Emakume Askea... Lur Askea

Skalariak's song 'Emakume Askea... Lur Askea' is a powerful anthem that intertwines the struggles of women and the land, emphasizing their mutual quest for freedom. The lyrics, sung in Basque, reflect a deep connection between the oppression of women and the exploitation of the land. The song opens with a poignant image of women's suffering, likening their pain to hidden political prisoners. This metaphor highlights the often invisible and unacknowledged labor and sacrifices of women, drawing a parallel to the unseen toil of the land.

The chorus reinforces this connection, declaring that fertile land cannot exist without the labor of women, and true freedom cannot be achieved without the liberation of women. This statement underscores the essential role of women in society and the necessity of their emancipation for any genuine progress. The repetition of the phrase 'Nor garaile? Nor nagusi?' (Who is the victor? Who is the master?) followed by 'Denborak erranen, lurrak erranen!' (Time will tell, the land will tell!) suggests that the ultimate judgment of justice and freedom will come from the passage of time and the state of the land.

The song also touches on themes of hidden labor and exploitation, describing women as 'Isilpeko langile' (silent workers) in a 'mundane krudelean' (cruel world) dominated by 'langile gizon txurien' (white working men). This critique of patriarchal and colonial systems highlights the intersectional nature of the struggle for freedom. The repeated call for 'Emakumea ta lurra... Libre!' (Women and land... Free!) serves as a rallying cry for solidarity and liberation, emphasizing that the fight for women's rights and environmental justice are deeply interconnected.