For the 8th of March, we propose you the English translation of some extracts from the book “projeya min a nivçe mayi” (“The project I did not manage to finish”) by our leader A. Ocalan. Those writings had been written in Imrali prison.
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Becoming a free woman is a matter of dignity.
Becoming a free woman is a matter of dignity. To approach this in the wrong manner strips away this dignity. I believe that women play a crucial role in society’s journey towards democracy and equality, drawing strength from within themselves. It is important to deeply explore mythologies since the Neolithic era. In the early days of statehood, kings in Sumer and Egypt would bury women, even goddesses, in their graves, marking the beginning of female slavery. Women were buried alive. Even though this was said to be a preparation for the afterlife with the kings, inherently though it is based on gender and class relations. There is male-based force and lies. And women have disappeared.
The Neolithic era began in the Taurus and Zagros mountain ranges. After the establishment of states like Egypt, Sumer, and Babylon along with the suppression of women’s freedom, folk culture was also suppressed and subordinated. Folk culture and women’s identity were subordinated by the repression of state’s mechanisms, leading to the inability to develop themselves freely. Women’s freedom and their fight will also enhance the people’s culture. While we discuss men killing women, I also mentioned the concept of “killing the man”. That is a challenging struggle. It may result in your solitude. Do not fear solitude or rely on superficial emotions. Similar to Buddha’s teachings (although not the same), your true beauty lies in the authentic exploration of your identity and essence.
I noticed that this issue has a greater impact than nationality and class, so I decided to address it. However, my possibilities are limited. To find a solution, a deep philosophical and theoretical approach is necessary. We need to think about which approach is most effective to reach a resolution. This analysis should be based on a holistic study from neolithic times to the present. I am putting a lot of effort into this analysis. If we don’t rush, then patience and determination will deliver part of the answer. By examining the role of women, we can see the world in a beautiful new light. Currently, the world is a difficult place for women. The light that women bring is the most precious one. I hope we can come together and share this one thought about women and the light that they bring.
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There is the need for a women’s social contract.
Just like J.J. Rousseau wrote about the social contract, women need to create a work that we can call the “Social Contract for Free Society” or a “Women’s Social Contract”. The women’s social contract should serve as a manifesto for women’s freedom in the 21st century, not just for Kurdish and Turkish women, but for women all around the world. It should be the result of a thorough and wide-ranging effort with a global and international perspective. The women’s movement should aim to unite with movements that advocate the protection of nature. Also the UN has published conventions on children’s rights and the environment. Since the time of the neolithic revolution, women have played a key role in developing culture, agriculture, and village organization. However, with the rise of class-based civilizations, these responsibilities were taken away from women and controlled by the state and religious authorities in the name of divine rule. A god-king takes a hundred women at his service; when he dies, he says that he is going to heaven and buries them in his own tomb. This is one example that shows how heavy the oppression on women is.
The culture of Ishtar and Inanna is an important subject women should be aware of, they should research it. Ishtar was a goddess, she is also present in Egyptian mythology. During the same period, hundreds of women were thrown into the ground. Women are oppressed in this way. In Babylon, when Marduk (who is of Semitic origin) becomes the ruler, he does the same. It is known that the Babylonians are also Semitic. They removed women from history. After that, no woman could become a Goddess anymore.
There erasure of women is also in the Torah. Babylon had already delivered substantial blows, while Jews erased women. Jesus wanted to involve women to a certain degree. The Greek culture is somewhat complicated: there is some female representation in Aphrodite. But Zeus fully establishes the system of dominance over woman.
I can say that I have finally found what I have been searching for since my childhood within the Neolithic period. Both women and people seem to be stuck in that ancient era. Both have made little progress in terms of development since then. I have discovered that the song I love, by Derweş Evd, has its roots in the Sumerians from 2000 BC. This art form originated from the mother. Here, I understood even better why this song was influencing me so much. It has been passed down for 4000 years here in the Middle East. The Sumerians have a 4000-year-old traditional song that I love. I’m glad I found this source.
In Imrali, I work on women’s issues and I’m thinking about some theses on the subject. I have researched and written extensively on the topic, examining the role of women from the Neolithic era to the present day. Instead of viewing Kurdish women as insignificant, I emphasize the importance of motherhood and draw inspiration from marginalized women. I give importance to approaching this subject with a scientific mindset. To archive women’s freedom, we have to transform those theses into a social contract, this requires substantial struggle. I aim to provide a scientific and political perspective for this. Mythology was used as a tool to hide women, and after this, she had lost her position in politics. The historical roots of the Neolithic era can be traced back to the Zagros mountains in Kurdistan, where the revolution of agriculture, village life, and women’s took place. This region still holds a strong connection with the Neolithic revolution. The oppression of women results in a loss of equality, freedom, and societal progress; it brings domination and inequality.
Then came the Greek gods, followed by the prophetic religions of the Middle East. A situation where woman does not exist develops. Today, we need to change this and create a new social contract. The issue remains unresolved. I often ponder the question of “how to live?”. Women’s struggle is crucial in addressing class and national issues. I do not view women’s problems solely through an economic lens; I don’t consider cheap feelings, but rather I analyze it from a moral and philosophical perspective. I distance myself from religious judgments and short-term daily culture (the tv-show one). Instead, I approach it philosophically and use the opportunities I have to explore this further and bring out the truth. My thinking differs from traditional morality and the approaches in people’s daily lives; I refuse both of them as I have my own approach. I aspire to highlight these theses pertaining to the autonomy of women and their divine essence in my book. I am still loyal to my childhood dreams, despite my age of 60.
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The 21st century will be the century of parties that rely on women.
I will not delve too much into history, but just as the 19th century was dominated by bourgeois parties and the 20th century by worker’s parties, the 21st will be the century of the parties that rely on women. As women become more involved in politics-creating politics according to women’s identity and values-there should be an increase in understanding and attention to human rights, social and cultural issues, environmental awareness, children’s rights, as well as health and education. Women can play a crucial role in promoting peace and democracy, and they should develop themselves in this field. Women should become an influential force in culture and art.
The women’s party has no alternative outside of adopting, as a founding principle, the right of self-defense at every level. When considering life and our physical being, it’s important not to place too much thought or feeling exclusively on the military force. Instead, they should focus on the infinite aspects of life and ensure that self-defense is a natural part of all of them. Their agenda should be effective in promoting peace and democracy, and be a strong force in culture and art. I believe that women already have the necessary mindset and political knowledge in these areas.
I think that this will be a historical step, and I believe it is not only about gender inequality. The Neolithic revolution and the region where women’s creativity thrived historically (known as the fertile crescent, between the Taurus and Zagros) is the cradle of the women’s revolution. The women’s revolution is connected with the rise of the Sumerian and Egyptian civilizations, and with the culture of goddess worship that was established by women during the Neolithic revolution. This region is the land of goddesses like Isis and Ishtar. In this place, women have a rich history.
Ever since class society began with the Sumerian city-state, women have been deprived of the opportunity to play their role. However, you now have the chance to take back this opportunity. I believe that in your communities and territories, the efforts you are making possess the capability and necessary meaning to bring back the spirit of the Neolithic Revolution in a new way. As Kurdish women, you have the power to share this revolution with people all around the world, including Persian, Turkish, Arab, and European: you can use the Free Woman Foundation for this. This is not a religion, but rather a culture and a mindset.
I have been discussing democracy from ancient times until now, aiming to establish a healthy democratic system. For this aim, what I said about women is very important. I propose the creation of a four part book about mythology: I advocate for reading Gordon Childe’s works. Women’s participation in democracy is very important; it is fundamental that they take their place on the stage of democracy. The Middle East has suffered due to religious conservatism and feudalism. Democratic society is essential in the Middle East, without a democratic socialism, it cannot exist. But, it is impossible for socialism to exist without democracy. Those who oppose this will hinder their own society from advancing to even a bourgeois level. The collapse of real socialism was due to a lack of democracy. Democracy is not a mere strategy but a people’s system. I believe that, for the society to become democratic and equal, the largest task is to believe in and rely on your own natural strengths. You will succeed.
I want to say something to the male friends here. The Free Women’s Party is the expression of a revolution. It must be respected. An approach based on narrow sexuality is not right – It must be respected on the basis of comradeship and friendship. They have to defend their commitment to transform themselves. The establishment of this party marks a significant historical step; it is a mighty march to make the transition from the doomed women to free women. Reaching free women is a matter of dignity. Any disrespect towards this is undignified. Such a step taken in the name of the party is a step to restore this dignity. This is the first in the world. People should be aware of it. It is a historical duty.
The question of women is crucial for democratization. Society cannot be democratized until women attain democracy. Basic needs like food, water, dignity, and life are interconnected with this issue, and many people are suffering as a result. Kurdish women have been establishing numerous associations, with a new one being formed almost daily. These associations should focus on providing education. Turkey offers many educational opportunities, and it is essential for everyone to receive a democratic education. Educate yourselves. It is important to have an umbrella organization that can bring these associations together. Democratizing women can also lead to the democratization of the party. Establishing regional centers and creating independent spaces for women is crucial. Women are opposed to coercion. There is a strong need for this in the region. By dedicating energy to this cause, implementing comprehensive education and organizing, progress can be made everywhere. It requires a deep level of understanding and is a social phenomenon. We are just starting to understand; it will become more clear and will continue to advance over time.
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For the women of March 8th in the 2000s,
Living with you,
we need to remove the dark thorns that were planted,
to break down the barriers that were built,
since the time of Adam and Eve.
For this,
we will defeat the oppressive and deceitful masculinity,
the upper class, the first sovereign,
taking back the fire that civilization stole.
For this reason,
I considered a battle that will require sacrifice like the Prometheuses,
I saw the world in against me,
and I was betrayed and imprisoned in Prometheus’ land.
Ah, sacred mother
and beloved women.
Rêber Apo (Abdullah Öcalan)
