Jin, Jîyan, Azadî: The Kurdish Slogan That Became a Global Feminist Battle Cry
The phrase "Jin, Jîyan, Azadî" (Woman, Life, Freedom) emerged during the Kurdish revolution against Baghdad in the 1960s and 1970s, influenced by "Jîn, Jîyan, Azadî" (Live, Life, Freedom). It gained traction in Turkey and Syria, especially among Kurdish women resisting state oppression and ISIS. After the death of Mahsa Amini, it transformed into an international emblem of support for Iranian women. Najwa Barakat, a Lebanese author, emphasized a 20-year-old woman's quest for liberation, while Palestinian journalist Asma Al Ghul pointed out societal anxieties regarding women's bodies. The slogan has its origins in classical Kurdish literature, such as Ehmedê Xanî's Mem û Zîn. Advocates like Malala Yousafzai and Nadia Murad represent the ongoing fight for women's rights.
Key facts
- Jin, Jîyan, Azadî means Woman, Life, Freedom in Kurdish.
- The slogan originated in Kurdish women's notebooks during the 1960s-70s revolution against Baghdad.
- It was inspired by the earlier motto Jîn, Jîyan, Azadî (Live, Life, Freedom).
- The slogan was used by Kurdish women in Turkey against state oppression and patriarchy.
- Kurdish women in Syria used it while fighting ISIS.
- After Mahsa Amini's death, the slogan became a global protest chant for Iranian women.
- Najwa Barakat wrote about the slogan in Al-Araby al-Jadeed.
- Asma Al Ghul wrote about misogyny in BBC Arabic.
- The slogan's literary roots include Mem û Zîn by Ehmedê Xanî (17th century).
- Malala Yousafzai and Nadia Murad are cited as symbols of women's struggle.
- Cano Şakir wrote a poem for a woman killed by ISIS.
Entities
Artists
- Najwa Barakat
- Asma Al Ghul
- Ehmedê Xanî
- Cano Şakir
- Malala Yousafzai
- Nadia Murad
- Mahsa Amini
Institutions
- Al-Araby al-Jadeed
- BBC Arabic
- Triennale Milano
Locations
- Middle East
- Tunisia
- Kabul
- Beirut
- Tehran
- Diyarbakir
- Baghdad
- Aleppo
- Sana'a
- Paris
- Turkey
- Syria
- Iran
- Kurdistan