*NUR DEMİR
Arel University student told her November 25th story.
The women’s struggle continues vigorously today, as it has throughout history.
Zilan from Arel University told her November 25th story.
Campus: A field of struggle or a zone of silence?
“Universities are the heart of social transformation,” said Zilan, and indicated that issues such as gender inequality and violence against women are not discussed enough on campuses. She said that it is a common approach among students to bring up femicides, depending on the extent of the brutality, and then forget about them. Criticising this situation, she emphasised the importance of women’s studies clubs and students’ active struggles.
The Arel University student, who stated that the space of freedom on their campus is more expansive than other universities, said that they have recently encountered censorship on the grounds of “the sensitive times.” She expressed their determination with the following words:
“If we are asked to take one step back, we will take three steps forward. Taking a step back is never an option in our struggle.” Reminding that the highest number of femicides in history was reached in October, Zilan stated that 375 women have lost their lives due to male violence so far in 2024. Despite this picture, she noted that they are fighting against policies that feed misogyny and hate speech against women targeted on social media:
“The voices rising from campuses are the strongest evidence of our solidarity. We will not leave any of our sisters alone.”
Zilan stated that they held the third of the November 25th panels they organised as the Women’s Studies Club this year, saying, “With our four panellists, we raised our voices for equality, freedom and safe campuses.” Emphasising that they will not allow violence to become normality in their lives, she calls to grow solidarity with the following words: “Our struggle for an equal and free life will continue. Let not one more person be lost!”
Conclusion: Hope is spreading from campus to society
Zilan’s stories reveal how the women’s struggle started on campus and spread to society. The Arel University student’s determination and words remind us that everyone can contribute to the struggle as part of the women’s movement. “Every voice is important, every step is valuable,” says Zilan. This struggle, which has been carried from the Mirabel sisters to the present, continues to be an essential source of inspiration for women’s journey to equality and freedom.
