Asma Mohammed

Qamishlo — As the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women approaches, a dynamic women’s movement in the Autonomous Region of North and East Syria has, over the past years, succeeded in building a unique economic and social model that places women at the heart of development and societal transformation.

Rudin Isa, a member of Women’s Economy, affirmed that depriving women of control over their own economy is one of the most significant forms of violence against them. She described this international day as a symbol of the long struggle women have waged against all forms of oppression and tyranny, defending their dignity and their right to a free and honorable life:
“Women have always been — and remain — a symbol of giving, determination, and a force for change in the face of patriarchal mindsets that have, for centuries, attempted to marginalize their role and erase their value.”

In Qamishlo, where practical experience intersects with ideological vision, Isa asserts that the Women’s Economy project is no longer merely an initiative to launch income-generating projects. Instead, it has become a strategic path for reshaping society based on participation, justice, and equality.

This project, rooted in a long history of women’s resilience and creativity, revives the pioneering role of women as the first founders of the economy and the original creators of production, organization, and self-sufficiency. With accumulated experience and the proven success of women in managing agricultural, industrial, and commercial ventures, the features of an alternative economy have emerged — one based on cooperation and collectivity — restoring to women their strength and their right to determine their own destiny, free from dependency.

 

A Strategic Step Toward Rebuilding Society

Isa emphasized that the Women’s Economy project in North and East Syria goes far beyond establishing productive projects; it is a strategic step toward rebuilding society on foundations of participation and justice.

She explained:
“It is important to remember that women were the first to establish the foundations of economy since the dawn of history. Women recognized the value of work, production, and organization. They discovered agriculture, collected seeds, cultivated the land, and harvested its fruits. Through this, they built a system based on participation and cooperation, not exploitation and domination.”

According to Isa, women’s intelligence and innate intuition enabled them to understand the importance of organization, savings, and securing food for the future. They were the first to grasp the concept of economic planning — even before the emergence of money or trade. This means that the essence of economy is originally a feminine idea born from women’s need to secure life and provide stability for their community.

With time, patriarchal systems pushed women away from this pioneering role, reducing them to dependents in a male-dominated economic structure built on exploitation. Yet despite all this, women preserved the spirit of work and contribution, proving in every era that they are the foundation of production and life.

Isa affirmed that today’s Women’s Economy project continues this deep-rooted history and seeks to restore balance in society by economically empowering women:
“When women have their own income and financial independence, they gain the power to make decisions and free themselves from all forms of dependency and violence. Economy is not merely a means of living — it is a path to liberation and self-building. Women have proven capable of transforming economy into a space for struggle and creativity.”

 

Women as the Original Creators

She noted that all of this has been made possible thanks to the philosophy of leader Abdullah Öcalan, who — as she emphasizes — restored women to their rightful place through the concept that society cannot be free without the freedom of women, and that a free economy must rely on women’s active participation:
“Abdullah Öcalan saw women as the essence of life and the source of moral and human values. Through his ideas, we were able to rebuild the concept of economy on the basis of justice and equality.”

Isa explained that through Women’s Economy institutions, women in North and East Syria have proven their ability to manage and produce, launching successful agricultural, industrial, and commercial projects that created job opportunities and contributed to the region’s development:
“This success is clear evidence that when given the opportunity, women can create change and build a free and independent economy that serves everyone. We believe that continuing this project is the true guarantee for building a democratic and integrated society based on social justice and gender equality. Women are not only half of society — they are its foundation and the originators of the first idea upon which today’s systems are built.”

 

Working Mechanism

Through communes, councils, and Kongra Star, the Women’s Economy Institution works to train women and communicate with them directly to discuss their circumstances, raise awareness of their rights, and encourage them to participate in economic and social life:
“Many women come to Women’s Economy institutions seeking training and information to better understand themselves, their capabilities, and the cooperative work system within these institutions.”

Isa noted that their first step involves gathering women in regular meetings to discuss the types of work they wish to engage in — such as sewing, bakery work, clothing shops, handicrafts, or homemade preserves. Through these meetings, ideas and suitable project proposals are developed to enhance autonomy, strengthen internal organization, and conduct preliminary studies for the projects suggested by the women.

Women’s Economy institutions then evaluate these projects economically and organizationally before implementing them on the ground. Recently, women opened their own bakery in Qamishlo, alongside several other women-run projects across various productive and commercial fields. The most significant among these are agricultural projects, considered the backbone of the region’s economy.
“The main goal is to reach all women in the community through the communes and spread the concept of a free and independent economy so that no woman remains weak or dependent on others.”

 

A Central Role in Building a Free Economy

In conclusion, Isa stated that their work is based on the vision of Abdullah Öcalan:
“During training sessions, we begin by reading the sixth volume of Öcalan’s Manifesto, focusing on the parts discussing women’s economy and how it has been developed in recent years. The manifesto thoroughly explores women’s central role in building a free economy and how they have advanced and strengthened their presence throughout history.”

“Through these sessions, we aim to empower all women worldwide and to build a life inspired by the spirit of women who struggle, evolve, and seek change. Women must unite and stand together to achieve freedom, equality, and a society built on justice and dignity