İzla: A Legacy of Struggle and Empowerment

By Suphi Aksoy

Every struggle that emerges and transforms into a social issue begins with individuals. The fight for women’s rights stretches back to the dawn of human history, with women playing a crucial role in shaping society. However, as an exploitative mentality took hold, the legal balance between men and women began to erode. The foundations of justice were shaken, and the mentality of exploitation was justified, leading to a system where value-sharing among humans became institutionally established, often at the expense of the vulnerable.

Fight Against Exploitation

Throughout history, people have resorted to harsh methods to seize the labor and value of others. As social work, values, and intellectual knowledge evolved, so too did the mechanisms of exploitation, becoming more sophisticated and insidious. Despite the risks, the quest for liberation from this oppressive system continued, fueled by the determination of those who sought justice.

Alternative ideas emerged in the form of opposing institutions and organizations. Individuals with conscience and ethics raised their voices against injustice, employing educational tools to enlighten the masses. They rebelled against oppression, often risking their lives to represent truth and justice. In a world where half the population consists of women, the struggle for equality became paramount.

Women’s Historical Struggles

Women have faced discriminatory and exclusionary policies throughout history, prompting their participation in social, economic, and cultural movements aimed at alleviating the attacks against them. With the rise of industrial society, working women sought to organize themselves, viewing their struggle for improved working conditions as an urgent necessity. However, they faced intensified pressures in factories and workplaces, aimed at undermining their will.

The origin of International Women’s Day on 8 March can be traced back to the resistance of women workers in textile factories in the United States. This pivotal moment galvanized women worldwide, as leading figures raised the banner of resistance, clarifying the purpose and importance of their struggle. As the fight for women’s rights evolved across various countries, new rights were achieved, marking significant progress.

İzla’s Impact on Syriac Community

Among those who have made a profound impact is İzla, a leader who has inspired many within the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community. Since the late 1980s, İzla Neriman Özgun, as a young woman, engaged in the national and social struggle with a deep sense of nationalism and a passion for freedom. Recognizing that Syriac women were being held back in political, organizational, and intellectual spheres, she took on the responsibility of bridging this gap.

Her journey began in Tur Abdin and extended across Europe and the Middle East. For nearly forty years, she served as the voice of her people and their women, steadfastly opposing exploitation, pressure, and violence. İzla’s contributions to the women’s struggle were significant, and she embodied the principles of a free life, serving as a model for others. Through her actions and words, she instilled confidence in her peers and guided them along the path of the women’s movement.

Lasting Legacy

İzla’s passing on 6 March 2025, left a profound void in the hearts of her friends, family, and the Syriac women she championed. She will be remembered not only for her unwavering commitment to justice but also for her values, which provided solace and strength to those around her. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and the importance of empowering future generations to continue the fight for women’s rights.

The views expressed in this op-ed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of SyriacPress.