Faranak Farid - March 8, 2007
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| Faranak Farid |
This year, International Women's Day is observed amid numerous crises in the country. Even the smallest desires of the people are being trampled upon; the demands of students, teachers, and workers are ignored, and the natural rights of ethnic groups and women are being denied. As we can see, all events related to women’s issues are preemptively suppressed these days. Our women are even willing to end up in prison for their demands. Today, it is no longer enough to just celebrate Women's Day as a formality. Azerbaijani women, like all women, must approach our issues more profoundly. As people living in this society, we must investigate our problems properly, face all difficulties, and prove ourselves multifaceted on this path.
Women whose hands are tied by wealth, power, and authority, who are numerous yet considered a minority; among them, we, the Turkish women whose language and culture are denied, are the ones working in the narrow spaces left by the dreadful centralization, on the outskirts of society. The woman, whose identity is shattered from all sides, understands the great value of what she has gained piece by piece on this difficult path, and takes pride in the fact that she chose this hard road.
Despite the scarcity of resources available to us, we aim to revive and sustain the women’s movement. In this country, there are those who deny the issue of women; they have forgotten the problems related to their own gender, advancing only in the spaces created by men. There are still those searching for a heroic woman, and there are others who, with their chests pushed forward, speak of the women’s issue in Azerbaijan, claiming to define and showcase where we stand. Unfortunately, the underdevelopment of women will harm the entire society, and the condition of women in society is considered one of the most important indicators of progress in the world.
Sadly, the mother tongue that we strive to defend begins with the mother's word, and its broader aspect is closely related to our mothers. A woman who feels oppressed will be more inclined towards assimilation and alienation to save herself. Unfortunately, when it comes to human rights, choosing one right and fighting only for its success, while sacrificing other human rights, has always and will always lead to nothing but dictatorship. In the end, unfortunately, every injustice takes a bite out of a person, and ultimately, this disintegration will be of no use. If those fighting for human rights have not yet understood this simple truth, we must first explain it to them: These rights must not be divided; each one is a part of humanity.
The independent advancement of the women's issue has been shaped by our own experiences and historical encounters. Women have made valuable contributions throughout all historical periods and changes, yet they have never reaped the fruits of their efforts. For them, movements led by men have always been one-sided, focusing solely on one issue while ignoring other injustices. In the process, women have often been used for the benefit of these movements. All movements should progress not one after the other, but together. The women's issue can also be resolved alongside other issues, as part of a collective effort. We believe that justice is either for everyone or for no one.
Link to the original Turkish text in Arabic script