WIL, Switzerland — The Swiss branch of the Bethnahrin Women’s Union (Huyodo d’Neshe d’Bethnahrin, HNB) held its annual event yesterday in celebration of International Women’s Day, observed worldwide on 8 March. This year’s celebration was particularly notable as it coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Union’s founding and included a tribute to Martyr Izla Nariman Özgün on the first anniversary of her death.
HNB experiences a period of intensified activity at the end of February and the beginning of March each year. On 28 February, the founding of the Union is celebrated, followed by the remembrance on 6 March of Martyr Izla Nariman Özgün, who was a member of the Presidential Committee of the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo d’Bethnahrin, MUB), leading up to International Women’s Day on 8 March.
The celebration in the Swiss city of Wil featured welcoming speeches and a variety of program segments. The event opened with a moment of silence led by Edessa Celik, followed by a speech from Ligia Vogt, a representative of the organization Nosotras Aargau, who highlighted her organization’s support for migrant women’s issues.
Juliana Celik-Hadodo delivered the speech on behalf of the HNB, offering an overview of the Union’s history, its journey, and its objectives connected to International Women’s Day.
The atmosphere was enlivened by musical performances from Bashar Yuhanon and Tibelya Grigo, alongside dance and dabke performances.
Attendees also participated in a raffle with prizes and gifts. The celebration concluded with the presentation of commemorative plaques to Ayfer Gabriel and Lam’a Celik, in recognition of their ongoing contributions to promoting the union’s activities in Switzerland, marking 25 years since its establishment.