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.
The role of women in a new Syria
On January 7, 2025, a consultative women’s forum on the role of women in a new Syria was held to which Kongra Star invited. More than 500 hundred women from various organizations and from different ethnic and cultural groups gathered in Hesekê to discuss their stance as women for a democratic Syria. A final declaration was drawn up as a result of this meeting.
Solidarity with disabilities in Aleppo
Nûdem, an organization established to provide care and support to people with disabilities, has started carrying out activities in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods.
Confederation of Democratic Society Organizations aims to be umbrella organization in NE Syria
The Confederation of Democratic Society Organization of North and East Syria aims to be an umbrella organization for all organizations in the region.
Interview – Zenobia Women’s Gathering
“We’re here to be a real source of support for women, helping them understand their role in the workplace and within their families.”
Mala Jin combats gender-based violence in shadow of attacks
Mala Jin (English: Women’s House) in Zirgan (Abu Rasin) combats gender-based violence in the shadow of Turkish attacks. “Men and women should fight together against the attacks to build a free and equal life.”
Video – #Women’s Voices from Rojava: On Turkish Occupation & society’s organizing
We recently visited the women of Kongra Star in Qamishlo City, who have organized shelters and aid for the people who have fled the Shehba and Aleppo region since the new wave of attacks by Turkish militias began.
Jinwar – Women and Mothers’ Resistance
Jinwar is a solution against violence and genocide based on the values of women’s liberation, democratic community life, ecology, friendship of peoples and religions.
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.
