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.
Women’s house, a center for resolving women’s issues in Raqqa
The Women’s house in Raqqa has become a trusted center that resolves family issues through dialogue.
City Women’s Assembly to be established in Muş
The municipality of Muş, won by the DEM Party, plans to establish a City Women’s Assembly to address women’s issues through women’s perspectives.
Jinwar – A women’s village full of change and hope in North and East Syria
Jinwar is home to many different women that have decided to join the community for a variety of different reasons. Something that unites all of them is their search for a free life in communality and the wish to learn, to strengthen and develop as women. Some of them have lost their husbands in the war, or others have freed themselves from domestic violence or forced marriage. There are also Yazidi women who have begun a new life here after they were liberated from the enslavement of ISIS.
Amed Ecology Council announces its establishment “to create a common ground for struggle”
The Amed Ecology Council advocates the construction of democratic, ecological, and women's libertarian social structures to overcome the crisis between society and nature.
Vîtariya Commune in Dêrik strengthens solidarity
The Vîtariya Commune built in Dêrik (Al-Malikiyah) aims to strengthen solidarity among different ethnic identities in the city.
Oil pollution devastates Rojava: Toxic air, cancer, and barren land threaten recovery
North and East Syria (Rojava) suffers from extensive oil pollution caused by Turkish bombardments of oil refineries, significantly affecting rivers, fields, and air quality, and leading to an increase in cancer cases among residents.
“Women’s culture is the start of women’s revolution” – Culture, History and women’s Liberation in North an East Syria: Hîlala Zêrîn
Hîlala Zêrîn translates to “golden crescent moon” and refers to the Fertile Crescent, the territory between the Zagros and Taurus mountains. This region was the birthplace of the Neolithic revolution and the location of the earliest civilizations and cities. Archaeologists have also found evidence of ancient matriarchal societies in the Fertile Crescent.
Cooperatives promote women’s economic empowerment in NE Syria
Kongra Star continues to develop projects and establish cooperatives in northeastern Syria to promote women’s economic empowerment.
Harvest of barley starts on foothills of Mount Kizwanan
Women living in the village of Fiwêda, located on the foothills of Mount Kizwanan have already started harvesting barley.
Hêvî Kindergarten provides safe learning environment to children in Hasakah
Hêvi, a kindergarten opened in the city of Hasakah, aims to provide a safe learning environment to children and support working mothers.
Women’s High University for Art and Culture
Today in North and East Syria the art and culture movement has developed further, building the Women’s High University for Art and Culture. The university is based in Haseke and is part of Hilala Zerin, an autonomous women’s organisation for art and culture. This article explores the university’s role within Hilala Zerin and its impact on the broader mission of building a democratic society and women’s freedom.
