JINHA

NEWS CENTER – As the town of Soma in Manisa province approaches the first anniversary of the mine disaster that killed 301 workers, the women struggling for justice called on women everywhere to show them solidarity.

When the Soma coal mine was overtaken by a fire on May 13, 2014, killing 301 workers, women transformed their sorrow and pain into organizing. It was women who suffered disproportionately after the disaster. Many were denied the aid promised to the spouses of miners because they did not have an official civil marriage. Families and neighborhoods turned against the Soma women in the fight over aid, who were left without any support or livelihood in the tiny Aegean town. Nevertheless, women have continued organizing over the last year for justice.

11 months after the disaster, a case against those responsible for the severe safety problems in the Soma mine finally began last month. The contentious first hearing lasted two weeks, with the next hearing delayed until June 15. The women say they won't abandon their fight until all those responsible are tried.

The women have issued a call for solidarity for May 10 as they continue their fight. They will hold a rally in Soma to mark the first anniversary of the disaster. They have called women from across Turkey to attend.

"In this difficult time, we need the support and solidarity of all our sisters, of all women," said the women. "Don't leave us alone on May 10."

(fk/cm)