Women Society (KJAR) has launched a campaign, “Time to Defend the Women’s Revolution”, to support the ongoing protests against the killing of Jîna (Mahsa) Amini, reported Mezopotamya News Agency.
KJAR published a statement as protests continued over the killing of 22-year-old Amini, who died on 16 September after Iran’s notorious morality police arrested and beat her for incorrectly wearing her hijab.
Under the slogan “Jîna, Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” (Jîna, Women, Life, Freedom), KJAR stressed women’s irreplaceable role in general society and in the struggle against oppressive regimes, both in Iran and internationally.
“As KJAR; we are responsible to organise, unite and protect women. We are embracing women’s resistance by establishing democratic confederalism,” said KJAR.
The women’s organisation said the protests in the predominantly Kurdish provinces in western Iran known as Rojhilat, or East Kurdistan, and across Iran’s other cities had triggered a new process in the country’s struggle for women’s rights.
“Let’s secure Jina’s demands with the freedom of all women,” said KJAR; “We will bring the struggle into all homes, streets and squares.”
The statement from KJAR shows the continuing resolve of protesters more than two weeks after Amini’s death, despite a violent response from police.
Iranian security forces have killed dozens of civilians and arrested hundreds of activists, journalists, civilians and juveniles in various cities over the weeks since protests began.
Meanwhile, women have continued their open displays of defiance against Iran’s theocratic government and repressive laws, with social media posts of women going about their daily lives without the legally required hijab becoming a common sight.