SİLVA EL-IBRAHİM

Hasakah – Kongra Star has started a special training for men aimed at cleansing society from the remnants of patriarchal mentality. The training is based on the principle that a true communal life is only possible through the presence of a free woman and a conscious man, and through the realization that the relationship between them should be one of complementarity rather than superiority or domination.

This intellectual training, opened with the aim of creating a deep mental revolution in society and purging the male mentality from its dominant mindset, is based on “Jineology” and the theses and views of Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan regarding the construction of a democratic society. The idea that a liberated woman and man can build the democratic family, and therefore a free society, is emphasized. All lessons will be taught by female instructors well-versed in Abdullah Öcalan’s theses.

The training, which began on September 26 in the Cizîre Canton of North and East Syria, includes 30 men among whom are those serving in administrations and as co-chairs of institutions. Participants will study natural society, women’s history, and the ruptures women have experienced, and will learn to recognize the effects of the power-driven mentality directed at the essence of women. This intellectual training program, planned to last one month, is being carried out in the name of Nûreddîn Sofî, who believed in women’s freedom and sacrificed his life in the Kurdish struggle by transforming himself and influencing others.

“A Democratic Society Begins with the Free Individual”

Xalida Botî, a member of the Hesekê Kongra Star Coordination, explained the aim of the training with the following words:

“We are fighting against the male mentality because its history is full of suppressing women with violence and denying their existence. This power mentality imposed on men derives from the concepts of state and authority. For a democratic society, free individuals must first come into being. The man, as an individual, is one of the fundamental elements of the democratic model.”

Xalida Botî stated that this transformation will take place within the framework of Abdullah Öcalan’s philosophy, and added: “Öcalan advocates for co-existence, the brotherhood of peoples, and the free partnership of life. This is now an approach that has been accepted in many parts of the world. Free women and men, with equal rights and responsibilities, can build a democratic society.” Referring to Abdullah Öcalan’s latest message, she said:

“In his most recent messages, Öcalan emphasized that women are the primary responsible force of society. He reminded us that throughout history, women discovered agriculture and medicine, preserved communal life, and maintained gender equality. We too are struggling so that women may once again reclaim their role in achieving freedom and building a democratic society.”

“The Relationship Between Woman and Man is Complementary, Not Class-Based”

Kamile Yûsif, director of the Şehîd Perwîn Academy, stated that this experience is the first and unique of its kind across the canton, and added:

“Our goal is to erase the remnants of gender-based discrimination that has taken root in the male mentality for 5,000 years. Kongra Star places great importance on women’s education, but we do not overlook one reality: women’s freedom is not possible as long as her partner in life remains a prisoner of a power-driven mentality. If both liberate themselves together, only then can a free society be established. If men do not free themselves from this mentality, the Democratic Nation Project cannot progress. The relationship between the sexes in society is complementary, not class-based.”

“For a Democratic Society, Both Women and Men Must Be Liberated”

Interviews with participants on the first day of training also revealed the men’s expectations and goals. Mustafa Mihemed Elî, co-chair of the council of Merşû neighborhood in Hesekê, said:

“I had a strong desire to join this training. My goal is to develop my personality, to better equip myself with the Democratic Nation Project—especially at this stage when Öcalan has initiated the process of ‘peace and democratic society.’ A democratic society can only be built if both women and men achieve freedom together.”

Mustafa Mihemed Elî pointed out that the patriarchal mentality is an age-old phenomenon, and said:

“We must take advantage of every opportunity to change society. First of all, the man must change, because it is he who has committed the violations. Such ideological trainings can make a difference in aman’s personality and mindset. I am here for this purpose, because our society needs it.”

“The Democratic Nation is the Path to Free Co-Existence”

Ebdurrehman Osî, a member of the Self-Defense Forces from Qamişlo, also evaluated the training as follows: “This step is very important. Training allows for the correction of false concepts, and this has positive reflections on society. Despite the important role of women in society, they have been suppressed by patriarchal mentality. But Öcalan’s thought opened up paths of freedom for them. Today we see women standing at the front lines, sacrificing their lives to defend their society. This is proof of the will that comes from the essence of women.”

Ebdurrehman Osî also emphasized that men, alongside women, have a role in the governance of society, and continued: “However, women’s responsibility is greater. The era of slavery has ended, and now a profound change is inevitable. An alternative also exists. Abdullah Öcalan’s Democratic Nation Project is the path to free co-existence.”