The Kurdish Women’s Union of Switzerland (YJK-S) held its 9th Congress in Zurich, under the slogan “Weaving Democratic Politics with Jin, Jiyan, Azadî.” Following the PKK’s decision to dissolve, the congress turned into a platform to discuss the path that Kurdish democratic politics should take in this new period.

Held at the Zurich Democratic Kurdish Community Center’s conference hall, the congress was attended by numerous delegates. YJK-S includes five councils, five communes, and five initiatives within its structure.

The congress began with a minute of silence in memory of revolutionary martyrs, particularly Ali Haydar Kaytan and Rıza Altun, among the first cadres of the PKK, whose martyrdom was announced at the PKK’s 12th Congress. The congress then proceeded with the election of the chairing committee.

KJK: We are in a process of organized resistance

At the congress, a statement sent by the Kurdistan Women’s Community (KJK) Coordination was read. The statement emphasized that although the new period carries risks, the Kurdish women’s movement must fully embrace the process and bring about transformation and change. The statement said: "The process led by Leader Apo [Abdullah Öcalan] is not a period of peace or mutual steps. We will create the new process through stronger organization. Leader Apo is taking initiative and leading this process. If the state does not take steps, we will continue our struggle based on self-defense."

Kaplan: The Kurdish Women’s Movement will support the process

Speaking at the congress, Ayten Kaplan, the spokesperson for the European Kurdish Women’s Movement (TJK-E), recalled that Öcalan has been pursuing a peaceful solution since 1993, and highlighted that the new period is critical for women.
"This is a period when all rights of Kurds must be constitutionally guaranteed," Kaplan said.

She emphasized that the paradigm developed by Öcalan must be adopted and highlighted the importance of building a democratic system in the Middle East where differences are seen as a richness. 2Rojava is a concrete example of this model," she stated.

Kaplan underlined the need for women to take an active role in this process: "Women are the supporters of equality and freedom. If this movement has grown, women have the biggest share of it. If a woman wills it, she can pierce mountains," she said. Kaplan emphasized the importance of organized struggle and warned against speculative information circulating on social media.

She also noted that although the Turkish state has not yet taken any concrete steps, the process has been embraced by the people. "If we organize and intervene in the process, the state will be forced to take steps. Otherwise, the psychological warfare that has been ongoing for years will prevail," she said.

Many delegates also shared their views on the process and asked questions. Representing the Peace Mothers, Ismixan Ok and Döndü Engin stated that they do not trust the Turkish state and added: "We trust Leader Apo."

Sincar: Leader Apo’s paradigm is strategic

TJK-E member Şükran Sincar said that the process initiated by Öcalan is not a tactical move, but a strategic paradigm shift. "The PKK laying down arms is not the sole measure of the process. Self-defense means existing through identity, society, and ideas," Sincar said.