Beyond the headlines
The slogan gained particular global attention after Jina Amini's death, as a call to action for women's rights and freedom. In September 2022, Jina Amini was arrested in Tehran for allegedly violating mandatory hijab laws. Many eyewitnesses reported that she was violently beaten, after which she collapsed and fell into a coma. She died after three days in custody. Jina's family laid her to rest in her hometown, Saqqez. Despite threats and intimidation by security forces, the family decided to hold a public funeral. At Jina's funeral, slogans including "Jin, Jiyan, Azadî" were chanted, and women removed and waved their headscarves as a symbol of resistance against patriarchal control. Kurds across Kurdish cities, towns and villages showed solidarity through demonstrations. In the following days, mass strikes captured attention across Iran and protests spread to numerous countries worldwide.
Jina's story is an echo of many other women. Her tragic story offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of women's rights. A society oppresing women is a corrupt society. No society can claim justice while systematically silencing and oppressing women. Moreover, Jina's unjust death is also an echo of Kurdish resistance, because what happened to her cannot be separated from the fact that she was a Kurdish woman. It must be remembered how Kurds have long been silenced and erased. Among one of the striking examples was the replacement of her Kurdish name, Jina, with "Mahsa". Her Kurdish identity cannot and should not be ignored when her name and her story lie within the heart of the slogan - Jin, Jiyan, Azadî. It is unfortunate to see commentators and activists overlooking the Kurdish origins of such a powerful slogan. However, I will remain committed to advocating for the truth and raising awareness of its roots.
It is important to acknowledge the origins of such significant slogans and to recognise the women who laid the foundation for today's resistance.
Feminism must not be selective
It is worth noting as well that the acts of resistance following Jina's passing were built on decades of activism and advocacy for women's rights by Kurdish women - efforts often ignored by the media and suppressed by states like the Iranian Islamic Regime. The movement's origins are rooted in the long-standing struggle of Kurdish women against patriarchy and state oppression, particularly since the late 20th century. It is important to acknowledge the origins of such significant slogans and to recognise the women who laid the foundation for today's resistance. Ultimately, feminism should not be selective. Those who claim to advocate for women's rights must remain consistent in practising their principles. For example, when the recent statue of a Kurdish female fighter was brought down in northern Syria, the silence from the international commentators was striking. This is despite the critical role Kurdish women played in defeating ISIS, which was what the statue commemorated.
On an occasion dedicated to honouring women, it's vital to speak about the persistent marginalisation of Kurdish women. International Women's Day, for me, is an opportunity of my efforts in bringing attention to the abuse and repression faced by Kurdish women to this day, especially in Kurdish regions divided by modern state borders. Additionally, it's an opportunity to raise awareness of states that justify the oppression of women in the name of religion - including the governing authorities in Iran, Syria, and Afghanistan. Keep advocating for the oppressed women worldwide, and remember: Jin, Jiyan, Azadî.