BERÇEM CÛDÎ

Kobanî – After the revolution started in Rojava Kurdistan on July 19, 2012, the Democratic Nation system was adopted in the region. Then, the Cizre Canton declared autonomy on January 21, 2014, followed by Kobanî Canton on January 27, and Afrin Canton on January 29. The Self-Management model aims to embrace all peoples, races, colors, languages, sects, and religions of the region and to build a free, democratic, and equal system and life. Therefore, in the Self-Management system, men and women are equal. Emine Bekir, deputy co-chair of the Executive Council of the Autonomous Administration in the Euphrates region, spoke to NuJINHA about the co-presidential system in the region.

“Women of Rojava are an international symbol”

Stating that the struggle of women in Rojava has become a symbol for the world, Emine Bekir said, “Since the beginning of the July 19 revolution, women of Rojava have taken many responsibilities and led the revolution. At the same time, Kurdish women showed the whole world how women’s will and struggle are strong during the Kobanî resistance. Women who took part in the Kobanî resistance and fought against the brutality of ISIS have become an international symbol.”

“There were difficulties in implementation”

Noting that in the first years of the declaration of the self-management system, men elected as co-chairs took over the administration with a sexist and nation-state consciousness, she stated, “After the declaration of the self-management system in Rojava, the co-presidential system began to be practiced. After taking this step, important changes and transformations were made in society. Hundreds of women took part in self-management and carried out valuable work. In the beginning, the implementation of the co-presidential system was very difficult. Men wanted to co-chair with a sexist and authoritarian mentality by looking down upon women. But we, as women, opposed the male-dominant mentality. We didn’t allow them to create sexism in the system and protected the rules of self-management and our rights.”

“We struggle against obstacles”

Emphasizing that they, as women, have waged a strong struggle although there are attacks on the self-management system, Emine Bekir said, “Autonomous Administration is based on democratic nation, equality, freedom, democracy, and justice. It protects the rights of all segments of society and fights against the nation-state and sexist mentality. Many women who take their place in self-management struggle with many difficulties. We struggle against all obstacles and difficulties so that we can establish a democratic, equal and free life and protect our right to govern society.”

Ended…