CRY FREEDOM.net
formerly known as
Women's Liberation Front
'Insight is the first step of resistance against any ideologic form of dictatorial and misogynistic oppression'
and
'Freedom is like a bird
that nests in ones' soul'
Welcome to cryfreedom.net, formerly known as Womens Liberation Front.  A website that hopes to draw and keeps your attention for  both the global 21th. century 3rd. feminist revolution as well as especially for the Zan, Zendegi, Azadi uprising in Iran and the struggles of our sisters in other parts of the Middle East. This online magazine that started December 2019 will be published every 2 days. Thank you for your time and interest. 
Gino d'Artali
indept investigative journalist
radical feminist and women's rights activist 
'WOMEN, LIFE, FREEDOM'

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For the in Iran 'Woman, Life, Freedom' Women-led revolution
Dec 24 - 22, 2025

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 When one hurts or kills a women
one hurts or kills hummanity and is an antrocitie.
Gino d'Artali
and: My mother (1931-1997) always said to me <Mi figlio, non esistono notizie <vecchie> perche puoi imparare qualcosa da qualsiasi notizia.> Translated: <My son, there is no such thing as so called 'old' news because you can learn something from any news.>
Gianna d'Artali.

YPJ The Women’s Protection Units fighters - Women is the truth of live - "With Us or Nothing"


Jihan Belkin
Jinha - Womens News Center - Dec 18, 2025 - Sarokel Sheikhou
{Jihan Belkkin…. An icon of truth who resisted in the face of repression
Journalist Jihan Belkin dedicated her life to documenting the truth—from fighting ISIS to covering Turkish attacks. Martyred on duty, she became a symbol of resilience and free, steadfast media in North and East Syria
Tal Tamr – Jihan Belkkin, a Kurdish journalist who dedicated her life to documenting the truth from Mardin to North and East Syria, participated in covering the battles against ISIS and the Turkish attacks until she was martyred by a Turkish drone strike in 2024 while performing her work. She left a deep impact on her colleagues and the people of the region, becoming a symbol of resistant journalism. However, the demand for holding her killers accountable and repatriating her body to her family remains pending. Jihan Belkkin, daughter of the plains of Mardin in northern Kurdistan, lived a life full of struggle and a constant pursuit of truth. She was born on October 26, 1996, in the Midyat district of Mardin city. In 2014, she enrolled in the Faculty of Law at Dicle University in Amed (Diyarbakir). During that period, her passion for seeking truth and exposing the practices of the Turkish occupation began to crystallize, prompting her to enter the world of journalism. She started her professional career with the Dicle News Agency (DİHA), taking her first steps into media work. In 2017, Jihan Belkkin moved to North and East Syria, where she followed the military operations against ISIS on the ground, from Raqqa to Tabqa. As events evolved, she turned her lens this time towards documenting the attacks launched by the Turkish occupation on the border cities of the region, capturing the reality of the assaults moment by moment with her camera. On November 19, 2024, between the Qara Qozaq bridge and the Tishreen Dam, while covering the resistance against Turkish attacks, Jihan Belkkin and Nazim Dashtan were targeted by a drone belonging to the Turkish occupation, leading to their martyrdom while performing their journalistic duty.
“The Icon of Resistance Media Whose Killer Has Yet to Be Held Accountable”
On the first anniversary of her passing, her colleagues recalled the path she paved and her unwavering determination. Arin Sweid, administrator at Hawar News Agency (ANHA), said that Jihan Belkin’s final words bore witness to her deep faith in the path she had chosen: “I am confident this path will triumph, and we will walk again with Commander Öcalan.” She added, “Today we live those words. Jihan never had the chance to see the path of peace and a democratic society come to fruition, nor witness the enthusiasm she longed for. Yet before this journey began, she was full of life and worked with steadfast faith in what she believed.” Jihan Belkin was always at the forefront of documenting operations against ISIS, often being the first to step into any field mission. “She wanted to record every historical moment and share it with the world. She constantly said: ‘This revolution deserves one’s life.’ Her documentation work became a cornerstone of revolutionary media, and much of the history being written today in North and East Syria bears her mark. In every new front that opened, Jihan was there, leading with her camera and her conviction,” Arin Sweid explained. Speaking further about Jihan Belkin’s legacy, Sweid said, “Today, many women continue journalistic work in Jihan’s spirit and determination. For her last passion and her hopes for victory, we remain loyal to her path and continue the work she began.” She added, “Until now, the killers of our colleagues have not been held accountable. Statements were issued, but they were shameful and inadequate given the gravity of the crime. Before Jihan, several of our colleagues were also martyred, yet the perpetrator remains unpunished.” Sweid noted that international organizations have received reports and files related to Jihan Belkin’s assassination to open a legal investigation, but no results have been achieved yet. Legal follow-up continues. “The most painful part is that we still could not transfer her body to Northern Kurdistan so her mother could bid farewell, due to Turkish occupation restrictions. Nevertheless, we will keep her spirit alive, and she will remain present in every report we write. “Her Dream of Rojava Was Stronger Than the Limits of Repression” Samra Turan, an editor at Jin News who met Jihan Belkin in Northern Kurdistan, spoke about her early days, saying: “In Northern Kurdistan, she worked in journalism only for a short period, as most journalists there focused on local issues. But Jihan’s heart and mind were devoted to the Rojava revolution. She dreamed of witnessing it and understanding it up close.” She continued: “In meetings, she always proposed new ideas. Whenever we were preparing to go out to cover the news, she would take the initiative and ask, ‘What can I do?’ Her enthusiasm and sense of camaraderie were truly inspiring, and she empowered everyone around her.” Turan emphasized that targeting journalists did not begin with Jihan Belkin’s assassination, but followed a series of killings of their colleagues. “She sought to expose every massacre, to introduce the world to the Rojava revolution, and to carry the voice of the people everywhere. Through Jihan’s reports and news, the progress achieved by the region became visible. Every martyred colleague reminds us of a single question: how will we continue this path?” She added: “We have carried Jihan’s struggle and did not let her pen fall. We must be the voice of the people of Kurdistan in all its four parts, and the voice of all peoples subjected to injustice under oppressive regimes.
“She Was Not a Lover of War, but a Lover of Truth”
Lousine Hakobian, a fighter in the Armenian Nubar Ozanyan Battalion, conducted her first-ever journalistic interview in her military career with Jihan Belkin and recalled those moments: “Our acquaintance began through that interview. At every site where attacks occurred, Jihan documented everything with her camera. But she was not a lover of war—she was a lover of truth.” She emphasized that Jihan Belkin left a profound impact on the hearts of all communities in North and East Syria: “Her martyrdom did not sadden only the Kurds, nor only her mother and sisters. Arabs, Assyrians, Syriacs, and Armenians were also affected. Every Kurdish, Arab, or Assyrian mother is a mother of Jihan Belkin,” adding, “It has not even been a year, yet it feels as if time has not closed the page of her departure; her martyrdom remains as vivid as if it happened yesterday.” Hakobian drew attention to her own family’s story, which survived the Ottoman massacres, and which Jihan Belkin documented: “She documented the story of my Armenian family, who resisted the massacres, and shared it with the world so others could know it. In return, we pledge to tell Jihan Belkin’s story to our children and those around us, keeping her memory alive. We will open our children’s eyes to her story, just as her vision illuminated our lives.” In her last journal entry, Jihan Belkin wrote: “I know the lands of Manbij, Qarqouzaq, Tishrin, and Ain Issa, and their people. When they were liberated, I shared in the joy of the women in those areas and felt the glow of freedom shining in their eyes. I was filled with memories of the women I saw as my sisters, and the pain left by what ISIS did to them. I drank tea and coffee with people I had never met before and became part of their stories. Their great tales added a new depth to my own story. I told myself that all these memories must remain alive. Even if in forty years I need a cup of coffee to return here, I will come back. I came for this place} Video - Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/jihan-belkkin-an-icon-of-truth-who-resisted-in-the-face-of-repression-38182?page=1


Martyr Bervîn Norhaq
Jinha - Womens News Center - Dec 24, 2025 Farashin Marfan
{“Shingal Lives Through the Legacy of Martyr Bervîn Norhaq and Her Comrades”
Martyr Bervîn Norhaq has become a symbol of the Yazidi women’s struggle and a source of strength and hope. Her and her comrades’ sacrifices laid the foundation for Shingal’s liberation.
Shingal — On December 13, 2021, Bervîn Norhaq (Khanum Demir), one of the fighters of the Free Women’s Units (YJA Star), was martyred in an airstrike carried out by the Turkish occupation on the Gare region. Her memory has since been immortalized across Kurdistan and around the world. Among the regions that continue to honor Bervîn Norhaq’s sacrifices is Shingal, where she played a prominent role in the lives of Yazidi women following the 2014 genocide (Ferman). Yazidi women spoke of her struggle, affirming that the presence of women fighters within the freedom movement gave them the strength to recognize themselves and their role in resisting oppression.
“The sacrifices of women fighters are an indelible legacy in Shingal’s memory”
Speaking about her encounter with the martyred Bervîn Norhaq, Barfi Elias, a founding member of the Martyrs’ Families Association, said:
“I came to know the fighter Bervîn Norhaq in 2015. During the most difficult circumstances faced by the Yazidi community, especially women, she was always with us, caring for our children. People even used to say she was a daughter of Shingal.” She emphasized that Bervîn Norhaq was a source of strength and inspiration for youth and women alike: “She was a leader and a teacher to our girls. She coordinated battles while also playing the role of an educator. Her closeness to us made her a caretaker for our children. With the purity of her spirit and heart, she continued her struggle in the mountains of Shingal. For us and for our children, she was a symbol of strength and hope, reflected in the light of her eyes.”
Barfi Elias added:
“Through her, we came to know the thought and philosophy of Leader Abdullah Öcalan. Thanks to their sacrifices, Shingal was liberated from the grip of ISIS. Today, thanks to Bervîn Norhaq and her comrades, the Yazidi community continues life in Shingal with confidence and determination. She was a guardian of our heritage and culture.” She concluded by stressing that Yazidi women drew their strength from the sacrifices of women fighters:
“The emergence of strong Yazidi women in society today is the result of the struggle of Bervîn Norhaq and her martyred comrades who gave their lives for us. The Women’s Freedom Movement has offered many martyrs, and their sacrifices are a trust upon our shoulders. We strive to remain loyal to them and to preserve their legacy.” “We will not allow their blood to be shed in vain or for the enemy to seize our region. We will continue our struggle with even greater determination. Above all, we must remain loyal to the sacrifices of Bervîn Norhaq and her comrades.”
“Bervîn Norhaq gave us hope in the darkest days”
For her part, Zozan Simo, a member of the Yazidi Women’s Freedom Movement, spoke about her knowledge of Bervîn Norhaq, noting that the presence of women fighters in Shingal marked a turning point in the lives of Yazidi women, granting them strength and hope in the hardest circumstances. “She gave us immense strength, especially when the genocide occurred and girls remained in ISIS captivity. Bervîn Norhaq and her comrades stood by us and provided great support to Yazidi women. She fought in Shingal, and today we follow in her footsteps and protect the gains they achieved.”
She added:
“Today, our youth continue the legacy of Bervîn Norhaq and her martyred comrades by remaining in Shingal and defending it. Their sacrifices were priceless and left a deep impact. We will not allow them to be in vain. She came during the hardest days to stand with Yazidi women. When we saw her, we were astonished—women carrying weapons had come to support us. Their strength left an indelible mark on our hearts, and through them we discovered our own power.”
Zozan Simo affirmed that Yazidi women will continue to follow the path and philosophy of Leader Abdullah Öcalan and the footsteps of the martyrs until the end: “The ideas of freedom proposed by Leader Öcalan taught us and empowered us as Yazidi women. We will never forget the sacrifices of Bervîn Norhaq and her comrades, and we will remain loyal to their legacy through our ongoing struggle.”
She noted that hundreds of Yazidi youth and women are following their path, holding fast to the sacrifices made in defense of Shingal. “Had it not been for Bervîn Norhaq and her comrades, we would not be here today resisting. There was a great void for women in Yazidi society, but their sacrifices introduced us to the thought and philosophy of Leader Öcalan. Today, we continue the march of women’s freedom.”
She concluded by saying:
“We will fulfill the dreams of the martyred women for the freedom of women and carry them to victory. Just as we honor the memory of our martyrs, we also honor the memory of the women fighters who gave their lives defending Shingal.” She explained that Yazidi fighters—men and women—and their children have become an inseparable part of society: “They sacrificed their lives for freedom and for the defense of this land. They are its children, and as a Yazidi community, we embrace them. We will never forget the sacrifices of women fighters, and we will work to make our struggle stronger day by day. We are the product of the Women’s Freedom Movement’s thought, and we reaffirm our loyalty to the families of the martyrs.”
She added:
“We suffered a brutal genocide, and we will never forget that tragedy. The more we cling to our land and culture, the more we cling to the memory of the fighters who sacrificed their lives defending Shingal.”} Video - Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/shingal-lives-through-the-legacy-of-martyr-bervin-norhaq-and-her-comrades-38224


Women’s Council of the Democratic Union Party
Jinha - Womens News Center - Dec 24, 2025
{Condemnation of Attacks on Sheikh Maqsoud and Calls for Civilian Protection
Women’s Council of the Democratic Union Party condemned attacks on Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods, which killed civilians including women and children, and reaffirmed its commitment to defending women’s rights and protecting civilians
Qamishlo — The neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in the city of Aleppo witnessed a violent attack a few days ago carried out by jihadists of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, resulting in civilian casualties, including women and children. This assault comes as part of a series of systematic attacks targeting the two neighborhoods, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and prompting widespread condemnation from civil and political forces. Today, Wednesday, December 24, the Women’s Council of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) issued a statement in the city of Qamishlo, in the North and East Syria region, condemning the systematic attacks targeting the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods in Aleppo. The statement affirmed the Women’s Council’s full commitment to defending women’s rights and protecting civilians, and called on the international community as well as humanitarian and human rights organizations to take urgent action to stop these violations before the humanitarian crisis worsens. It stressed the need to hold those responsible accountable in accordance with international laws and standards and to protect civilians from ongoing threats. The council strongly condemned the systematic attacks on the two neighborhoods and the accompanying grave violations against civilians—particularly women, children, and peaceful families—by factions affiliated with the so-called “transitional government.” It emphasized that these attacks constitute a blatant violation of humanitarian values and principles and clearly contradict the aspirations of Syrians of all components for peace, stability, and security. The statement noted that what is happening in Sheikh Maqsoud is a continuation of policies of violence and exclusion that threaten social peace and undermine any genuine efforts to reach a peaceful solution in Syria. It also obstructs the implementation of the March 10 Agreement, reinforcing instability and deepening civilian suffering, and warned of the serious repercussions of these violations on the social fabric and human security. The statement also condemned the killing of Fadwa Mohammad al-Kurdi as a result of the attack carried out by armed groups affiliated with the transitional government, considering it a flagrant breach of international humanitarian law. It held the responsible parties fully accountable—legally and morally—and called for their prosecution in accordance with relevant international laws and standards, and for ensuring that perpetrators do not escape punishment. The Women’s Council of the Democratic Union Party reaffirmed its commitment to defending women’s rights and protecting civilians, rejecting all forms of violence and violations targeting peaceful communities. It called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, the lifting of the siege imposed on the area, and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, in addition to taking genuine and effective measures to protect civilians. The statement further urged humanitarian, human rights, and women’s organizations at both local and international levels to take urgent action and exert serious pressure to halt these violations, ensure civilian protection, and prevent further bloodshed. It stressed that continued international silence regarding these crimes places part of the moral and humanitarian responsibility on the international community. The statement concluded by emphasizing that the humanitarian values and principles the international community claims—or declares its commitment—to defend are now facing a real test, amid the ongoing violations against civilians without any serious accountability or prosecution} Video - Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/condemnation-of-attacks-on-sheikh-maqsoud-and-calls-for-civilian-protection-38220


Amina Laqrin
Jinha - Womens News Center - Dec 23, 2025
{Amina Laqrin elected president of Algerian Children’s Parliament, 2025–2027 term
The child Amina Laqrin was elected President of the Algerian Children’s Parliament during the official session dedicated to electing the parliament’s president, as part of the 2025–2027 parliamentary term.
Algeria _The election of the President of the Algerian Children’s Parliament took place on Monday, December 22, in a democratic atmosphere reflecting participation and responsibility, as members demonstrated awareness of dialogue, citizenship, and democratic practice. Amina Laqrin, born on November 18, 2009, in Constantine and currently a secondary school student, was elected as President, marking the culmination of an educational path aimed at involving children in public life and providing them with an institutional space to express their views. During the 2025–2027 term, the Children’s Parliament is expected to play a key role in promoting parliamentary culture among children and raising awareness of their rights and duties, in line with national efforts to build a conscious and responsible generation} Video - Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/amina-laqrin-elected-president-of-algerian-children-s-parliament-2025-2027-term-38211?page=1

Jinha - Womens News Center - Dec 23, 2025
{Flaming Fronts and Escalation Dominate Syria
Syria remains on a powder keg a year on, as the Transitional Govermment and syrian factions fail to reach an agreement on a democratic solution accptable to all Syrians.
News Center — The neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in Aleppo, Syria, experienced a relative and cautious calm in recent hours following a night of escalation that left six civilians dead, including a woman. The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria previously stated that “forces affiliated with the Transitional Government” launched attacks on Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh aimed at “undermining efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution addressing the aspirations of all Syrians.” Tank and heavy artillery strikes on densely populated areas over the past two days resulted in one woman killed and 19 civilians injured due to jihadist targeting of the neighborhoods. The attacks ceased after several mediation efforts. These assaults by the Transitional Government come as 2025 progresses without achieving the objectives of the March 10 agreement signed between the Syrian Democratic Forces commander Mazloum Abdi and the interim president Ahmad al-Shara’ al-Joulani. The timing of the attacks has raised questions regarding Turkish intervention in Syrian affairs, as the Transitional Government launched its offensive following a joint press conference between its Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, after a Turkish delegation visited Damascus and issued statements and threats hostile to North and East Syria. On the As-Suwayda front, clashes continue with small arms and mortar fire between the National Guard, a semi-militarized Druze faction founded in August following summer massacres in 2025, and HTS jihadists. Fighting persisted until early morning hours without civilian casualties.} Video - Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/flaming-fronts-and-escalation-dominate-syria-38210?page=1


Rokan Kılıç
Jinha - Womens News Center - Dec 23, 2025
{Special Warfare Targets Kurdish Youth as a Social Initiative Confronts the Crisis
North Kurdistan and Turkish cities have seen rising drug use, prostitution, and arms carrying, prompting initiatives like the “Be Aware” platform to raise awareness, confront these challenges, and resist special warfare targeting society and youth.
Van — In recent years, North Kurdistan and major cities in Turkey have witnessed a noticeable rise in drug use, the spread of prostitution, and the carrying of individual firearms. This has prompted the launch of social initiatives to confront these phenomena, most notably the “Be Aware Platform” (Şiyar Be Platform), which seeks—through activities, events, and field visits—to raise youth awareness of the dangers surrounding them. Despite security obstacles, the Şiyar Be Platform in the city of Van officially announced its establishment on December 6 through a public statement. The platform’s spokesperson in Van, Rokan Kılıç, explained that the escalation of drug abuse, prostitution, and the spread of individual weapons is the result of accumulated social and economic factors.
“Be Aware”: A Platform Confronting Drugs and Prostitution
At the outset of her remarks, Rokan Kılıç said, “We met with civil society organizations in the city and launched this platform, then immediately began our activities,” noting that the platform’s goal is to confront these challenges through collective action and continuous awareness-raising. She explained that North Kurdistan is experiencing two types of wars: one military, and another with moral, political, social, and environmental dimensions, stressing that both are intertwined and deeply affect people’s lives. She affirmed that Turkey experiences a new crisis every year, saying, “Turkey has turned into a country of crises. This government governs Turkey and North Kurdistan by manufacturing crises. Over the past ten years, drugs, prostitution, and militarization have become intertwined. In the past, such phenomena were unknown in our regions, but today, when you walk through neighborhoods and streets, you see that youth reject the presence of drugs—yet drugs and prostitution are indeed widespread.” She stressed the urgent need to establish the “Be Aware Platform,” saying, “During our meetings with shop owners, they emphasized that these streets were meant for culture and art, but they are no longer able to carry out their activities there due to the spread of drugs, accompanied by prostitution and special warfare.”
“Be Aware”: A Call to Protect Youth from Special Warfare
Regarding the stance of the Turkish authorities on the platform’s announcement, Rokan Kılıç said it had become clear that they do not welcome such activities. “When we went to deliver our statement to the press, we faced strict security measures. The police prevented us from proceeding and said, ‘We will not allow you.’ They pointed to a banner reading ‘In Kurdistan, we will not allow drugs,’ and claimed they do not recognize this place. We responded: This place is Kurdistan—this is an identity. We do not accept the presence of drugs. You are employees—police and soldiers—and supposedly you also do not want drugs to spread, yet you are preventing us from expressing this.” She added, “Despite these obstacles, after three to four hours, we managed to announce the establishment of the platform. Today, it is said that there is a peace process in Turkey, but special warfare is still ongoing. Therefore, this type of war must stop alongside the military war.” She pointed to the negative transformations that have affected the lives of Kurdish youth in North Kurdistan and major Turkish cities: “Twenty years ago, people read books and had knowledge. Universities and streets were full of vitality, and women and youth played a prominent role in society. After the spread of drugs, politics receded from the lives of women and youth. The AKP government pushes youth toward ignorance and distances them from politics, while women are meant to remain at home. Then the space is left open for drugs, prostitution, and other practices that weaken society and dismantle its structure.” She noted, “By spreading drugs and prostitution in the streets, that vitality was destroyed. In the past, drugs were not even known by name in Van.” Rokan Kılıç stressed the seriousness of the issue: “Despite the presence of cameras, security measures, and imposed policies, there are eight thousand drug users in North Kurdistan. This means the way is being opened for this phenomenon. Youth are asked to withdraw and forget their national identity, their language, and all their foundations. Since the beginning of special warfare here, society has begun to feel that women and youth stand helpless in the face of social challenges and problems.”
No Policies to Eliminate Drugs and Prostitution
Rokan Kılıç believes the current situation reflects a deep crisis. “In the past, our youth went to major universities, read books, participated in activities, and formed a fundamental support in confronting social challenges alongside women. Today, youth have withdrawn from universities and the labor market, no longer engaging in any activity. If this vacuum continues, weak generations will emerge and social values will disintegrate.” She explained, “Through the Be Aware Platform, we seek to confront these negative phenomena and remove them from society. However, in the face of drugs and prostitution, there is no serious stance from the government. When we announced the platform’s establishment, we faced heavy security deployment—around two thousand police officers with armored vehicles and means of repression—preventing us for four hours from delivering our statement. This clearly shows that the authorities do not want these destructive phenomena to disappear from society.” On the methods of what she described as “special warfare,” she said: “This war is practiced through media and TV series, where the soldier is portrayed as someone who comes to liberate and save a woman, while in reality he is part of the special warfare policy.” She added, “The goal is to penetrate society, especially among the youth of North Kurdistan and major Turkish cities. They say, ‘If we cannot subdue you through military war, we will destroy you through special warfare.’” She continued, “We say we must rise up against this war and be aware. Wars and displacement have caused society to live in a constant state of uprooting, and with this displacement, society has internally fragmented. The government has brought special warfare into our lives; everyone has become preoccupied with their own problems. The displaced were left alone, and their children fell into the grip of drugs and prostitution.” She stressed, “We must protect our neighborhoods, villages, and cities, and not accept these hostile policies. This war is being waged against us, against civil society organizations, detainees, and political parties. We say: it is time to rise. To this day, our youth have been killed, and through special warfare, their future has been destroyed.” In concluding her remarks, Rokan Kılıç outlined the action plan of the Be Aware Platform: “We will continue our field activities. We will be present in streets, neighborhoods, villages, mosques, and churches to say clearly: ‘This is drugs, and this is prostitution.’ Our goal is to protect our youth from falling into the trap of these scourges and from carrying individual weapons.” She emphasized that confronting special warfare cannot be achieved through one platform or civil society organizations alone. “There must be a comprehensive confrontation involving the government, parliament, bureaucracy, and all decision-makers. We must all unite to stop this special war imposed on North Kurdistan and Turkey.} Video - Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/special-warfare-targets-kurdish-youth-as-a-social-initiative-confronts-the-crisis-38208?page=1


Fathia Dbeish
Jinha - Womens News Center - Dec 23, 2025 - Zohour Al-Mashriqi
{Tunisian Migrant Women Writers Confront the Violence of Erasure
Tunisian migrant women writers face the “violence of erasure,” suffering marginalization and exclusion from media and cultural forums, including women’s spaces, while demanding recognition, visibility, and acknowledgment of their voices and experiences
Tunis — Migrant women writers from North Africa and the Middle East suffer from numerous obstacles that hinder their presence in the cultural and media arenas. Their marginalization and exclusion from events and forums weaken their opportunities to convey their ideas and express their visions. This highlights the necessity of supporting and amplifying these female voices in a way that enriches cultural and social dialogue and enhances diversity within the creative landscape—an issue emphasized by Tunisian writer and literary figure Fathia Dbeish, who stressed the importance of women’s presence in cultural forums.
Regarding the challenges faced by women writers in exile, she explained that they confront the “violence of erasure” and complain of continued exclusion from media outlets, literary and cultural gatherings, and even feminist spaces, calling for recognition of their work and identities. Fathia Dbeish stressed that women’s presence and inclusion in cultural forums is a fundamental necessity, especially for migrant women writers who need such spaces to introduce themselves and infuse them with a feminine dimension. She noted that these forums represent vital spaces for women writers living outside their homelands, as they grant recognition of their status as authors. Media interviews, she added, also contribute to restoring fairness by highlighting their work both inside and outside their countries, strengthening their visibility and breaking the cycle of persistent marginalization.
Duality
She explained that the difficulties faced by Tunisian migrant women writers are marked by a duality between the homeland and the country of residence. As a writer who chose to write and publish in Arabic, she moves between Tunisia and France, while her literary production reaches the Middle East more than elsewhere, driven by her desire to address readers in their mother tongue. She views her choice of Arabic as an act of protest against fragmented identities between “here” and “there,” even though her daily life is conducted in French due to her work with foreigners and in fields that impose the use of that language. Dbeish finds in returning to Arabic through writing a form of balance between the two languages. However, her Arabic texts struggle to reach Arab readers because of the slow movement of books in the region, the scarcity of book fairs and cultural spaces, the limited participation of migrant women writers in forums, and the lack of efforts to invite them from their countries of residence. She considers this obstacle not only material, but also cultural, becoming more evident with the absence of sufficient support to invite and highlight them as writers. She pointed out that women writers often carefully determine where to publish their work, explaining that her primary audience is in the Arab Mashreq, where she publishes in Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt—meaning that about 80% of her readers are outside her home country, Tunisia. She also noted that women writers face an additional challenge in readers’ curiosity about their personal lives, as their texts are often read as windows into their lives as women rather than as literary works in their own right. She initially viewed this as a form of unfairness, before later realizing that such interest could serve as one of the channels to reach readers. She emphasized that limited circulation hinders recognition of women writers and weakens their presence, necessitating greater efforts by women intellectuals to amplify their voices and secure recognition of their literary standing.
Injustice and Neglect
She explained that she did not initially view the absence of migrant women writers from national and regional media as a form of injustice or discrimination, but rather as a result of difficulties in communication between them and media institutions and organizations, along with the dominance of certain voices over the cultural scene. However, she has come to see this situation as abnormal, involving injustice and disregard for women writers’ experiences. Although she considers herself fortunate to have an audience in Tunisia through cultural radio, she does not receive attention from other media outlets nor invitations to participate. She affirmed the right of women writers in exile to be included in these spaces, and that their works deserve visibility and attention to their experiences. She pointed out that women’s writing continues to suffer marginalization due to male-centered dominance that views writing as a male domain, causing women’s steps in this field to be met with indifference and insufficient attention.
Women as an Integral Part of the Creative Act
Regarding addressing women’s issues in her work, she explained that she is consistently classified as a feminist writer, asserting that writing about women is not a superficial or decorative choice, but an integral part of her creative act. She noted that most of the characters in her novels are women—a conscious choice aimed at granting them roles and lives that were previously denied to them in earlier texts, where their presence was often secondary to a male protagonist.
She cited her novel Melanin, which brought her fame and was classified by the Sociological Research Center at the University of Tours as the first intersectional feminist novel—a designation that pleased her, as it reflects her deep belief in this approach. As for the current situation of women in Tunisia, she stated that violence against women is a global phenomenon affecting women across societies. She added that women writers in France, despite it being known as a “country of freedoms,” suffer from exclusion and discrimination as migrants from the Global South, where silence and invisibility are imposed on them. Tunisian writer and literary figure Fathia Dbeish concluded by affirming that they are currently working on a project to highlight their presence and confront this violence. She referred again to the “violence of erasure,” whereby the voices of migrant women writers remain absent and unheard, amid a state of indifference and, at times, systematic non-recognition.} Video - Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/tunisian-migrant-women-writers-confront-the-violence-of-erasure-38207


Yalda
Jinha - Womens News Center - Dec 22, 2025 - Vina Sabhri
{Yalda” Celebrations in Eastern Kurdistan Reflect Deep History and Kurdish Tradition
Yalda Night is considered one of the oldest rituals in Eastern Kurdistan, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. Although it faded after the arrival of Islam in the region, it was later revived and remains part of Kurdish cultural identity
Mahabad_Yalda Night is the longest night of the year, known as the winter solstice, and symbolizes the beginning of winter. It is celebrated in Iran every year on December 21–22. Its roots date back to Zoroastrian and pre-Islamic civilizations and it is also known as “Yalda Night.” Throughout history, many ancient rituals in Eastern Kurdistan have undergone change due to foreign invasions; some were looted, while others disappeared entirely. Nevertheless, several traditions have endured to this day, preserved and celebrated thanks to their sacred roots and prominent cultural significance. Among the most notable of these is Yalda Night, which symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. Historical sources indicate that following the arrival of Islam in Iran and Eastern Kurdistan, many rituals gradually faded, including Yalda Night among the Kurds. In some families, it disappeared entirely. However, over time, this ancient ritual was revived and reintroduced into cultural life. Yalda Night is one of the celebrations held on the first night of winter—the longest night of the year—and its history stretches back thousands of years. In ancient times, this night was considered a decisive turning point in the cycle of nature. Many believe that Yalda marks the birth of Mithra, the deity of light, on the night when darkness reaches its peak before being defeated, allowing light to be reborn. Traditional Yalda tables featured foods such as pomegranates and red watermelon, symbolizing life and fertility. These symbols were not only associated with the sun and light but were also regarded as representations of feminine power and the continuity of life. Archaeological researcher Laleh Ahmadi explains that Kurdish culture celebrates Yalda through two forms of ritual, expressing humanity’s renewed connection with nature and belief in the victory of light over darkness. Yalda Night is considered the beginning of the “Forty Days Festival,” marking the first forty days of winter. Ancestors regarded it as the last of the long nights of the year and gathered to celebrate it as a symbol of the end of darkness and the arrival of brighter days. In the recent past, the Forty Days Night was celebrated differently than it is today. Zara Mansouri, 70, recalls her childhood memories of Yalda: “There were no celebrations like today. Friends and family would gather in the evening, usually preparing dolma or meatballs for dinner. They served black mulberries, walnuts, raisins, and almonds, along with fruit sweets. Watermelon was not added to the Yalda table until later. We would gather, exchange stories and old tales, play musical instruments such as reeds, drums, and daf, sing together, and truly enjoy our time.” Despite these changes, parts of the Yalda table in Eastern Kurdistan remain adorned with sweets, almonds, walnuts, and fruits such as pomegranates and watermelon, alongside traditional dishes like dolma and meat kofta. In some areas of Eastern Kurdistan, such as Sanandaj (Sine) and Kermanshah (Kermashan), celebrations known as “Khwanja Borun” are held. These are traditional customs associated with marriage and engagement in Iran. During this occasion, families prepare a “khwanja,” which includes Yalda dishes, appetizers, fruits, sweets, and special gifts. These trays are typically presented to newly married women or to engaged girls who are still living in their parental homes. Although inflation and rising prices in Iran in recent years have deeply affected tourism, nightlife, and even traditional weekend rituals, an increasing number of families now celebrate Yalda Night privately and under severe financial pressure. As a result, occasions meant to strengthen solidarity and social belonging have become a mirror that each year reflects the growing economic darkness overshadowing daily life.} Video - Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/yalda-celebrations-in-eastern-kurdistan-reflect-deep-history-and-kurdish-tradition-38204?page=1


Jinha - Womens News Center - Dec 22, 2025 - Surkul Sheikho
{Women’s Communes: An Organizational Framework to Face Challenges and Promote Equality
“Women’s communes in North and East Syria strengthen women’s roles and organize them democratically, ensuring participation in society. Born from the women’s revolution, they promote equality, freedom, and confront social and political challenges
Tell Tamr – Since the dawn of history, women have played pioneering and influential roles in communal societies, contributing strongly to collective life. They formed the vanguard of society and laid the foundations for its progress, leaving a lasting impact on the course of humanity. Despite thirteen years of the Syrian crisis, the issue of women’s freedom remains a fundamental challenge. Societal democracy is closely linked to women’s freedom, making it essential to understand and correctly implement this principle, as it underpins the continuity and development of democratic experience. The STAR Conference and the Yazidi Women’s Gathering began establishing women’s communes across the regions of North and East Syria. This initiative aims to strengthen women’s roles and organize them within a community framework that reinforces values of participation and democracy. Each women’s commune consists of 11 women, three of whom handle administrative tasks, with one serving as the co-chair of the general commune. Specialized committees are formed based on need, including the Economic Committee, Health Committee, Women’s Protection Committee, Cooperatives Committee, Justice Committee, Environment Committee, Golden Crescent Committee, and Finance Committee. All resources of the women’s communes are dedicated to serving women, with 30% of the general commune’s budget allocated to the women’s association. The STAR Conference and the Yazidi Women’s Gathering continuously monitor the work of these communes, and the communes report monthly on their activities and achievements.
Establishing Women’s Communes Began in Jabal Kizwan
In Tell Tamr, part of the Jazira region, the STAR Conference initiated the establishment of women’s communes, beginning in Jabal Kizwan as the starting point of an organizational path aimed at strengthening women’s roles and expanding their participation in social life. Jabal Kizwan was chosen because the area still faces challenges related to women’s freedom and the need to instill a correct understanding of democracy, alongside promoting equality between men and women. The region also continues to struggle against violence targeting women, making it a natural starting point for the creation of women’s communes. To better analyze problems and develop suitable solutions, an independent women’s organization is required in each village and neighborhood, ensuring effective responses to challenges and enabling women to participate in decision-making.
Reviving the Commune System and Redefining Gender Roles
Nihad Shendi, an administrative official at the STAR Conference, stated that the Rojava Revolution revived the commune system. Through the principle of co-chairing by women and men, a radical shift in societal mindset is being achieved:
“The co-chair system represents a new step in redefining the roles of women and men in contemporary society, after their roles were marginalized and excluded.” Shendi emphasized that the communes have moved beyond traditional dependency and service roles. They are now structured so that each individual is responsible for their role within society. “In this way, the democratic system can evolve to grant everyone the right to expression and participation, enhance individual independence and freedom, and make them active members of a democratic nation.” She stressed the importance of men and women jointly making decisions and determining solutions to community and family issues within the commune. “Decisions should not be made individually by one co-chair and imposed ineffectively on others,” she noted, emphasizing that women reject mindsets that marginalize or exclude their role. After establishing general communes, the need for women’s communes became clear. These communes, alongside general ones and without discrimination among women or communities in the region, strengthen the struggle against various forms of dominance, tyranny, and occupation, and address attempts to fragment society. Women in villages and neighborhoods face greater and more intense challenges, necessitating direct outreach and raising awareness about the importance of democratic family structures and protection. “Hence the need to establish women’s communes as an organized framework to ensure women’s active participation and enhance their role in confronting difficulties.”
Communes as a Fruit of the Women’s Revolution
Shendi confirmed that women’s communes provide women with a broader space to exercise their rights in education, health, economy, environment, and arts. “They enable a deeper understanding of justice principles and laws that guarantee their rights, contributing to legal awareness and strengthening their societal position." She added that the establishment of women’s communes represents a significant achievement of the women’s movement over fourteen years of struggle. “Although this step came late due to years of ISIS attacks and Turkish occupation, which continue today, the struggle continues with greater momentum through ongoing building and development efforts.} Video - Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/women-s-communes-an-organizational-framework-to-face-challenges-and-promote-equality-38199

Jinha - Womens News Center - Dec 20, 2025 - An article by journalist Burjum Jodi
{Syria... From a despotic regime to a jihadist authority suppressing women
Amid the tragic scene witnessed in Syria, with the jihadists of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham imposing their control over power and committing systematic massacres against various components, Syrian women live a continuous tragedy.
Within a year, the jihadists of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham tightened their grip on administrative and power centers in Syria. From the beginning of 2025 until today, war crimes are committed daily targeting Kurdish, Alawite, Druze, and other women, making these continuous attacks a tragic reality lacking any deterrent. On December 8, 2024, the Syrian people took to the streets celebrating the fall of the former Syrian regime that ruled Syria for more than 53 years, placing their hopes in a new beginning. However, this people, who awaited change with joy, soon collided with a different reality. The jihadist groups affiliated with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, which presented themselves as liberation forces and an alternative government, turned those hopes and dreams into a project based on patriarchy, racism, and sectarianism. Thus, Syria was pushed towards an obscure and perilous path.
The First Attacks
With this sudden transformation, jihadist groups, under the slogan of "liberating all Syrian land," hastened to control many vital centers. These groups, linked to foreign states, exploited the situation as an opportunity to expand their influence, seizing administrative sites and launching a widespread attack on the Manbij area, extending even to the Qarqozaq bridge and the Tishreen Dam. Simultaneously, jihadist group attacks escalated on Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo, especially in Ashrafiyah and Sheikh Maqsoud. Faced with these assaults, the people of the area launched broad resistance in cooperation with internal security forces, showing great steadfastness in defending themselves and their neighborhoods. Despite the indiscriminate shelling targeting civilians, the moment turned into a heroic scene where women with their bodies and youth with their strength confronted the attack with firm faith and collective will.
Sectarian War and Organized Massacres
After the jihadists of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham failed to achieve their goals through launching attacks on the region of North and East Syria, and their influence—which they justified in the name of "liberating Syria"—waned, they turned to other Syrian cities. They began launching violent and complex attacks on the coastal regions, where members of the Alawite sect are concentrated. Systematic massacres were committed, claiming the lives of hundreds of children, women, youth, and the elderly, where entire families were exterminated, and brutal acts of torture, mutilation, and displacement were practiced. These horrific crimes represented a transition of attacks to a stage of open sectarian war.
Al-Suwayda and Massacres Against the Druze
Following the massacres committed on the coast, the components and peoples in Syria entered a state of general mobilization and attempts at self-defense against extermination attacks. In July of last year, the jihadists of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham launched a new attack on the city of Al-Suwayda, which has a Druze majority. Within the first 48 hours of the attack, more than a hundred people from the city were killed, and their properties were looted and destroyed. But Al-Suwayda, which quickly turned into a field of resistance, managed to repel the assaults and thwart the attacks of the jihadist groups. Nevertheless, the city located in southern Syria incurred heavy losses, and wide-scale massacres were committed there, leaving deep scars in the consciousness of its people. A Year Marked by Horrific Massacres and a Policy of Denial The jihadists of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham committed hundreds of massacres in northern, eastern, and southern Syria that are classified as war crimes. These attacks resulted in the killing of hundreds of women from Kurds, Arabs, Alawites, and Druze. But the suffering of women was more severe; they were targeted not only because of their national or religious identity but for being women, which made them targets for killing, rape, displacement, and torture. Thus, regardless of the collective massacres, Syrian women in different circumstances and places faced the same brutal policies. The interim government in Damascus imposes harsh laws on women, dragging their lives into a cycle of fear and insecurity. In the absence of real leadership, an organized army, and a democratic constitution in Syria, women in their homes and cities are exposed to all forms of violence: from displacement, killing, torture, and rape to sale and exploitation in brutal ways. Thus, it can be said that Syrian women have been living for nearly fourteen years the same continuous tragedy without interruption.
Collective Political and Legal Resistance
Syrian women carry in their journey of struggle and resistance a rich legacy extending back to before the establishment of the modern Syrian Republic, where they recorded a prominent presence in history through their pioneering role in resistance, with Queen Zenobia being a shining example. At the same time, the women of the North and East Syria region possess a continuous struggle experience for more than 12 years, which could leave a deep impact on the reality and future of women. The path to liberating Syrian women from various forms of attacks passes through building a system that guarantees their political, legal, and social rights. Amid the complex circumstances witnessed in the country, it becomes necessary for women to possess a special system to defend themselves. If they can achieve an advanced step in this field, it will pave the way for consolidating their presence in the political and legal arena inside Syria. This path has already begun in the North and East Syria region through a social contract, but it needs to transform into a permanent presence encompassing all parts of the country} Video - Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/syria-from-a-despotic-regime-to-a-jihadist-authority-suppressing-women-38192


Mass Rally Demands Freedom for Leader Abdullah Öcalan
Jinha - Womens News Center - Dec 20, 2025
{Mass Rally Demands Freedom for Leader Abdullah Öcalan
Participants in a mass rally carrying solgans of freedom and democracy affirmed that individual and colloctive freedom is the foundation for building a cohesive and democratic society.
Qamishlo — Leader Abdullah Öcalan continues to live under strict isolation in İmralı Prison, deprived of his basic rights, foremost among them the “right to hope.” Meanwhile, popular mobilization continues to demand an end to his physical isolation as part of a broader struggle for justice and a democratic society.
Kongra Star organized a mass rally in the city of Qamishlo, in the Jazira Canton of the North and East Syria region, under the slogan: “With the communal spirit and a democratic society, we will live freely with the Leader,” calling for the physical freedom of leader Abdullah Öcalan. The rally, which set off today, Saturday, December 20, was attended by residents of Qamishlo, Tirbespî, Tel Hamis, and Amuda, along with women’s institutions, civil society organizations, bodies of the Autonomous Administration, and political parties. During the rally, a speech was delivered by Kongra Star spokesperson Rehan Luqo, who affirmed that dominant systems have attempted to impose their repressive policies on the Kurdish people, women, and youth. However, she stressed that a resistance spanning 52 years has forged a history of struggle, emphasizing that the freedom of leader Öcalan means the freedom of women and a democratic society. She added: “With the spirit of this resistance and struggle, we will strengthen the path of peace and the democratic society and be part of it. The freedom of leader Öcalan is the freedom of women and the freedom of a democratic society.”} Video - Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/mass-rally-demands-freedom-for-leader-abdullah-Ocalan-38196?page=1


Somaya Alfy
Jinha - Womens News Center - Dec 20, 2025
{After a battle with illness… the death of Egyptian actress Somaya Alfy
At the age of 72, Egyptian actress Somaya Alfy passed away at a hospital in Cairo after a battle with cancer.
News Center — Somaya Alfy is considered one of the most prominent stars of Egyptian drama and cinema, having left a distinctive artistic mark through more than 100 diverse works spanning theater, television, and film. The Egyptian actress Somaya Alfy passed away this morning, Saturday, December 20, at a hospital in the capital Cairo, after a battle with cancer, at the age of 72. Somaya Alfy was born on July 23, 1953, in Al-Sharqia Governorate. She graduated from the Faculty of Arts, Department of Sociology, before beginning her artistic career through the film “Afoah wa Aranib” (Mouths and Rabbits) in 1978, which opened the doors to fame for her. Throughout her artistic journey, she excelled in portraying a wide range of characters, from comedy to drama, leaving a clear imprint on the audience’s memory. She participated in many notable works that remain present to this day, including “Ali Bey Mazhar and the 40 Thieves” (1985), “Layali Al-Helmiya”, “Bawabet Al-Halawani” (all four parts), “Al-Raya Al-Bayda”, and “Dimaa Ba‘d Muntasaf Al-Layl” (Blood After Midnight). Somaya Alfy was married to actor Farouk El-Fishawy and had two sons with him: actor Ahmed El-Fishawy and Omar El-Fishawy. Over the course of her career, she presented more than 100 works across cinema, theater, and television, distinguished by her ability to move skillfully between comedic and tragic roles. She also took part in successful Ramadan television series such as “Al-Attar wa Al-Sab‘ Banat” (2002) and “Layali Al-Helmiya} Video - Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/after-a-battle-with-illness-the-death-of-egyptian-actress-somaya-alfy-38193?page=1
 
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