NORŞÎN ABDİ

 Kobanê- The Center for Gender Research was established in the Euphrates Canton of North and East Syria on March 6, 2019 to ensure equality, justice and coexistence. The center carries out activities on many issues such as violence, polygamy, and child marriage.

 The center recently conducted a survey on the causes and forms of gender-based violence and the experiences of women. “The center conducts surveys, research and studies after determining the needs of society and women to eliminate the problems faced by women and girls.

Violence against women continues

Speaking about the research of the center on violence against women, Sıddıka Halo said, “Following the 19 July Revolution in Rojava, known as women’s revolution, many developments occurred in North and East Syria. Although there are few reports on gender-based violence in the region, we know that violence against women continues to be an obstacle to achieving equality, democracy and peace. Our survey reveals that women still suffer from violence and violence against women leads to femicide.”

‘Gender-based violence must end to build a free future’

The survey also reveals that women and girls are subjected to many forms of violence. “Women and girls are subjected to both physical and psychological violence by their husbands, fathers, brothers or male relatives. Violence first affects women and then society as a whole. Physical or psychological violence against women at home, at work and in public spaces has a negative effect on personality. If this culture of violence is maintained, it will affect the next generations. For this reason, gender-based violence must end to build a free future. We must liberate women and girls from all kinds of reactionary ideologies.”

Incidents of violence against women are documented

The survey also includes the ages of women and girls survivors of violence. “We held meetings with women and women told us their stories. We conducted our survey with the support of the Mala Jin (Women’s House), the Sara Organization to Combat Violence against Women and the Women’s Internal Security Forces. We can say that the patriarchal mindset, customs and traditions cause the spread of violence against women. We began to conduct the survey at the beginning of November. Our survey also includes the data showing how many women were subjected to sexual violence. The Health Committee provides medical support to women survivors of violence and documents incidents of violence against women.”

Awareness-raising activities

The center also carried out awareness-raising activities, seminars and forums. Sıddıka Halo concluded her speech saying, “According to the results of our surveys, research and studies, we can end gender-based violence not only in the Euphrates Region but also across North and East Syria. We still have a long way to go to end violence but we can change our society in two years. We can change our society by carrying out awareness-raising activities and emphasize the important role of women in society.”