BERÇEM CÛDÎ

 Kobanê- The Rojava Revolution, which started on July 19, 2012 in Kobanê and then spread across North and East Syria, has become a glimmer of hope for women all over the world. The revolution in Rojava has protected all humanity against the nation-state system that wants to destroy humanity. NuJINHA spoke to Leyla Ehmed, a member of the Baqî Xido Culture and Art Center and a theatre player, about the revolution led by women in North and East Syria.

Speaking about the lives of women in Kobanê, she said, “In Kobanê, there was a feudal society and tribes were very strong in making decisions. Therefore, women used to face many obstacles. Women had lost most of their rights due to tribes. Our society thought the duty of women was to give birth, do housework and stay at home. Women were forbidden to come together with men, even to eat together. Women could not go anywhere alone, without a man.”

 ‘The revolution gave another life to women’

Mentioning the 19 July Revolution, Leyla Ehmed said, “The 19 July Revolution gave another life to women. As women, we took part in the revolution because it was an opportunity for us to gain our freedom. We led the revolution and this revolution turned into a women’s revolution because women are the source of freedom, democracy, justice, equality and life.”

‘Women are the architects of life and freedom’

“The period, when women were seen as ‘incomplete’ and ignored, turned into a period in which the philosophy of ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadi” came to life,” Leyla Ehmed said, “The revolution is an important gain achieved by women. The flow of women into the revolution like a torrent of freedom built faith in women's power and identity. Women are the architects of life and freedom.”