Category: Democracy
Democracy is one of the three main pillars of the Rojava Revolution and the stateless self-governance model of the Autonomous Administrations of North and East Syria (AANES), as well as the Kurdish freedom movement more broadly, which initiated the revolution.
Democracy here is not the same as the representative democracy model found in Western countries such as the UK, Germany and France, where one person speaks on behalf of a large number of people whose interest they do not necessarily share. This is a more radical form of democracy, which aims to build up the entire society, giving everyone the chance to participate in making decisions on issues which affect their lives.
The most basic democratic unit is the commune, or neighbourhood assembly, which meets regularly and discusses issues affecting the community. There will be a number of committees in each commune which function like working groups to focus on particular issues, such as security, agriculture or conflict resolution. There is also an autonomous women’s council in every democratic structure in the AANES. Co-chairs of different genders (and usually different ethnic or religious backgrounds) are chosen to represent the neighbourhood at the district level assembly, and from there to the city-wide assembly, and so on.
Below you can find articles with more information on the evolving democratic system of the AANES and how people are taking control of their lives and learning to work together as part of a stateless system of self-governance in North and East Syria, and southeastern Turkey.
The Women’s Authority Continues Empowering Women Despite Challenges
From social protection to political participation and economic empowerment, the Women’s Authority in Jazira Canton continues its efforts to strengthen women’s rights and safeguard their achievements in the face of security, political, and economic crises.
Kobanê University: From 32 students to international cooperation
The co-chair of Kobanê University, Şervan Mislim, said that the university, which began education in 2017 with two faculties and 32 students, has today opened dozens of faculties, has 1,600 students, and international academic relations.
Defending Life: Resistance Means Peace and Afrin Means Home
What does true peace mean in these warlike times, and what does it have to do with home?
Defending life: Interview with Zenobia Women’s Gathering
There are walls in hearts, walls between people coming together, walls blocking connection and development just like the border between the Turkish and Syrian Nation state, that is separating peoples and cities that used to be one. These days we see how walls can be overcome, with people on both side of the border chanting
Environmental Protection Forces established in North-East Syria
A new special unit has been established in North-East Syria to protect the environment. The Environmental Protection Forces are tasked with curbing environmental violations, conducting patrols, and, in the future, responding to natural disasters. The Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) has established a new special unit to protect the environment. The
Women’s Communes: An Organizational Framework to Face Challenges and Promote Equality
“Women’s communes in North and East Syria strengthen women’s roles and organize them democratically, ensuring participation in society. Born from the women’s revolution, they promote equality, freedom, and confront social and political challenges."
The Siege Weakens Economic Activity and Heavily Affects Families
The Women’s Economy Committee in the neighborhoods of al-Ashrafiya and Sheikh Maqsoud in the Syrian city of Aleppo is working to finance and implement service and productive projects to support women and challenge the reality of the siege.
Women in Deir ez-Zor take the lead in rebuilding community after war
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – For more than a decade, Syria has endured one of the most complex humanitarian crises of the modern era, as the war has reshaped social structures and redefined the roles of its people. Amid these profound transformations, Syrian women have emerged as pivotal actors—confronting daily hardships, sustaining their families, and
Women at the heart of urban planning: “Women’s Cities” project
The co-mayors of Sur in northern Kurdistan emphasized that the “Women’s Cities” project is a strategic step to rebuild cities considering women’s needs, urging women to unite and actively participate in public spaces.
Economic and Agriculture Directorates offered full support to farmers’ projects.
"The Economic and Agriculture Directorates worked to support farmers and activate vital agricultural projects in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, thereby alleviating the challenges faced by women farmers.
Women take expanded leadership positions in local councils across NE Syria
Women in North and East Syria have proven their ability to manage municipal institutions and participate actively in decision-making, supported by a unified internal system that strengthens their organization across the different regions—from service committees to leadership roles.
