Rojava

The Assad family has ruled Syria under dictatorship for 40 years. The official name for the country is the ‘Syrian Arab Republic’, formally denouncing the existence of Kurds, Assyrians, Armenians, Turkmen and many other minorities, despite the rich tapestry of cultures and languages that have always inhabited these lands.

In 2012, in the midst of the Syrian Civil War, the rule of the Assad Regime weakened in the Kurdish majority northern regions. The Rojava Revolution was announced on 19 July 2012. The Kurdish term Rojava includes the regions of northern Syria where the revolution began and was the strongest, such as Kobani and Afrin, and regions which today are under occupation by the Turkish military and allied militias, such as Serekaniye and Afrin.

Rojava is Kurdish for West. It refers to the land in the western part of Kurdistan (the land where Kurds live), in the north of Syria. However, today the revolution has spread far outside of these regions and over a third of Syria.

Below you can find articles about co-operatives, communal and women’s economy, daily life, livelihoods, and the three pillars of the Rojava Revolution in the regions today governed by the Autonomous Administrations of North and East Syria (AANES): democracy, women’s freedom and ecology.

 

“Research and heritage management should be led by local populations” – Vision, conservation NGO

In December 2023, RIC interviewed Vision, a heritage and conservation NGO in Raqqa; a city whose rich cultural heritage was heavily destroyed by ISIS during the time of the so-called Caliphate. Vision coordinator, Ezzat Suleiman al-Mouh, describes Vision’s efforts to both preserve historical artefacts and sites in Raqqa, as well as encourage interest and further education in archaeology amongst the population.

Farmers of Syria’s Hasakah resort to solar energy

Across the farmlands in areas in northeast Syria, where agriculture takes the top spot, installing solar panels have become the best option for farmers to irrigate their crops amid fuel and power shortages.

Preparing women’s contract in NE, Syria in coming months

Fawza Youssef indicated that work on preparing a women's contract will begin in Norh and East Syria in the coming months.

Kongra Star delegation visits JINWAR women’s village

JINWAR is the only village in the Middle East where only women live. It was opened on 25 November 2018 on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Raqqa’s rebirth gives hope

Raqqa has taken steps to recover from the devastating effects of ISIS occupation and war. The change and transformation in the city give hope.

Turkey blocks flow of Euphrates, rendering 9 water stations in NE Syria inoperative

Turkey's decision to cut off the flow of water in the Euphrates River has resulted in nine water pumping stations in northern Syria being out of service, exacerbating the region's water crisis.

Sacîda El-Esed: We have changed the perspective of tribes towards women

Speaking about their works and activities in North and East Syria, Tell Majdel City Council Co-chair Sacîda Al-Ased says they have changed the perspective of tribes towards women by raising awareness.

Council of Martyrs’ Families: The Heart of the Revolution

So far, 11,804 fighters have died in the defense of Northern and Eastern Syria. New ones are added every day due to the attacks. The Council of the Families of Martyrs takes care of the relatives in eight committees and 199 municipalities.

Syria and Rojava after Maras-centered earthquake

The Maras-centered earthquakes destroyed more than a hundred buildings in Syria and Rojava. 3,581 people lost their lives and 5,348 were injured. Thousands are still under the rubble in the Turkish-occupied areas as the death toll is not disclosed.

NE Syria: Women’s Foundation to develop new projects in 2023

710 women received certificates after attending language and training courses organized by the Syrian Free Women’s Foundation in 2022. The foundation aims to develop new projects for women in 2023.

The Rojava Revolution – A Decade On (Part I)

History of the Revolution: Much Achieved, Still Much to be Done.

Sara Women’s Organization to open new branches in 2022

Sara Women’s Organization, which carried out many actions, events, campaigns, protests, and followed many violence trials to combat gender-based violence in 2021, will open new branches in 2022.

Women of Afrin earn living with their skills

Women, who were displaced to Shahba Canton after the Turkish state occupied Afrin, earn a living with their skills due to rising prices caused by the embargo imposed by the Syrian government on Shahba Canton.

Turkish Dams Could Cause Environmental Disaster In Aleppo Region

Only one kilometer from Shahba Dam in the northern countryside of Syria’s Aleppo governorate, , the 50-year-old farmer Mahmoud Osso is staring at his land, which he has not cultivated this year due to drought and lack of rainfall.

Internally Displaced Women Run restaurant in Syria’s north Aleppo Countryside

Along with three other displaced women, Zeyneb Battal, an IDP [internally displaced person] from the city of Afrin, northwest Syria, is busy preparing kibbeh (a fried ball of spiced ground meat, onions, and grain, popular in Middle Eastern cuisine) and other dishes in a small restaurant in the town of Fafeen in the northern Aleppo countryside.

The Work of the Health Committee

The Health Committee was established on 6/12/2020 and is responsible for organizing and promoting women’s health work and stands against the policies of global capitalist powers that monopolize health care and make it a profit sector. It deals with the issue of health in all spheres of life physically, psychologically, spiritually, politically and socially, in contrast to the distortions caused by capitalist modernity which defines health only within the framework of the good physical condition of the person.

“Letting society solve its own problems”: Developing a New Justice System in Northern Syria

The Syrian regime under the Ba’ath Party of Bashar al-Assad is not only infamous for its war crimes and human rights abuses during the war in Syria, but also held a thick record of systematic violence prior to the uprisings in 2011. Apart from its extensive intelligence apparatus, its law and justice system enshrined authoritarianism and state power in the legal realm. The population of Syria, and minorities in particular, were taught to fear the law as the representative will of the oppressive state. In northern Syria, since the beginning of the revolution in Rojava in 2012, manifold initiatives have been systematically launched to undo the state and its domination not only in the realm of politics and society, but also in the psychology of people, who experienced not only Assad’s regime, but more recently the fascist rule of ISIS. Efforts are led not only in the sphere of law and justice, but also in the realm of grassroots-organizing, education and political, economic and social action. There are many difficulties however. What could an alternative, non-statist justice system look like? Let us take a look at Anja Hoffmann’s observations from an Arabic language justice academy in Tel Marouf…

Women in Deir ez-Zor break barriers, excel in administrative work

Administrative women in Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria, believe that they have reached a significant milestone in the realm of administrative work. They attribute this progress to the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), which has provided ample opportunities for women to demonstrate their capabilities and expertise. For a long time, women in the

10 ways how the Turkish State destroys nature to wage war on Rojava

For the recently announced new invasion we have to expect chemical weapons attacks of Turkey! Already during the Turkish invasion of Serêkaniyê in 2019 the Turkish state used chemical weapons, including white phosphorus and napalm. 33 people were burned in this attack. Nature is being harmed and transformed in the long run. “Effects of chemical

Harvest season for barley, wheat starts in Deir ez-Zor

Women of Deir ez-Zor, who have started reaping barley and wheat crops, complain that they could not get the desired results from the crops due to the insufficient rainfall and the low water level of the Euphrates River.

Women farmers in Deir ez-Zor affected by water shortage

Women farmers in Deir ez-Zor, who have been suffering from water shortage as Turkey has cut off the water flowing into the Euphrates River, call on the international community to put pressure on Turkey.

Families in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor manufacture mud bricks to sustain food security

Mish’an al-Saleh, resident of Hajin city, 100 km east of Deir ez-Zor, east Syria, found mud bricks as an affordable alternative of cement construction to build his family’s house.

Webinar on the Rojava Revolution at the World Social Forum in Nepal

On the morning of 17 February, a session was held on “Rojava Revolution, an Alternative World Being Built in North and East Syria,” organized by the Civil Diplomacy Center in North and East Syria, in collaboration with the Kongra Star Women’s Movement and the Jineology Center. 50 people from all over the world participated online to learn about the methods of the people- and women-led revolution in North and East Syria.

Baxoz Water Station being repaired

The Public Services Committee is working to minimise the problems caused by the reduction of the Euphrates river carried out by Turkey. To this end, the Baxoz water station is currently being repaired.

Support will secure job opportunities: factory owners in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor

Abdullah al-Mirkaz, a detergent factory owner in the city of Hajin, in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, east Syria, cannot afford to buy additional machines or hire more workers, despite their necessity for his growing business.

Baghouz Water Station Comes into Service

The water station repaired by the People's Municipality of Baghouz town in Deir ez-Zor, is expected to be put into service in 25 days.

Dam in Syria’s Raqqa about to stop operating

Director of al-Hurriya Dam in the town of Mansoura, southwest of Raqqa Governorate, northern Syria, said the dam’s production decreased from 75 to 14 megawatts per hour due to the lack of water supply from Turkey.

A Catastrophic Decline in Summer Crops in Mansoura as Turkey Blocks the Flow of the Euphrates

Wheat and other crops that the people of al-Mansoura town, southeast of Tabqa [Tebqa / Al-Thawrah], rely on in their daily survival have declined to less than half as Turkey continues blocking the flow of the Euphrates river, which constitutes a violation of the Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses. The Euphrates passes through Turkey, Syria
Tabqa, dam, Rojava, Syria, Kurdistan

Turkey is Using Water as a Weapon of War

Turkey has always shown little understanding of the environment, also from an ecological point of view. It has shown no mercy towards nature and people, destroying the landscape and burying a millennia of history under water. One of the most perverse and ruthless ways of interfering in a country without actually entering it is by cutting

Women of North and East Syria Revive Traditions

The aim of the Women’s Economic Committee in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsud neighbourhood is to support women. 13 women work in one of their projects making hand crafted and embroidered products. The project aims to involve a large number of people, especially unemployed women. Workers were trained in hand embroidery and the use of various labels.

The communes of Sheikh-Maqsoud are an actual implementation of Democratic Nation Theory

The neighborhoods of Sheikh-Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in the Syrian city of Aleppo have been under a suffocating siege for years by the Syrian regime forces, and this siege continues, contrary to all human rights laws, even after the area was exposed to a devastating earthquake, a number of buildings fell, and dozens of civilians were killed and dozens injured, and the psychological suffering of children continues and the elderly.

Hemze Kobanê fell a martyr as a result of attack in Şêxmeqsûd

An attack has been carried out on members of the Autonomous Administration economic committee in Şêxmeqsûd in the north of Aleppo. Hemze Kobanê was killed and three other people were injured.

Rîhan Temo: War policies cause ecological destruction

Pointing out that the war policies of the ruling powers cause ecological destruction, Rîhan Temo, Spokesperson of the Ecology Committee of Kongra Star, said that despite warnings for earthquakes, the Turkish state did not ensure the safety of the people

Small agricultural project turns into basic source of income for Four families

The agricultural project that started last year in al-Sheikh Maksoud neighborhood achieved positive results in achieving an economic return for the families that adopted it, in a way that helped them expand it to include livestock breeding and launch future plans.

Communal Co-operative Production by Families in Sheikh Maqsoud

Despite the attacks and threats, the people of Rojava and Northern Syria continue to build their communalist social model.

Turkey’s Reduction Of Khabur River Water Threatens Fishery In Syria’s Northeast

Fishermen expressed on Sunday their concern over the increasing level of the pollution in the water of al-Basel Dam, south of Hasakah, northeast Syria, which led to the death of many fish.

The Attempt to Dry Up a Revolution

The Turkish state uses water as a weapon against the population in North and East Syria.

Interview: Sozda Ahmed from Heseke Water Bureau on water cut-offs, impact on Corona prevention

Sozda Ahmed is the co-chair of the Water Bureau for Heseke canton. She was interviewed on 8 April 2020.

Plans to provide water in southern countryside of Hasakah

The Municipality of Al-Arisha, in cooperation with the Water Directorate in Al-Hasakeh, activated a mini drinking water station, and contracted with tanks to transport water from the wells to cover the needs of the people of the region.

Model organization for all women: Kongra Star [parts 9 and 10]

Women in Rojava improve economy Pointing out that the women have improved the economy in Rojava, Armanc Mihemed, executive of the Economy Committee of Kongra Star, said that they have achieved significant successes by realizing many projects.

Rojava Gardens provide fresh produce and a livelihood for people

The Rojava Gardens in Serekaniye’s Eziziye village has become the livelihood of many migrant families with the vegetables and fruits grown.

Shehmaran Health Center for Natural Medicine opened in Shehba

In Sheba, a region where thousands of people who fled Afrin because of the Turkish occupation of Afrin in 2018 have been living for the last 6 years, a health center for natural medicine was opened by the Kongra Star Health Committee on January 15, the anniversary of their foundation. This center is intended to

About the Youth conference on the methods of Sociology of Freedom – as a solution for social problems

More than 150 young people came together, for the first youth conference focused on the methods of the paradigm, named “With the methods of Sociology of Freedom we will solve the problem of the youth”.

Kurdish Red Crescent builds housing for those affected by earthquake in Shahba

The Kurdish Red Crescent is working on a project to build housing units for those affected by the earthquake in al-Shahba district, with donations made by the people of Sulaymaniyah as part of the “We Keep You Comfortable” campaign.

Afrin-Shehba Women’s Assembly develops projects to empower displaced women

Afrin-Shehba Women’s Assembly develops projects to empower displaced women

Women’s Assembly supports displaced women by developing projects

Afrin-Shahba Women’s Assembly develops projects on Shahba to empower displaced women economically.

Agricultural projects of Kongra Star aim to empower women

The Economy Committee of the Kongra Star has launched a new agricultural project to support displaced women.

“Jiyan Restaurant” provides job opportunities for women

Women are employed in Jiyan Restaurant, which was opened by the project of the Women's Committee in Shehba. Women working in Jiyan Restaurant, where mainly local dishes are served, are happy to achieve their economic freedom.

Vegetable Market Run by Afrin Women Opens in Shehba

The vegetable market will be opened after the Eid al-Adha, from 7 am to 7 pm and 60 women will work in it.

Project for Women Refugees from Afrin Kicks off in Shehba

Project mangers said that their work will be expanded to produce yogurt, pepper and tomato paste and added that products will be sold and profit shared among women.

​Commune’s Work Provides Streets of Al Ahdath Area with Electricity

A number of communes in the Al Ahdath area of Al Shahba canton, in a co-operative work, installed light bulbs in the streets.

How North and East Syria’s Co-operatives and Autonomous Structures Handle a Pandemic

North and East Syria faces serious challenges in the fight against COVID-19. 600,000 IDPs and refugees live in camps across the region, their situation already precarious without a pandemic. Ongoing attacks by Turkish forces, Turkey-backed militias, and ISIS complicate the security situation and threaten essential civilian infrastructure like water lines. According to the Rojava Information Center,

AANES to establish new water station in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor

An official of Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) said that they are working on a station which will feed 1,000 homes in the villages of Hariza and Barshim, eastern Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria.

Humanitarian disaster looms in Hesekê and Deir ez-Zor

There is an extreme water shortage in northern and eastern Syria. The water level in the Hesekê dam has dropped massively. A humanitarian catastrophe is looming in the greater regions of Hesekê and Deir ez-Zor.

Turkish water policy in Syria and Iraq

In light of the conditions that Syria is currently facing, water has been cut off from North-east Syria and Iraq, and a policy is being pursued to starve and dehydrate millions of innocent civilians. This is not only happening on top of the current political conflicts in the region and its associated inhospitable living conditions but amidst the corona pandemic – all of which is taking place in front of the international community.

Al-Basira council managed to provide basic needs of residents of town

The People's Council continues to provide basic services to the people of the town and its villages. In a short period of time, the council was able to take a positive step towards the reconstruction of the town and to provide drinking water and irrigation to the town and its villages.

NGO provides training, job opportunities for women in NE Syria

Khalat joined a sewing training course organized by the Foundation of the Free Women in Syria in the city of Qamishli, northeastern Syria, four years ago. She learned the profession and then landed a job within a sewing workshop affiliated with the Foundation. “I got a job opportunity in the workshop after mastering the profession,

Turkish attacks on civilian settlements in Rojava continue – numerous service institutions out of service

The Executive Council of Cizîr Canton Democratic Autonomous Administration made a press statement in front of Mihemed Şêxo Culture and Art Centre in Qamishlo about the latest wave of Turkish attacks on the region which followed the serious blow suffered by the Turkish army in its war against guerrilla forces in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Turkish attacks on northern Syria have been going on since Friday night, targeting not only residential areas but also service institutions. The press statement was read by Talet Yûnis, Co-Chair of the Executive Council, and Gulistan Îsmaîl, Co-Chair of the Board of Education and Training. The statement said that the Turkish army bombed infrastructure, services and strategic places in Dêrik, Tirbespiyê, Rimêlan and Çilaxa districts of Cizir Canton between 12-14 December. As a result of the ongoing attacks, service organisations providing water, electricity and agriculture to the region were left out of service, it noted. The Executive Council pointed out that these attacks, which violate international law, hinder efforts to fight terrorism, vowing that solidarity and resistance will be strengthened in the face of the attacks, the gains of the revolution will be protected, and the plans for displacement and demographic change in the region will be foiled. The Cizîr Canton Democratic Autonomous Administration called on the active forces in Syria, the international community, legal and humanitarian organisations to stop the attacks of the occupying Turkish state and to hold it to account for its crimes against humanity. The Executive Council also called on the people of the region to unite around their institutions and protect the gains of the revolution.

Foam factory covers demand, produces new products in Syria’s Derik

A factory in Derik countryside, northeast Syria, has been producing rebound foam for more than two years, and is the first of its kind in the Syrian Jazira region.

New Co-operatives in Rojava to Consolidate the Participatory Economy

The House of Co-operatives in Girkê Legê district seeks to establish more co-operative societies in order to promote the principle of the participatory economy and to consolidate social ties among all groups of society.

Co-operatives in Til Hemis provide employment and contribute to social economy

Co-operatives opened in Til Hemis provide employment for citizens and contribute to the social economy.

First cheese and dairy factory opened in Syria’s Derik

On Sunday, the Economic and Agriculture Board of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) opened the first cheese and dairy factory in the city of Derik, far northeast Syria.

Building Peace

Thanks to the primarily-Kurdish female fighters in the YPJ militia, many people now know that a women’s revolution is underway in North and East Syria (NES), the autonomous region more commonly known as Rojava. Women are organizing autonomously in civil society, and participating as co-chairs with guaranteed 50% representation from the highest levels of the new

Are the fires a war against Rojava’s economy?

ISIS was defeated in the military arena, but now the Northern and Eastern Syrian Federation is fighting against fires. With the start of the harvest season, suspicious fires have destroyed decares of cultivated lands.

Turkish attacks cause massive losses to poultry farm in Syria’s Kobani

Turkish airstrikes in the city of Kobani in northern Syria on Jan. 14, led to the complete destruction of a poultry farm and resulted in losses totalling tens of thousands of dollars. 

Civil campaign in Syria’s Raqqa aim at reintegrating ISIS women into society

In mid-summer 2021, local, social and civil committees were formed under the name of “Dispute Solving Committees”. It was made up largely of tribal leaders and activists of civil society organizations in Tabqa, Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor. Last February, those committees initiated a campaign under the name “Among your Relatives” to re-integrate ISIS-related families returning from Hawl Camp into society based on tribal sponsorships.

Girê Spi Canton Assembly Economic Committee implements project to support refugees

Girê Spi Canton Assembly Economic Committee implemented a communal project to support the refugees in Girê Spi Camp.

Women in NE Syria play great role in shaping AANES structure

Women have played a prominent role in Northeast Syria since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, starting from cities like Hasakah, Qamishli, Afrin, Kobani, and extending to Raqqa, Tabqa, Manbij, and Deir ez-Zor. They have actively participated in various sectors, including military, social, political, economic, and others.

Raqqa Canton assemblies and communes hold first meeting

Raqqa Canton General Assembly held its first meeting with the assemblies and communes in Raqqa, Manbij, Tabqa and Deir ez-Zor, and decided to expand the struggle to ensure freedom for Abdullah Öcalan.

AANES’ Social Contract, 2023 Edition

The Social Contract of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the North and East Syria Region

Women of Manbij earning living from fishing

Women of Manbij catch fish at the banks of Euphrates to earn a living.

An Overview of AANES Women’s Institutions in Manbij

The case of Manbij, liberated from ISIS by the SDF in August 2016, shows how women in a multi-ethnic Syrian city used AANES [the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria] frameworks to build institutions, take on leadership roles, and organize in their communities to change discriminatory attitudes.

Manbij Women Develop Their Own Economy

With a view to empowering women and developing themselves economically, the Women's Committee opened the Women's Economy Center in Manbij city and its rural areas on 20 November, 2017 as a starting point for launching plans to activate the role of women in the economic sphere, and confirm of [their] basic role and [their] achievements in work at all levels.

Beit Al-Barakah Co-operative Prepared Winter Supplies in Two Months

The ten workers in Al Barakah Co-operative are about to finish making the winter supplies, such as dried vegetables, pickles, pumpkin jam and olives. The Women’s Council announced the formation of this co-operative, in co-ordination with the Committee of Economy and Municipalities. The co-operative is called Beit Al Barakah [House of Delight], and it aims to get women

The First Women’s Co-op in Manbij: The House of Delight

The Women’s Committee in Manbij formed a co-operative for women on 6 September in co-ordination with the Economic Committee. It included a number of women who will make winter foods and distribute them to the markets. The co-operative includes 10 workers who joined as members by buying 16 shares.

An Important Project Develops Women’s Economy

The Women's Committee of the Civil Democratic Administration in Manbij started working in the sewing workshop which was named on behalf of the Martyr Sakina Asalieh.

The Role of Co-operative Societies in Developing Rojava’s Economy

The Economic Committee in Manbij has opened many co-operatives to improve the economy and curb monopoly.

A Meeting with the Veterinary Pharmacy Co-operative Distributes Dividends

The Administration of Co-operative Societies related to to the Economic Committee in Manbij held a meeting with members of the Agricultural and Veterinarian Pharmacy Co-operative at the Centre of Economics to distribute the co-op's dividends.

Mualda Co-operative to Provide Electricity to 200 Houses in Village of Manbij

The people of Fars al-Ghanam village in the countryside of eastern Manbij have formed a co-operative society to run an electric generator in co-ordination with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Economic Committee in Manbij.

The Consumer Co-op of Manbij

The House of Co-operatives has coordinated with the Economic Assembly has to hold a meeting with the share holders in the Manbij Consumer Co-operative.

Turkish airstrikes on the civil infrastructure are a threat to a self-sustainable society

Since the night of December the 23rd, the Turkish State is carrying out a new wave of attacks against the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. It again commits numerous war crimes by attacking and killing civilians, destroying infrastructure and health institutions. They are directly destroying the basis of life and existence of the people.

From Rojava to all freedom-loving people of the world

Today is the 25th of December. At this moment, there are sounds of war planes in the air.

Building the Women’s Revolution: Women’s Communes in Efrîn Canton

Before the Turkish occupation, Efrîn was a center of the ‘women’s revolution’ that North and East Syria has become famous for. Women’s institutions based on direct democracy and aimed at addressing gender inequality and other social challenges were active, and laws and policies mandating political equality had been put into practice. Efrîn Canton saw minimal

What do we want to re-build? Earth as the source of life, not as an enemy

Mutual support has expanded: from the families, the neighborhoods, friends in the region to all around the world. People self-organizing have proved once more the strength that we, the people, have. This proves the necessity to recover the trust in our capacities; the ability to reflect, overcome and solve problems together; the awareness of our interconnections; the relations and actions that put them into practice; the questioning of our real necessities and aims connected to life.

Olives stolen from Afrin on the world market

Since the occupation of Afrin in March 2018, the Turkish state has established a regime of looting and exploitation. Olive and olive products were the main source of income in the region before the invasion. With the Turkish invasion, Afrin’s olive groves have been plundered and have become a source of funding for militiamen from the Turkish-established mercenary “Syrian National Army” (SNA). The SNA militias loot the region’s olive production and bring it to the world market via Turkey.

Explainer: Afrin, 5 years under Turkish occupation

For the fifth anniversary of the Turkish invasion, in this explainer we want to focus on four aspects of the current situation of the Afrin region: SNA crimes, administration and living conditions, forced demographic change, and new role of HTS (Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, the dominant militant group in Idlib).

The First Women’s Agricultural Coop in Cindirêsê

The first women's agricultural cooperative society has been formed in the area of Cindirêsê in Afrîn, with the participation of twelve members from Kongreya Star, the communes and civil society in the area. 

Emîra Bekir: Rajo was like paradise before it was occupied

In an interview with NuJINHA, Emîra Bekir talked about the history and natural beauty of the Rajo town of Afrin Canton.

The Afrin Resistance

This report by the Information Centre of Afrin Resistance was first published on 25 January, 2018. Sadly, Afrin is now completely under the control of Turkey and its Jihadist allies. We are publishing it now because we believe it is important to maintain an awareness of the situation of Afrin and its history.

Inanna Agricultural Co-operative Harvests Onions and Garlic

After two months of hard work, Inanna Agricultural Co-operative, which is supervised by Kongreya Star in Afrin has started harvesting the crops of green onions and garlic, and selling them in the markets of the region.

Afrin IDP women take up sewing for living in Syria’s Aleppo

Karim and other women work in a sewing workshop in Sardam Camp, which shelters IDPs of Afrin, in Aleppo northern countryside. The women all share the same goal to challenge the hardships of displacement and provide for their families.

“When we say defense, most people think of weapons, but this is not all” – HPC, North and East Syria’s Civil Defense Forces

While North and East Syria’s (NES) Women’s and People’s Defense Units (the YPJ and YPG) have taken worldwide headlines for their role in the defeat of ISIS’ caliphate and continue to garner attention, a much lesser-known force in NES is the HPC – Civil Defense Forces. The HPC exist across the region of NES: small, neighborhood groups of volunteers who undertake defense activities on a local level in a decentralized manner. HPC-Jin is the women’s arm of the force. RIC followed the activities of different HPC groups around NES, visited HPC centers, and interviewed several HPC members to shed light on their work, explore how “defense” is defined within the HPC and see the challenges they face.

Kiosk bookstores in 7 cities and provinces of Rojava provide quicker access to books

Kiosk bookstores were established in 7 cities and provinces of Rojava to provide quicker access to books, magazines and newspapers, as well as to spread the reading culture.

Model organization for all women: Kongra Star [Parts 3 and 4]

Rihan Loqo: Kongra Star organizes everywhere Riham Loqo, a coordination member of the Kongra Star in Rojava, states that the works of Kongra Star spread everywhere, “We will continue to work in line with the Democratic Nation Paradigm.”

Binefsh Water Plant: A Pioneering Step Toward Enhancing Participatory Economics

Binefsh Water Filtering and Bottling Plant Co-operative is another step toward enhancing participatory work, achieving self sufficiency, supporting people with limited income, and creating jobs.

Impressions of Rojava: a report from the revolution

In early December an international delegation visited Rojava’s Cezire [Jazira] canton where they learned about the ongoing revolution, cooperation and tolerance.

Economic projects for women in Deir ez-Zor continue to flourish

The bakery produces 4 tons of bread daily and tries to meet the needs of the people with overtime in case of higher demand.

Deir ez-Zor Women Strengthen their Economy through co-operatives

The women of Deir ez-Zor have started to take on a leading role in all areas after the region was liberated and are now strengthening their economies through the cooperatives they build.

Farmers in Al-Jarniyah Face Disaster if Turkey Continues Hogging Euphrates Water

Farmers in Al-Jarniyah have had to stop harvesting summer crops as a result of Turkey cutting the flow of the Euphrates river. The farmers rely on the flow of the Euphrates to irrigate their crops. About 70% of the people in Al-Jarniyah and its countryside use farming as a primary source of income, but a disastrous
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The ‘Future Society for Tailoring’ Co-operative in Tabqa

The House of Co-operatives in the Democratic Self-administration in Tabqa in co-ordination with the city council has inaugurated the first co-operative society in Tabqa, Almustaqbal - the Future Society for Tailoring Co-operative. The new co-operative will create jobs and motivate people to form co-ops.

The House of Co-operatives in Tabqa Opens More Women’s Economy Projects

The House of Co-operatives that belongs to the Economic Committee in the Democratic Administration of Tabqa is working to improve the communal economy, which benefits all members of society, especially women. The communal economy solves social problems such as unemployment, and empowers women.

Women in Tabqa Reinforce their Economic Independence

The Women’s Council in Tabqa organised a meeting with the women who are registered to work in new projects. These projects will be supervised by the Women’s Council there, and will raise awareness about the role of women in society and the importance of these kinds of projects to create more jobs for women, and

Women Find Solution for Scaling Up Bread Production in NE Syria

Women in the city of Raqqa see significant progress in the economic field, because women have proven themselves.

The Raqqa Women’s Committee Provides Women with Employment Opportunities

Early 2019, the Raqqa Women’s Committee put forward plans and projects for the future. In two years, these have been realized. The Committee has thus provided jobs for nearly 5,000 women in Raqqa and its surrounding villages. At the start of this year, the Women’s Committee implemented several plans that were previously approved. In this

Women’s gains in North and East Syria in 2021 testify to their successes

During the year 2021, women in north and east Syria made many achievements at various levels: Diplomatic, political, economic and organizational, and women's organizations intensified the pace of their activities aimed at reaching the largest possible segment of women in the world to support them to achieve their rights and freedom.

Raqqa Municipality Factory Run by Women

Naya Detergent Factory was opened by Raqqa Municipality Women’s Bureau four months ago. Only women have worked in the factory. 40 percent of the factory's income will be used for new projects promoting women's employment.

Women in Girê Spî Camp Develop Communal Projects

As part of the project women grow different vegetables and sell the tomato paste and pickles they prepare.

Explainer: Co-operatives in North and East Syria – developing a new economy

Currently, North and East Syria (NES) faces enormous economic difficulties: rampant inflation, a partial embargo, war and the draining of resources by occupying Turkish forces in Sere Kaniye, Tel Abyad and Afrin. In this crisis context, NES is developing an economic model which aims at self-sufficiency and sustainability. The economic program of the Autonomous Administration

Women establish food co-operative in Raqqa

A group of women founded the al-Fardos Co-operative to care for the needy in Raqqa. The co-operative is open especially at mealtimes and gives the needy the opportunity to eat for free. The women have been working on the project in the neighborhood of al-Fardo in the war-torn city for five months.

Interview – Washokani IDP Camp

On the 4th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and subsequent occupation of the ‘M4 Strip,’ RIC interviewed Berzan Abdullah, one of the members of the administration of Washokani camp, near Heseke city, and Souria Mohamed Hussain, a resident of this camp.

Doing Justice to the Mosaic of North East Syria – The Rojava Revolution

How did it all begin? What stages were taken on the way and what danger does Turkey pose to the revolution? On the 10th anniversary of the Rojava Revolution, we talked about these and other questions with Berivan Khaled, co-chair of the Autonomous Administration of North East Syria.

​​​​​​​How did North and East Syria build a Stateless Democracy?

The revolution of North and East Syria is 11 years old. How it was formed and turned into a cornerstone for a democratic autonomous administration system?

Women’s cooperatives overcome water wars and climate drought in Rojava

Ever since devastating twin earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria on the night of 5-6 February killing over 50,000 people and displacing millions, the world’s attention has once again returned to the Turkey-Syria border. A catastrophe for all affected, it has been intensified for Kurds in Turkey and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria

Refugees in Girê Spî Camp Set Up Vegetable Co-operative

60 decares of land was allocated to the newly established co-operative.

Women’s Economy Committee promotes women’s economic empowerment

The Women's Economy Committee in Hasakah, northeastern Syria, promotes women’s economic empowerment by developing projects that serve women, preserving women’s rights and preventing women’s exploitation.

Agricultural cooperatives develop with women in North-East Syria

The Economic Committee of the North-East Syria manages 45 thousand acres of agricultural land through cooperatives which provide income for about a thousand women.

2022 Marked By World Openness To AANES

2022 was full of events in northeast Syria in military, political, and economic terms.

The Success of the Women’s Bakery Project in Şeddadê, North East Syria

Şeddadê District Women’s Economy Committee provides employment opportunities for women with economic difficulties, unemployed or trapped in the home, in the Al-Hasakah (Hesekê) canton of North East Syria. Developing new projects to integrate women into economical life, the committee also continues to support ongoing projects of women. The committee previously founded a bakery in the

Bread Crisis in Syria’s Shaddadi Due to Insufficient Flour Distribution

Fahed Khedair, an official in Shaddadi City Council’s Economic Committee, said on Sunday that they had obtained approval to increase the quantities of flour in bakeries in order to solve a bread shortage.

The Village of Attala Opens Erisa Bakery Co-operative

Considering the shortage of bread around the villages of Sheddadi, the Committee of Co-operative Societies in Hasakah has opened Erisa Bakery Co-operative in the village of Attala, 10 kilometres north of Sheddadi.

Important Projects by the Sheddadi House of Co-operatives

The House of Co-operatives in Sheddadi has been working on many projects that aim to improve the economy in and around the city.

AANES struggles to develops local economy in NE Syria

Despite efforts of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) to develop productive sectors and the local economy within the available possibilities, there are obstacles that hinder the achievement of these goals.

Expert proposals to tackle economic crisis in North and East Syria

The Syrian pound has lost its value against the dollar ten times over since 2020, and hundreds of times since the start of the Syrian revolution in 2011 – fuelling a worsening economic catastrophe across the country, including in the autonomous, Kurdish-led region of North and East Syria (NES). Locals report markets empty of customers, and a daily struggle to put bread on the table. Medya News spoke to Cheleng Omar, a leading Syrian Kurdish economist, to ask what steps can be taken to ameliorate the crisis.

Women in NE Syria come together to develop new projects

The Women's Committee of Til Temir Council held a meeting with the participation of women co-chairs of towns and rural areas to develop new projects in order to minimize the effects of the economic crisis in the region.

Sheep Raising Becomes Means of Money Saving in Syria’s Til Kocher

Sheep raising experienced recently a significant turnout in the countryside of Til Kocher eastern Syria’s city of Hasakah due to higher margin rates and Syrian currency collapse. People of the countryside of Til Kocher, which is located to the east of the city of Hasakah on the borders with Iraq, tend to raise sheep as

‘Women should be supported in the workforce’

Xedîcê Mehmûd, who runs a bakery with her spouse in the town of Til Temir, does not allow the negative views in society to affect her life. She thinks women’s labour force participation should be supported more.

Farmers in NE Syria keep being engaged in farming despite water scarcity

Kevokê Dahir, a farmer in North and East Syria, thinks that Turkey's cutting off the water of the Khabur River as a global crime and calls on the human rights organizations to stop this crime.

Women of Tell Necma village keep producing

The women living in Tell Tamer’s Tell Necma village play an important role in animal husbandry and agriculture while resisting the ongoing Turkish attacks.

Women’s Toil Eases Burdens of Economic Crisis

Despite the simple capabilities under the capitalist economy, and the constant attacks of the occupier on the regions of northeast and Syria, the economic toil of women has bore fruit to good results during 2020, as they played a leading role in easing the economic crisis that the region suffer from.

Residents of NE Syria resort to solar energy after Turkish attacks

There is an increase in purchasing solar panels by the region’s residents following the recent Turkish airstrikes on fuel facilities and oil wells.

Agricultural cooperatives run by women in 8 villages of Qamishlo

Agricultural cooperatives created by women in 8 villages in Qamishlo grow products such as wheat and barley. In a year with good rainfall, women aim for an important harvest.

Through the Rojava Revolution, women have created an economic revolution

Armanc Mohammed, head of the Women’s Economy of North and East Syria, evaluated their work during the past year and discussed the projects that had been implemented and the economic level that women had reached in North and East Syria. Armanc said that women had begun a revolution in the economic field and given color to the year 2020 with their efforts.

Eyewitnesses to the Rojava revolution: women empowerment

The Rojava revolution is under attack. Debbie Bookchin and Emre Şahin share their thoughts on this unique revolutionary process after recently visiting the region.

Women’s economy projects grow in Rojava

Despite the embargo and attacks, grassroots democratic women's structures in Rojava continue to work on building a self-managed women's economy. This is intended to ensure self-sufficiency and empower women.

Lavin Sewing Workshop Co-op in Rojava Provides 500 Medical Scrubs Daily for Free

In the context of the community initiatives undertaken by the people of northern and eastern Syria, “Lavin” sewing workshop produces 500 pieces of medical scrubs on a daily basis as an aid to doctors and hospitals.

The Bakery Co-operative in Girkê Legê

The House of Co-operatives has initiated a project of building a bakery in Girkê Legê to satisfy people's need for bread.

Families of Martyrs Bakery Co-operative to Secure People’s Need for Bread

The bakery project will be finished in a few months, and once it’s ready it will be supervised by a co-operative society that includes families of martyrs.

The Advance of Women’s Economic Projects and Co-operatives in Rojava’s Cizire Canton in 2016

The year 2016 was characterised by the advance of economic projects that aimed to improve the communal economy in Rojava, especially the projects that were connected to women.

The Opening of a Duck Co-operative

Eleven people participated in the co-operative. The price for a share is 60,000 SYP.

Education in mother language saves communities from extinction

After the Revolution in Rojava, the education system in NE Syria has been fundamentally changed. Mother language has been officially taught in all schools based on the principle of a democratic nation that protects the rights of all nations. Children are educated in their mother language and this saves communities in NE Syria from extinction and protects their cultural, artistic and historical heritage.

Turkish bombardment devastates NE Syria’s economy, infrastructure

Within a span of three days, starting from Dec. 25, 2023, Turkey launched airstrikes and artillery shelling in northeastern Syria. According to the Monitoring and Documentation Department of North Press, the Turkish bombardment targeted a total of 121 sites, with a total of 179 strikes.

6 women’s cooperatives in Tirbê Spî aim to empower women

Six women’s cooperatives, agriculture and bakery cooperatives, have been started in Tirbê Spî, town of Qamishlo. 46 women make a living at these cooperatives.

Women Growing Vegetables in Tirbespiyê for Two Years

After the success of the winter vegetable growing project in its first year, the Women's Economy Co-operative, which aims to support the social economy and spread the idea of working together, grows vegetables this year as well.

Agricultural cooperative in Tirbespiyê

Five years ago, four women founded an agricultural cooperative in Tirbespiyê. Today, forty women work there and the cooperative covers a large part of the demand for vegetables in the Northern Syrian region.
women, Rojava, economy, Syria, co-operative

Women Manage Projects in Rojava

The cultivation of vegetable project in Tirbespiyê area contributes in fulfilling part of the region's need for seasonal vegetables, in addition to securing jobs for women.

Women’s Co-operatives Promote Collective Work

The women's cooperatives in Tirbespiyê in Northern Syria are working on building alternatives despite the permanent threat of war and have meanwhile become examples of collective forms of work.

Greenhouse project in NE Syria empowers women, increases self-reliance

The “Damsal Greenhouse” project was launched in 2015 and covers a large part of the needs of the local market for vegetables, especially in winter.

Rojava Women’s Co-operative DemSal

The cooperative Demsal is a project of the women's economy committee of the women's movement Kongra Star. The cooperative has been active since 2015 and the agricultural process is constantly being expanded to give women the opportunity to take their lives into their own hands.

Autonomous women’s economy built in Rojava

A model of women's economy is under construction in Rojava and northern and eastern Syria. Half of the agricultural land is now farmed by women's cooperatives.

Demsal Project becomes hope for women

The “Demsal Project” is the most concrete form of women's labor in agriculture. In the beginning, four women worked on the project but now the number of women working on the project is 70.

Women are leading- The result of decades of heroic resistance and struggle by women’s movements

In this text, Women Defend Rojava shows the latest developments in North- and East Syria.

Al-Raed Co-operative for Guest Lounges

Al-Raed Co-operative in Tirbespiye is specialised in making guest lounges with harmonious designs and colours. It was formed a year ago, and it has five members, each of whom paid 700,000 SYP [around £1,080]. The Centre for Co-operative Societies has donated 1,5000,000 SYP for the project.

Rojava Wheat Spikes Women’s Co-operative Starts Work

After the economic success of agricultural co-operatives in the last few years, 20 women from Tirbespiye formed a co-operative called Rojava Wheat Spikes Agricultural Co-operative. The Economic Committee was so impressed they decided to give full support to the emerging co-operative. The co-op will cultivate 1,330 dunam (decares) of agricultural land. The women have already started cultivating wheat on 800 dunams.

Co-operatives, Experiments and More Participation of Women

Co-operative societies in Tirbespiye have been giving economic support for many families, and contributing in developing the communal economy. Women have played the largest role in establishing and developing these co-operatives.

Against the Odds, a Stable Economy in Syria

Faced with a war economy and massive historical obstacles, it is remarkable that the AANES has been able to create one of the most stable and self-sufficient economies in the country.
Rojava, coops, co-operatives, co-ops, cooperatives, solidarity economy, Syria, Kurdistan

Solidarity Economy and Co-operatives in Rojava

The economic sector has been reorganised anew in a more democratic way. For each canton an “assembly on economy” has been developed which consists of five sub-sectors: Industry, Trade, Agriculture, Co-operatives and Women's Economy.
Rojava, Syria, Kurdistan, communes, cooperatives, coops

Co-operatives and Communes: the third way of Rojava in the Syrian conflict

A journey into the heart of the revolution and the strategies of transition towards a social economy: the multiplication of communes and cooperatives, and experimentation with new models of social, political and economic organisation.
Syria, Rojava, Kurdistan, Kobanê, Kobanî, Kobani, Kobane, cooperative, women, coop, coops, Amarge

Women’s Co-operatives: a glimpse into Rojava’s economic model

In Rojava, the significance of the co-operative system lies in efforts to democratise all sectors of society, including the economy. For this reason, creating alternative means and avenues that allow traditionally marginalised groups such as women to actively participate and engage with the market is an essential aspect of the radical democratic model.

Agricultural Projects for Displaced Women from Serêkaniyê

Kongreya Star Women's Economy Committee has developed agricultural projects for the immigrant women from Serêkaniyê on 5,800 decares of agricultural land.

Centre for Co-operative Societies Starts Cultivation Process in Hasakah

After dissolving the agricultural committees, the Centre for Co-operative Societies has started to cultivate barley in the agricultural lands in the Easter Dam. The co-operative has 340 participants, and the size of the land is 10,366 dunams [decares].

Important Projects for Women’s Economy

The Women’s Committee under the Hesekê Economy Directorate has developed several projects to develop women’s economy in the region.

Women’s Economy Strengthened through Co-operatives in Cizire

Women's movement Kongreya Star is a motor for the development of women's cooperation and the economic independence of women in North and East Syria.

The multiple faces of the revolution

The people of Rojava and North-east Syria gave a lot of sacrifices, struggled so much and built so much with their own hands. They are connected to this revolution in such a way that it’s a part of them.

Women’s village Jinwar plans new projects

In the women's village of Jinwar, an ecological economy, women's solidarity and a common and free life are being built. The residents are now planning new projects in the fields of solar energy, medicine and offers for children.

Spring News from Jinwar Women’s Village in NE Syria

During the last three months we had many reasons to celebrate in Jinwar.
Kurdistan, Rojava, Syria, Cizire, co-operatives, cooperatives, co-operative, cooperative, co-op, co-ops, solidarity, solidarity economy, workers co-op, workers co-operative, workers cooperative, cooperative economy

More than 5,000 People Participate in Derbesiye Co-operatives

Akri Ibrahim – Ahmad Darwish The Economic Council of Dirbêsiyê‎ [Derbesiye / Al-Darbasiyah] succeeded in making several socio-economic achievements in less than one year. The Economic Council of Derbesiye that was formed more than a year ago has managed to develop community economics in the region, and has made six economic achievements to date. 5,161 citizens participate in co-operatives. The Economic

Kasrek Co-operative Begins Harvest

Dirbêsiyê ─ With the start of June, agricultural and livestock co-operative Kasrek [Qesrik], the largest co-operative society of Jazira Canton [Kantona Cizîrê‎ / Cezîre], began harvesting their rain-fed and irrigated crops. They will distribute the profits among 5,300 members. Kasrek Co-operative, a project of The Centre for Economy in Derbesiye‎ [Dirbêsiyê / Al-Darbasiyah], is considered the largest co-op in Jazira

Kasrek: a Rojava Co-operative with 4,000 Members

In Kasrek [Qesrik] village of Dirbêsiyê‎ [Derbesiye / Al-Darbasiyah], a co-operative society with 4,000 members started working on its economic, agricultural and livestock projects that will boost the community economy in the region. After a series of meetings of the people in the region, organised by the Economic Council in the Dirbêsiyê area, a new co-operative was formed

Solidarity against all odds: Humanitarian aid in North and East Syria

In the fourth part of our series of articles on of the tenth anniversary of the Rojava Revolution, Anita Starosta looked back at the Medico history in Rojava and discussed the importance of international humanitarian aid in Syria.

State’s ecological apparatus: An interview with Zozan Pehlivan

In the summer of 2023, Mount Cudi is once again the site of significant wildfires, marking a recurring environmental challenge that has profound implications for the region which is an important part of the Kurdish geography. This event brings to the forefront an interview with Zozan Pehlivan, an environmental historian of the modern Middle East, the Ottoman Empire, and Ottoman Kurdistan, conducted in 2020, now translated into English by MedyaNews, that explores the intricate connections between ecology, economy, and history in Turkey, Kurdistan and beyond.

Environmental leaders in North and East Syria – interviews with Jazira Canton Municipality and ‘Keziyen Kesk’ organization

In the face of an array of ecological challenges, a range of actors in NES have been working to cultivate an “environmentally minded population”. RIC spoke with Berivan Omer, a member of Jazira region’s leadership board and the women’s ecology platform, Ziwer Shexo, a volunteer for Keziyen Kesk (‘Green Braids’), a popular environmental initiative, and

How Turkey’s Anti-Kurdish Crackdowns Threaten Women Across the Middle East

This article analyzes women’s political representation in Kurdish-majority regions of Turkey before and after the 2019 crackdown on elected mayors from the People’s Democratic Party (HDP), as well as women’s political representation in the Syrian region of Serekaniye (Ras al-Ain) before and after Turkey’s Operation Peace Spring.

They Contributed to their Communities by Forming a Co-operative

Eleven women have successfully formed a co-operative society by buying a power generator. These women were previously stripped from their natural right to work and were distanced from contributing to the communal economy, but thanks to the Rojava Revolution they have reinforced the women's economy and reinstated a role for women in their society.

Improving Rojava’s Economy: forming co-operatives in Serekaniye

“The co-operative societies in Serekaniye are based on social, co-operative and communal principles. They are not established only to make profits, and for that reason the administrators of the co-operative societies form meetings and seminars with the participants in the villages and cities, in order to raise awareness and introduce the ideas of co-operatives to the people. It is important to rely on small businesses and encourage participation in co-ops. The organisers in those meetings and seminars also get a chance to listen to the complaints and the needs of the people.”

Co-operatives Play a Major Role in Northern Syria

After the Democratic Autonomous Administration was able to establish a democratic way of life in Northern Syria, they introduced the socio-economic model of co-operative societies. As the revolution has developed, people have begun to form co-operatives. Hundreds of co-operatives are now operating in the area. One of the areas where many co-operatives have spread is in Serêkaniyê city, where residents began forming co-operatives in 2014.

Jazira Martyrs’ Families Council opens new agricultural cooperatives in Amude

The agricultural cooperatives established by the Jazira Martyrs' Families Council Economy Committee aim to increase livelihoods and job opportunities in the region.

Kongra Star supports women victims of war by developing projects

The Economy Committee of Kongra Star has developed a “poultry farming project” to support Arab women’s economic empowerment. The committee plans to develop more projects for women.

Market to Secure Jobs for Women Brings Prices Down

The Women's Economy Committee in Amuda district opened a market for vegetables and foodstuffs to break the price and monopoly.

Successful Projects Help Women’s Economy

On 17 August 2018, the Kongreya Star Economy Committee opened the Lara cake shop in the neighborhood Enteriyê, east of Qamishlo, to promote women's economy.

Berlin Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg – Interview with Derik Municipality

In 2019, a city partnership between Berlin Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg and Derik was established. Since then, several projects have been realized in cooperation, including ecological initiatives, service provisions and information exchanges.

Turkish airstrikes on Suwaydiyah power station: documenting the damage

Turkey has established a systematic practice of targeting NES’ power infrastructure in period airstrike campaigns, usually lasting several days. Amongst Turkey’s key targets is the Suwaydiyah gas and electricity station. This vital station is NES’ only domestic gas bottling plant and a key source of electricity for vital services such as hospitals, mills, bakeries and oil extraction facilities.

Sweidiya gas plant destroyed by Turkish strikes

Turkey has established a systematic practice of targeting NES’ power infrastructure in period airstrike campaigns, usually lasting several days. Amongst Turkey’s key targets is the Suwaydiyah gas and electricity station. This vital station is NES’ only domestic gas bottling plant and a key source of electricity for vital services such as hospitals, mills, bakeries and oil extraction facilities.

Teqil Beqil Cooperative

The Aboriya Jin (women's economy) committee of North and East Syria has started buying wheat at the Tekil Beqil cooperative.

‘Women are more successful than men in North and East Syria’

North and East Syrian Dêrik People’s Municipality Co-mayor Bêrivan Hisên says the number of women working for the municipality has increased since the revolution in Rojava, adding, “Women municipal workers are more successful than men.

‘Nûjiyan’ to provide safe space for women

The Women’s Office of Municipal Councils in the Cizîrê region has started the construction of buildings to provide safe space for women as part of its ‘Nûjiyan (English: New Life)’ project. “The door of Nûjiyan will be open to all women.”

Aborîya Jin Plant 3,800 Trees

3,800 trees were planted as part of the "Jîyan" project in Derik on the basis of decisions taken in the 3rd conference of the Women's Economic council of Kongra Star, organised by the Aborîya Jin office in Qamishlo.

Together with Communal Economy towards a Democratic Society

The Women's Economy Committee of the city of Derik began cultivating crops in Mela Merza.

Qamishlo Women’s Economy Committee plants 3,800 fruit trees in Derik

Within the scope of the 'Jiyan' project promoted by the Qamishlo Women's Economy Committee, 3,800 fruit trees were planted in Derik.

Women plant 4,000 trees in Mele Merzê village

Economy Committee of Kongra Star in the Cizîrê region planted 4,000 trees in the Mele Merzê village of Dêrik as part of the “Jiyan” project.

The economic reality and the social economy in NES

The economy of the autonomous Administration takes social economy as its main pillar, in which everyone participates to establish a local economy that seeks to reach self-sufficiency.

Summer 2023 Gallery by Make Rojava Green Again

The world can learn from the Rojava revolution

Let’s reflect on the great achievements of the Rojava revolution in north and east Syria in the face of great adversity: the unification of communities deliberately divided on the basis of religion and ethnicity by dictatorial states and the Islamic fundamentalist terrorist movements alike; the liberation and empowerment of women in the face of the reactionary rollbacks imposed by the later; the embryonic attempts to reorganise the economy on a cooperative and ecologically sustainable basis; and the establishment of inclusive grassroots democracy based on the democratic confederalist ideas developed by long-imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan.

Spring 2023 Gallery by Make Rojava Green Again

Winter 2022/23 Gallery by Make Rojava Green Again

Sarhad Farm: a New Livestock Co-op in Derik

Sarhad Farm is the second biggest livestock-breeding project in Derik. The project is expected to be launched within one month, and it will be owned by a co-operative society with 400 members.

Axa Welat Co-operative Starts Cultivation Process

The House of Co-operatives in Derik has started cultivating the 1,550 dunams (decares) of agricultural land that belongs to Axa Welat Co-operative in the village of Haji Matri, one of the villages around Derik in the Qamishlo canton.

Pêşketin Co-op, a Model of Co-operative and Participatory Work

Pêşketin Co-operative Society is one of the co-operatives that has taken an important position in the region of Derik. It is divided into two parts, livestock and agriculture. The co-operative has accomplished partial self-sufficiency since its inception, and it has a participatory nature.
Dêrik, women, cooperative, coops, Cizîrê, Cizire, Rojava, Syria, feminism, jineology, Syria, Kurdistan, workers co-op, workers co-operative, workers cooperative, cooperative economy, agriculture

Women of Kojerat form a Co-operative

The co-operative started with the participation of 50 women who work the land, cultivating, planting and overseeing the growth of the crops.
Dêrik, women, bakery, cooperative, coops, Cizîrê, Cizire, Rojava, Syria, feminism, jineology, Syria, Kurdistan, workers co-op, workers co-operative, workers cooperative, cooperative economy

Adar, the First Bakery in Rojava Run by Women

Adar Bakery is the first bakery to be founded and run by women in Rojava. With the support of the TEV-DEM Women’s Economic Committee, six women were organised in a cooperative and began production in April 2016, communally making the bread and sharing the revenue.

Profits of Rojava Women’s Agricultural Co-operative Surpass 30 Million SYP

The Women’s Agricultural Co-operative was established in 2015 by Kongreya Star and the Committee of Women’s Economy. It includes 135 members from Derik and the villages of Braaf and Kojerat, who each participated with 65,000 SYP, and planted on 380 dunams of land.

Environmental campaign in Kobanê

Women and children in Kobanê plant trees as part of the “Be Environmentally Friendly” campaign launched by the Environmental Organization of Euphrates Region in North and East Syria.

Kongra Star provides employment opportunity to women

The Economy Committee of the Kongra Star have put many projects into practice in Kobanê Canton to promote women’s economic empowerment. 150 women have participated in the labor force thanks to these projects.

Economic Autonomy Ensured in Kobanê through Young Peoples’ Co-operatives

Young people in Kobanê are ensuring the economic autonomy of their community through cooperatives being grown to feed needy people.

Kurdish-led Authorities Establish Foodstuff Factory in Syria’s Kobani after Ba’ath Regime’s Decades-long Ban

The Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration in northeast Syria announced on Thursday the inauguration of the first foodstuff factory in the country’s northern town of Kobani.

“Women’s Will” provides job opportunities for women

A project called “Women’s Will (Vîna Jinan)” carried out in Kobanî provides job opportunities for women, who couldn’t go to school. Kobanî Women's Committee Spokesperson Cemila Faris spoke to NuJINHA about their project.

“Vina Jin” is a New Economic Project to Empower Women of Kobani

House of Supplies or "Vina Jin" is considered one of the most important economic projects that help women - working in the project in particular, and women employed in the city of Kobani, in northern Syria in general - to enable them economically.

Rebuilding Kobanê

It's been one year since the US bombing of Kobanê—then partly occupied by Daesh [ISIS/IS]—and most of the buildings are still in tatters. Kobanê is in Rojava (meaning 'West' in Kurdish), a Kurdish majority region in the north of Syria that declared autonomy from the Assad regime in 2012.

New projects developed for women in Qamishlo

New projects allow women to participate in life stronger in Qamishlo. Lilith café and restaurant is one of these projects. The café, run by women, was opened two months ago in the city.

Women at the heart of democratic experimentation in Rojava

The women’s market in Rojava aims to develop women’s economic autonomy, enabling them to forge social ties and giving them confidence. This souk project is being set up by women in the heart of a region, Syrian Kurdistan in northeastern Syria, where unprecedented political experimentation has been taking place for ten years. Municipalism, or democratic confederalism,

Women Work and Socialize at All-Women’s Market

The Women's Products Market opened by the Qamishlo Municipality is both a workplace and a space for women to socialize. Women working in the market read books written by female authors while drinking coffee or tea. Now, women have 14 stores in the market and they earn a living by selling their products.

Women’s economy getting stronger with co-operatives

3 women raising sheep in the co-operative they founded in the Tenuriye town in Qamishlo are strengthening women’s economy.

Cattle-breeding Co-operative in Mizgafta

Sewal Darî is a cattle-raising co-operative in Mizgafta. This co-op started in February, 2016 with a herd of 96 lambs. After breeding this grew to more than 179 heads. In order to keep the herd in good health, a special vet has been appointed to look after them.

Newroz Bakery Co-operative

The bakery has been working well every day, and the bread is being distributed to everyone in the area. The bakery has made 5 million SYP in 6 months. The families of martyrs have received 3 million, and the rest have been used to buy more necessities for making bread such as new machinery and flour.

A Project to Reinforce Communal Spirit Among Women

The Economic Committee of Kongreya Star has opened a grocery shop for three women.

Rojava’s Electric Generator Co-ops

One of the power generator co-operatives in Qamishlo is Jiyan Co-operative. The generator started work a year and two months ago [September 2017]. It has more than 150 members, and the price for a share is 25,000 SYP [around £40]. The project cost 7,400,000 SYP [around £11,500]. The House of Co-operatives donated a fair amount of the cost. The generator needed other equipment in order to operate, including a tablet which cost 400,000 SYP [£620], a battery that cost 100,000 SYP [£155], some cables and other items.

Women in Qamishlo Open Yekbûn Co-operative

A food manufacturing co-operative society called Yekbûn has been opened by some women in the Hilaliyah neighbourhood in Qamishlo. Yekbûn means "to be one".

150 Families form Ronak Electric Co-operative

The two communes of Shehid Mohammed Amin and Shehid Bahuz, which include 150 families in the Sweis neighbourhood of Qamishlo, have formed an electric co-operative society called Ronak. Their objective is to solve their problems autonomously and serve their neighbourhood. The administration includes seven people, and the price is 1,000 SYP [Syrian Pounds] per amp. The electricity generator will work from 12:00 to 17:00, and from 20:00 to 00:00 on a daily basis.

Awareness of Co-operatives Spreads in Qamishlo

There are 21 co-operative societies in Qamishlo that are embodying the ideas of communal and participatory life, creating a collective environment at work, and building solidarity among the members of society.

The Rojava Revolution: The Revolution of Economic Achievements and Return to Communal Economy

After the announcement of the Democratic Self Administration in 2014, institutions were organised and local councils and committees were formed which concentrated their efforts on the economic situation in the region. One of the missions of the Economic Committee was to support the agricultural, industrial and commercial projects throughout Rojava, with the aim of reaching self-sufficiency, curbing monopoly and exploitation, reducing unemployment and activating the work force, both male and female.

Zanîn Medicine Co-operative Prevents Selling of Expired Medicines in Qamishlo

85 members of the Union of Pharmacists formed a medicine co-operative called Zanîn in order to prevent the selling of expired medicines.

An Essential Step Toward Curbing Monopoly and Individualist Capitalism: Zanîn Co-operative for Medicine and Medical Equipment

Zanîn is a co-operative for medical, dental and pharmaceutical supplies and equipment for hospitals and clinics. The idea for this project came from a group of doctors who work in Jazira. Zanîn is a communal co-operative, and the price of a share is 100,000 SYP. There are a total of 5,000 shares which are collectively worth five hundred million Syrian pounds.

Introducing the People of Northern Syria to Co-operatives

House of Co-operatives in Qamishlo has distributed flyers to introduce people to the concept of co-operative societies, explain how they work, and strengthen the relationship between people and co-operatives.
Rojava, Syria, women, cooperatives, coops

The Role of Communes in the Communal Economy, Nisrîn and Shîlan are Examples of Successful Co-operatives

''Considering the economic situation, the deterioration of the living conditions and the lives of some of the people who live around the two communes, some steps have been taken to help them and support them financially. By letting people participate in the co-operative as members and workers who sell necessities at reduced prices, we help the people to endure the living conditions in the suburbs. There are some people who live in the neighbourhood working in the two projects, and that is reducing unemployment and creating a workforce. We are aiming to increase the economic projects around the commune in order to include more people, help them and cover their needs.''
Shîlan Cooperative, Qamishlo, Syria, Rojava, Kurdistan, cooperatives, coops

Exclusive: Shîlan Underwear Co-operative

A group of mostly women residents of Qamishlo set up Shîlan Co-operative for the sale of underwear on 7th January, 2017 in Hilaliya, a neighborhood in Qamishlo. They were able to establish the co-operative with the support of the local council of the city.

Co-operative Societies are Essential for Communal Life

The spread of co-operative societies in the region has strengthened the communal spirit and increased participation, many people from villages and towns have approached the centres of co-operatives either to propose projects or to participate in them. In 2014, Nisrîn Co-operative was formed to manufacture cleaning products. There were discussions about it in the commune

Nisrîn Co-operative, a Model of Communal Labour

Nisrîn is a co-operative society for cleaning products that was formed in Qamishlo five years ago by seven members who collaborated to serve the area of Hilaliyeh, which is far away from the market. In these times there was a lot of monopoly. Each participant contributed with 75,000 SYP. They bought cleaning products from the market, put some shelves up, and started selling them for lower prices than in the market.

“In Turkey we were treated like slaves, here we work for ourselves” – Avîn Muhammed Sherif, Nisrîn Co-operative

Avîn went to Turkey looking for work at the beginning of the Rojava Revolution, but she couldn’t endure the injustice in the treatment of the workers. She returned to Qamishlo and now works in Nisrîn Co-operative. Avîn saiys that in Turkey, they were treating the workers like slaves.

Lilit Bakery: Developing and Revitalising the Women’s Economy

The Women’s Office in east Qamishlo [Qamişlo / Qamishli / Al-Qamishli] has opened a bakery called Lilit to make pastries and manakish. The opening was attended by many of Qamishlo’s residents, as well as members of Kongreya Star [the women’s movement umbrella structure], local councils and institutions of civil society. We headed to Qamishlo’s eastern municipality to get more information,