Rozerin Gültekin-Pelşin Çetinkaya

 

AMED - Ezgi Çelik from the Academy of Jineology, noting that peace means not only the absence of conflict but also the elimination of structural violence, stated that women are not merely the architects of peace processes but their primary builders.

 

Women’s participation in peace processes is not merely a matter of representation; it is a fundamental necessity for the construction of a democratic and sustainable life. Women, who bear the brunt of the consequences of war, conflict, displacement and poverty, also carry the social memory that rebuilds life. For this reason, no peace process in which women are absent can become either socially embedded or sustainable. It is precisely at this point that women’s participation in the ongoing Peace and Democratic Society Process is of vital importance. Furthermore, women who have embraced the call for peace by Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan are forging a line of struggle in line with the process’s requirements, declaring: “We will be the builders of this process.” Despite all obstacles, women who continue their struggle to play an active role in the process highlight that the current phase is critical and stress the need to move beyond mere rhetoric. They emphasise that democratic steps, particularly regarding status and legal reforms, must be taken without delay.

 

Ezgi Çelik from the Academy of Jineology assessed the role of women in the current process and outlined what needs to be done during this historic period.

 

‘We women are the true builders of peace’

 

Stating that peace makes the resolution of all problems possible, Ezgi Çelik said, “First and foremost, we need to discuss how we define freedom, democracy and peace. We are redefining these concepts not merely as women, but as all identities. We state this very clearly: women are not merely the wordsmiths of peace processes, but also their primary builders. As women, we are the subjects of these processes; we are the ones who take ownership, nurture and drive them forward. We do not position ourselves merely as those who speak. We see ourselves as active agents in the construction of peace. Because we know that speaking of peace is also speaking of a life free from violence. It is speaking of the resolution of structural violence. For instance, we cannot discuss peace whilst turning a blind eye to the violence experienced within the home or in all spheres of life. Peace is precisely the elimination of these forms of violence. We do not view the struggle we wage against the structural violence we face within society, in relationships, in the public sphere or at home as separate from peace. We regard this struggle as a struggle for existence. We are fighting to be part of this process with all our identities and all our forms of existence."

 

‘Democratic integration is essential!’

 

Ezgi Çelik, emphasising that the peace process is a profound and long-term process of building, added: “For us, peace is not merely a matter of the parties sitting down around a table to talk. Peace is a much deeper, much longer-term process of building. And we women assert that we are the key actors in this process. Furthermore, democratic integration is a vital aspect of this process. When the concept of democratic integration first began to be discussed, it was often confused with assimilation. Yet democratic integration is not about becoming like the other or dissolving into the other. On the contrary, it is about all differences finding their place in life in their own authentic forms. For in a place where everyone is the same, one cannot speak of either difference or true unity. There, only uniformity prevails. We are striving to organise life together with our own colours, our own language, our own culture, our own art and our own ways of being. In fact, for thousands of years we have lived together on this land with different identities. Today, here too, this diversity has asserted itself and made its voice heard. We believe that the coming together of these voices will contribute to social transformation and the building of a shared life."

 

‘Abdullah Öcalan’s legal status remains in a critical state’

 

Drawing attention to the fact that the isolation of Chief Negotiator Abdullah Öcalan is still ongoing, Ezgi Çelik stated, “Our most fundamental demand is the establishment of a life in which no difference is excluded.” She added, “We want to build a society where everyone can realise their potential and where living together is possible. Today, we are faced with a social reality where labour is rendered invisible and knowledge is disregarded. Discussions on democratic modernity and democratic integration represent a struggle against precisely this. This process is also one woven by women. Of course, whilst discussing these matters, it is necessary to touch upon an important point. The isolation of Mr Abdullah Öcalan is still ongoing. We do not believe that this isolation is directed solely at one person. This situation has a ripple effect across the entire society. We believe that as long as the isolation continues, the pressure and fractures within society will also persist. For this reason, it is of great importance for the peace process to be placed on a legal footing. In particular, the recognition of Mr Abdullah Öcalan’s status stands at a critical juncture for the continuity of the process."

 

‘Legal steps must be taken urgently to ensure peace becomes permanent’

 

Ezgi Çelik, noting that the current process represents a historic opportunity in terms of social hope, said: “The protracted nature of these processes can at times breed despair and mistrust within society. This is because the people have witnessed peace talks on many previous occasions. However, we view the current process as a historic opportunity. For this opportunity to be strengthened, legal steps must be taken swiftly. We, too, are carrying out various actions and events in collaboration with numerous organisations, from the Mothers for Peace to civil society institutions, to ensure these steps are taken. Tomorrow’s march will also be part of these efforts. The demands of society must be heeded. This blindness and deafness must be overcome. Otherwise, social fractures may deepen further. One of the solutions to this is the lifting of isolation and the establishment of a democratic, legal status."