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.
“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.
DEM Party launches new women’s initiative in Kurdish-majority Mardin: Coffee JIN
Mardin’s (Mêrdîn) pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party-led municipality has inaugurated Coffee JIN, a café exclusively staffed by women, aiming to promote women’s participation in social life. The initiative is part of a broader effort to boost women’s employment and create supportive spaces for women in the city.
Demsal Cooperative promotes women’s economic empowerment in Hasakah
Kongra Star Economy Committee in Hasakah started Demsal Cooperative promoting women’s economic empowerment for the socioeconomic development and building a free and democratic society.
Hevrîn Xelef, a pioneer for the future of Syria
Kurdish politician Hevrin Xelef was brutally murdered by a jihadist militia during the Turkish invasion of northern Syria five years ago. Her commitment as Secretary General of the Syrian Future Party is not forgotten.
First harvest of ‘Women’s City Garden’: We earn a living by producing
“Women’s City Garden” opened by the Rêya Armûşê (İpekyolu) Municipality held by the DEM Party has yielded its harvest. “We get what we produce,” said Sebiha Yakut, one of the women working in the garden.
Growing University System in DAANES Begins a New Year
Another school year has begun in the university system in the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES). Over 3,000 students attend the three DAANES universities, Rojava University, located in Qamishlo, Kobane University in Kobane, and the newest, Al-Sharq University in Raqqa. A fourth, the University of Afrin, was forced to close following the Turkish occupation of the city in 2018.
Jinkart, facilitating freedom of movement for women
In order to make it easier for women to participate in public life, "Jinkart" project has been introduced in Kurdish cities in Turkey. The municipal projects for women that were shut down under state administration are being reactivated.
Building Alternative Universities in the Midst of War and Revolution
The Democratic Autonomous Administration of North-Eastern Syria (DAANES) is building an alternative education system under siege from multiple powers, defying the control of the Ba’athist education system of the Assad regime as well as the Turkish occupation forces and their proxies. The alternative system has accomplished such measures as the reintroduction of the Kurdish language for young students—drastically altering the way of life in the region. However, building institutions of higher education in an area where many native Kurds could not even have Syrian citizenship two decades ago poses a major challenge.
Women of Deir ez-Zor keep growing cotton despite difficulties
Women of Deir ez-Zor keep growing cotton despite all the difficulties caused by climate change and the ongoing attacks.
Agriculture projects create employment opportunities in Shahba
Agriculture projects started by Afrin-Shahba Agricultural Council create employment opportunities for displaced people of Afrin and the people of Shahba.
Evîn Siwêd: The Autonomous Administration’s solution strategy is clear
On the sixth anniversary of the establishment of the Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria, Evîn Sîwêd from the Executive Council said they are determined to bring about a political solution and to preserve the integrity of Syria.
