Ayten Dersim, a leading figure within the Kurdistan Free Women’s Party (PAJK), has issued a call for international support to end the isolation of Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). In a detailed statement, Dersim argued that Öcalan’s freedom is crucial not only for Kurdish women but also for women’s liberation worldwide.
In her statement, Dersim expressed grave concerns over Öcalan’s prolonged isolation, noting that he has been completely cut off from any communication for the past four years. She raised alarms about his health, safety and overall well-being, suggesting that his continued isolation poses a severe risk to his life. “The lack of communication from our leadership over the past four years indicates that Öcalan’s health, life and security are in great danger,” Dersim stated.
PAJK, an organisation deeply rooted in the struggle for women’s rights, has continued to develop its strategies through various activities, campaigns and initiatives. “As women, we have developed unique strategies, campaigns and actions to advance our cause,” Dersim said. She emphasised that the freedom of leadership remains the central focus of PAJK’s agenda, declaring, “We are a leadership movement, and our very existence is rooted in this leadership.”
Dersim also articulated the strong connection between Öcalan’s freedom and the broader women’s liberation movement. “The freedom of our leadership [Öcalan] is the freedom of Kurdish women and women worldwide. Öcalan’s philosophy has empowered and organised women, enabling them to recognise themselves, assert their existence and organise effectively,” she said.
Addressing the international community, Dersim condemned the restrictive policies imposed on Öcalan and called for active resistance against them. “We don’t just condemn the isolation, we fight actively against it too. Condemnation is not enough. We have a great responsibility and duty to oppose the dirty politics of the international hegemonic powers,” she said. She acknowledged the support of key allies, including internationalist forces, freedom-loving peoples and feminists, but stressed the need to intensify these efforts.
Dersim outlined the PAJK’s commitment to escalating their struggle in response to the enemy’s tactics aimed at dismantling their leadership. “The enemy’s policy is to destroy and neutralise our leadership by increasing his [Öcalan’s] isolation. We have decided that we will not ease off in our struggle until the freedom of our leadership [Öcalan] and the political status of Kurdistan are secured. On the contrary, we will increase our efforts,” she declared.
She further highlighted the global significance of their struggle for women’s rights, noting that the efforts of Kurdish women serve as an inspiration worldwide. “Our struggle as Kurdish women inspires women around the world because freedom cannot be destroyed. It can be suppressed or denied, but never eradicated. Our existence has been solidified in the Rojava revolution, a female-led revolution inspired by Öcalan’s philosophy,” Dersim said.
Emphasising the importance of self-defence and organisational awareness as foundations for women’s liberation, Dersim stated, “Self-defence is the security system of our existence; without it, women have no guarantee of life. Developing self-defence through awareness and organisation is essential.” She called on Kurdish women to continue organising and raising awareness to translate these efforts into effective action.
Finally, addressing the threats posed by state traditions and patriarchal power, Dersim outlined the PAJK’s vision for a democratic, confederal system based on women’s autonomy and self-governance. “We are fighting for a free, moral and political society where women can govern themselves, make their own decisions, and sustain their existence through a democratic, confederal and autonomous system,” she explained.
Dersim concluded by highlighting the Rojava revolution as a tangible example of her ideals. “Öcalan has always prioritised women’s awareness in the Rojava revolution. Women with awareness will overcome the world, and it is women’s awareness that will triumph,” she affirmed.
