NORŞAN ABDÎ

 Kobanê –Following the revolution in North and East Syria, women started participating in all facets of life, including politics, military and education. The Syrian Free Women’s Foundation was founded in northeastern Syria in 2014 to empower women in the region. In 2019, the foundation opened an office in Kobanê.

‘Women develop themselves by participating in our programs’

In an interview with NuJINHA, Şirin Muhammed, member of the foundation in Kobanê, gave information about the activities of the foundation. “The aim of the foundation is to educate and empower women in order to change their status in society. We have organized many awareness-raising programs with the support of the communes to eliminate the patriarchal mindset. Women develop themselves and strengthen their bonds with each other by participating in our programs. Now, they participate in all facets of life.”

Courses for women

The foundation also aims to promote women’s economic empowerment. “We have organized vocational training courses for women. Our sewing and hairdressing courses last three months. After attending the courses, women receive certificates. Then, they join the labor force or start their own business. All women aged between 18 and 50 can join the courses. Women develop their skills thanks to the courses.”

 ‘Women have realized their own projects’

Şirin Muhammed pointed to the increase in the demand of women to participate in the vocational training courses. “Our foundation has organized six different vocational training courses with the participation of more than 250 women. Some women, who received their certificates, have worked for the foundation while some have joined the labor force. Some of them have already realized their own projects. In 2024, we carried out many activities for women. For instance, we opened health centers for women and children by cooperating with doctors and health organizations. These centers provide free healthcare service to women and children. In addition, we held six handicraft exhibitions in Kobanê, Eyn Îsa (Ayn Issa), Sarrin and Raqqa.”

‘Women must overcome obstacles’

The door of the foundation is open to all women, Şirin Muhammed told NuJINHA. “All women are welcome to the foundation in order to strengthen their representation in society. As the foundation, we are here to support women. Women must overcome obstacles and break down the walls of oppression.”