Category: Women
Women’s freedom, or women’s liberation, 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.
Women’s liberation is the most central pillar of the Kurdish freedom movement, and it is no exaggeration to say that the Rojava Revolution is a women’s revolution. There are many elements of the new system of radical democracy which have been created to build up women’s autonomy and freedom, such as the co-chair system, women’s co-operatives, and autonomous women’s councils in every democratic structure at every level of the system.
This is a strategy based on a historical understanding that patriarchy was the first system of oppression, developed more than 5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia, and that all other systems of oppression such as race, class, imperialism, colonialism and slavery, as well as capitalism and the state itself, all have their roots in patriachy – the rule of men and enslavement and subjugation of women.
In the articles below, you can find information about women in North and East Syria, their lives, co-operatives and communal economy projects, and how the new system aims to build up women’s confidence and autonomy. There are also articles about women’s lives, livelihoods and struggles for liberation in the regions of southeastern Turkey known as Bakur by their largely Kurdish populations.
Universities of North and East Syria: A model for a democratic and inclusive Syria
As Syria navigates the aftermath of the Assad regime’s fall, international networks of academics highlight the unique, democratic, and de-colonial education model of North and East Syria's autonomous regions as a cornerstone for a transformative and inclusive future.
Explainer: Kurdish neighborhoods besieged in Aleppo
Two Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo, Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh, are currently besieged by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) following the Islamist force’s unexpected advances and capture of Syria’s second-largest city from Bashar al-Assad’s Syrian Arab Army (SAA). These neighborhoods have maintained their autonomy from both the Assad government and the Islamist opposition since the start of the Syrian conflict, becoming a safe haven for those fleeing violence, persecution and violent repression elsewhere in Aleppo and Syria. In this explainer, Rojava Information Center (RIC) provides key information on the neighborhoods, their humanitarian and political significance, the previous violence they have endured, and the grave threat now facing these isolated neighborhoods.
The current situation in Syria – Thoughts from the Women Defend Rojava delegation
When we arrived in Rojava, the sun was shining and we had finally made it after a long journey. In the days that followed, we met many very inspiring women who told us about their revolutionary work. They gave us çay and sweets and their complete trust. Early in the morning we drove to Raqqa
“Mala Jin”: The unique women’s houses transforming Middle Eastern society
The Rojava revolution in North and East Syria has become a world-famous example of women's liberation. Women's houses - called "Mala Jin" - have played a key role in mediation and reconciliation within civil society, as well as providing education and protection for women. This article offers a detailed insight into the works of the Mala Jin.
Kongra Star Social Affairs Committee solves social problems
Kongra Star Social Affairs Committee solves the problems faced by everyone, especially women, children and people with special needs.
About Zenobiya: The Arabic Women’s Union of North and East Syria
The Zenobiya Women’s Union has been the umbrella organization of Arab women in North and East Syria since 2021 and is therefore primarily represented in the regions of Raqqa, Tabqa, Minbic and Deir ez-Zor.
Women’s Council aims to protect women from all kinds of oppression
Women’s shelters of the Women’s Protection Office, affiliated to the AANES Women’s Council, aim to protect women from all kinds of oppression by the patriarchal mindset.
Interview – Sara Organization
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. RIC interviewed Arzo Tammo, the coordinator of Sara’s Qamishlo center. Sara is an organization specifically created to address violence against women, such as combating kidnapping and underage marriage.
Exploitation of women in agriculture sector in Turkey and North Kurdistan
Large-scale agricultural production in Turkey and North Kurdistan is based on brutal exploitation, which particularly affects women, who do not even receive 16 euros for twelve-hour days in sweltering heat.
Sara Organization aims to create society without violence
The Sara Organization to Combat Violence against Women organizes awareness-raising activities to create a society without violence.
“Coffee JIN”, a Mardin municipal project to promote women’s participation in public life
A café run by women has opened in the province of Mardin, which is governed by the DEM party. "Coffee JIN" is a municipal project to promote women’s participation in public life.
