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.
Kurdish Liberation • The Free Women Movement
Women occupy a central role in the political project of « democratic autonomy » defended by the Kurdish liberation movement for the past fifteen years. We often hear talk of the parity practiced in all its institutions and of the male-female co-presidencies. But the accomplishments and the strength of the women’s movement go well beyond that and manage to unite a great number of women.
Mala Jin becomes symbol of women’s revolution
Mala Jin (Women’s House, a kind of women’s shelter) was first opened in Qamishlo. Now, it has 62 branches across northeastern Syria. It has become a space of hope and solution for women in the region and a role model for the whole world.
She plants seeds in her seedbed for 15 years
Hesna Îsa has planted seeds in her seedbed for 15 years. “Not everyone can work in agriculture. This business requires great effort. Everyone should plant trees in their land,” she said.
Women shoulder important tasks at Fırat Water Treatment Plant
Seven women work in the Fırat Water Treatment Plant opened in Raqqa. Stating that they shoulder many tasks at the plant, they drew attention to the economic problems faced by them.
Spring is unstoppable! – 10 Years of Rojava Revolution
This year we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the revolution in Rojava, in North and East Syria. This revolution has become an inspiration and hope worldwide, giving strength to many movements and struggles. It has managed to build a democratic, feminist and ecological self-government project as a social alternative. It has managed to find answers to the deepening crises of the patriarchal system and at the same time to build a common basis of life for the local people with all its diversity.
The Rojava Revolution – A Decade On (Part I)
History of the Revolution: Much Achieved, Still Much to be Done.
“A real revolution cannot be brought about by a change of power” – The Rojava education system
One of the achievements of the Rojava revolution is the establishment of a democratic and multilingual school system. While teaching the Kurdish language was forbidden before the revolution, children in northern and eastern Syria can now be taught in their own mother tongue. The Academy of Democratic Modernity spoke with Nisrîn Reşik, spokesperson for the Association of Teachers in Northern and Eastern Syria, on the tenth anniversary of the Rojava Revolution.
Jineolojî: A women’s paradigm for social liberation
"By militancy we mean the true overcoming of the lifestyle and mentalities of the individualist capitalist system and the fight against patriarchy in all aspects of life through organization and active militancy that can lead a real social change. To end patriarchy, it is not enough to point out and oppose to the hegemonic system; we need a women's revolution to question and change the most deeply rooted patriarchal relations and mentalities."
They keep working in agriculture despite great challenges
Women fill many roles in agriculture because they are the only ones who can work in hard and challenging working conditions, which include working in the heat, and even on frosty days.
Deir ez-Zor: City ruled by women after being liberated from ISIS
Women of Deir ez-Zor, who started working for the municipalities affiliated to Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria after the city was liberated from ISIS, spoke to NuJINHA about their work.
Sewing workshop in Deir ez-Zor promotes women’s economic empowerment
A sewing workshop in Deir ez-Zor, NE Syria, promotes women’s economic empowerment by organizing training courses for them.
