After the center in Silêmanî, another “women’s library”, which Nagihan Akarsel dreamed of, was also opened in Wan under the name “Library and Research Center of Women’s Works”. Hundreds of books from the fields of history, anatomy, philosophy, literature and ideology await female readers in this center.
The Wan Municipality opened the “Women’s Works Library and Research Center” in Akköprü district in the center of Tûşba district on December 7. The Women’s Library, which was the dream of Jineoloji Research Academy employee Nagihan Akarsel, who was murdered in Silêmanî on October 4, 2022, has now also been launched in Wan after Silêmanî.
Eylem Aktı, Jineoloji Magazine staff member, pointed out that the Women’s Works Library and Research Center was opened to provide a unique space for women, adding that it also functions as a self-defense center.
Wide range of books
Speaking to Jinnews about the books in the library, Eylem Aktı said: “The books were selected based on suggestions. Some writers brought their own books as gifts. The books that are currently in the library are only a part of it, more will be added. Suggestions and book lists are always being submitted. There is a wide range of books, from women’s stories to anatomy books. There are books by women writers from the women’s movement, Kurdish books, ideological books by women who have participated in feminist movements, as well as many books about women’s history.
From Virginia Woolf to Nagihan
Aktı recalled Nagihan Akarsel’s dream of a “women’s library” and continued as follows: “The center opened here is the continuation of the women’s library opened by Nagihan Akarsel’s successors in Silemanî. The opening of the center means that we have not forgotten and will not forget Nagihan and the women who continue their struggle in the dungeons and in the fields. In addition, Virginia Woolf, who occupies an important place in the history of feminism, had a project for women’s libraries called “Women’s Rooms”. As successors of Virginia and Nagihan, we will continue to realize their dreams”.
Aktı pointed out that the mobile women’s libraries project will soon be operational: “We should be aware of the importance of our unique facilities. We need to come together in these facilities and explain how valuable it is to support each other.”