ESMA MUHAMMED

Qamishlo - Women in North and East Syria (NE Syria) have faced a long and difficult struggle, continuously building their capacities and contributing across political, social, economic, and military spheres. 

 

Despite harsh conditions, they have transformed their social and political reality, emerging as key agents of change since the Rojava revolution. Their struggle extends beyond securing rights; it is about constructing a society founded on equality, justice, and human dignity.

 

Before the revolution, women faced systematic marginalization and patriarchal obstacles that limited their participation and freedoms. Yet their resilience laid the foundation for a unique model of female empowerment, highlighting the essential role of women in building a democratic society.

 

Abdullah Öcalan’s philosophy as a driving force

 

Rohat Khalil, administrator of the Women’s Committee in the Jazira Canton, described the situation for women before the Rojava revolution. “Women faced clear marginalization in politics and the workforce, confronting significant challenges due to entrenched patriarchal norms,” she said. “Yet these obstacles could not extinguish their ambitions and dreams. The revolution marked a decisive turning point, as women demonstrated determination to defend their rights and advance themselves, taking on prominent roles across political, economic, and social spheres.”

 

She emphasized the philosophy of Abdullah Öcalan as a driving force behind women’s empowerment, noting that his ideas paved the way for women to lead their own revolutionary struggle. “Throughout the revolution, women experienced transformative growth, participating in intellectual and organizational training, fieldwork, and political engagement. These experiences strengthened their capabilities, laying the foundation for a unique feminist model that underscores the vital role of women in societal transformation and affirms their ability to lead their communities with confidence and authority.”

 

Empowerment as pillar of stability

 

Rohat Khalil explained that women have continued to strengthen their capacities through intellectual training and dialogue sessions, enabling them to persist in their struggle and overcome all obstacles in their path. “Women’s empowerment is not merely a social or rights issue; it is a political cornerstone essential for stability and sustainable development. A strong, aware woman can contribute effectively to building state institutions and promoting justice and equality, making her empowerment a vital necessity for any political project seeking success and continuity.”

 

She highlighted the significant and active role of women in NE Syria across all spheres, setting a model for women striving to develop themselves, claim their rights, and defend their dignity. “Women’s contributions extend beyond social, political, and economic arenas to military engagement, where their presence has been formidable. In the military field, women have faced the challenges imposed by states, armed groups, and occupation forces with unwavering resolve and determination.”

 

Khalil emphasized that this heroic role has earned women a prominent position in the national struggle, proving their ability to protect their land and people with courage and competence. “This unique experience demonstrates that women’s empowerment is not optional but a strategic necessity to safeguard the gains of the revolution and ensure a stable future where freedom and dignity prevail for all.”

 

Symbol of strength, change

 

Since the outset of the Rojava revolution, women in NE Syria have faced significant societal challenges, particularly due to entrenched patriarchal norms that resisted their presence in decision-making positions. “This challenge was not limited to society at large; it sometimes extended into families that imposed restrictive control over women, limiting their freedoms. Yet, in confronting these obstacles, the revolution has supported and empowered women, enabling them to defend their rights and transform from individuals under control into active leaders and influential members of society. Today, there is a stark difference between women of the past and the women who struggle today—they are pioneers, activists, and active participants in all spheres of life,” Rohat Khalil said.

 

She credited the philosophy of Abdullah Öcalan as a driving force behind this empowerment, helping women recognize their true selves, awaken a sense of dignity, and assert their essential societal role. “Today, women stand as symbols of strength, determination, and change, contributing to the construction of a democratic society founded on justice and equality,” she added.

 

Khalil emphasized that women in NE Syria strive to amplify their voices globally, spreading awareness of their rights and taking an active role in building communities through the philosophy of Jin, Jiyan, Azadî—“Women, Life, Freedom.” “This is more than a slogan; it is the lifeblood of the struggle against all forms of injustice and oppression. My message to every woman in Syria and beyond is to strengthen their resolve, persevere in the face of obstacles, and confront all forms of marginalization still imposed on them. Women today are not merely part of society—they are essential pillars across all fields of life and free fighters in the defense of rights and dignity.”

 

Women as guardians of their land

 

She stressed the importance of organizing women and establishing dedicated forces to protect their achievements. “The Women’s Protection Units in NE Syria have set a unique example of struggle and sacrifice, confronting the most dangerous terrorist organizations with courage and determination. They have proven that women are capable of defending their land and communities, serving as a resilient force and an inspiration to women worldwide. Women in these units symbolize steadfastness and resistance, demonstrating that dignity can only be preserved through struggle. Their heroic efforts, including the remarkable defense of the Tishrin Dam, have marked pivotal moments in the fight against occupation and injustice,” Rohat Khalil said.

 

Concluding her remarks, Khalil emphasized, “These extraordinary sacrifices affirm that freedom and dignity are achieved only through unwavering resolve. Our goal is to reach as many women as possible, raise awareness of their rights, and empower them, because the liberation of women is inseparable from the liberation of the homeland. There can be no freedom without equality, and no dignity without empowerment. Every woman must embrace this mission, strengthen her inner resolve, and actively contribute to transforming society and building a community founded on justice and peace.”