March 8: A Day of Resistance and Recognition for Kurdish Women

Leyla Eskender

International Women’s Day (IWD) is more than a celebration—it is a day of struggle, defiance, and the relentless pursuit of equality. March 8 was chosen because of its deep historical significance, rooted in women’s labor movements and revolutionary actions. But for Kurdish women, this day carries an even greater weight. It is a reminder of their centuries-long battle against oppression, their role in shaping history, and their unwavering spirit in the face of injustice.

Why March 8? The Origins of Women’s International Day

The choice of March 8 traces back to the early 1900s, when women across the world began demanding better working conditions, the right to vote, and an end to gender-based discrimination. In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City, calling for fair wages and shorter work hours. This movement inspired activists worldwide, leading to the first officially recognized International Women’s Day in 1911.

However, it was the 1917 women’s strike in Russia that cemented March 8 as the official date. On this day, women in Petrograd took to the streets demanding "Bread and Peace," protesting war, hunger, and tyranny. Their courage set off a chain reaction that led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and granted women the right to vote in Russia. In 1975, the United Nations recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day, acknowledging it as a global symbol of women’s struggles and achievements.

Kurdish Women: A Legacy of Resistance

For Kurdish women, March 8 is more than just a day of international solidarity—it is a reflection of their own fight for survival, dignity, and justice. Throughout history, Kurdish women have been at the forefront of resistance, defying both patriarchal oppression and state violence.

In the mountains, they have fought as Peshmerga warriors, standing shoulder to shoulder with men to defend their land and people. From Leyla Qasim, executed at just 22 for standing against the Ba'ath regime, to the women of Rojava leading the fight against ISIS, Kurdish women have shown the world what it means to resist.

March 8 is also a reminder of the challenges Kurdish women continue to face. In many parts of Kurdistan, they endure political persecution, gender-based violence, and systemic marginalization. Despite this, they continue to organize, educate, and empower one another. Whether through grassroots movements, activism, or leadership roles, Kurdish women are not just participants in their struggle—they are leading it.

Honoring March 8 as a Kurdish Woman

To Kurdish women, International Women’s Day is not just about commemorating the past; it is about reclaiming their voice and reaffirming their strength. It is a day to celebrate the progress made but also to remind the world that their fight is far from over.

March 8 is for the Kurdish mother who raises her children in exile, teaching them the language and history others have tried to erase. It is for the journalist who risks everything to tell the stories of her people. It is for the activist who demands justice for women silenced by honor killings. It is for the young Kurdish girl who dreams of a world where she is free to choose her own destiny.

On this day, Kurdish women stand with all women across the world—but they also stand for themselves, for their fallen sisters, and for the future generations yet to come. March 8 is not just a date on the calendar. It is a promise: that no matter the oppression, no matter the hardships, Kurdish women will continue to rise.

About Me: Standing Tall for My People

As a Kurdish woman, my journey has been one of struggle, resilience, and an unbreakable commitment to my people. I come from a lineage of fighters, of Peshmerga warriors who stood against tyranny, of strong women who refused to be silenced. I have fought my own battles—not with weapons, but with words, education, and an unwavering belief in justice.

I have faced barriers, been told my place, been underestimated, but I have never let that define me. Instead, I have risen above, standing tall and proud, using every challenge as fuel to push forward. I serve my people not out of obligation, but out of love—love for my heritage, my language, and my fellow Kurdish women who deserve to be seen, heard, and respected.

Today, I advocate for women's rights not as a distant cause, but as a personal mission. I stand with the women who have been silenced, with the girls who dare to dream, and with the mothers who continue to shape the future. March 8 is our day—not just to celebrate, but to remind the world that we are here, unyielding and unafraid.

Kurdish women do not ask for permission to exist—we claim our space, we raise our voices, and we march forward, together.

Women have long been the architects of change, shaping families, communities, and nations with resilience and wisdom. On this International Women's Day, we celebrate the strength, courage, and determination of women everywhere—breaking barriers, uplifting voices, and paving the way for a more just and equal world. May we continue to empower, support, and inspire each other to rise beyond limitations and create a future where every woman’s potential is fully realized!