EbîrEhmed/JINHA

HESEKÊ – The woman-run Hesekê Peoples' Court in the Rojava city of Hesekê works to secure justice for all people in the city, say court directors.

Since the Rojava revolution begun, women have become active in every area of life in the push for an equitable and democratic life for all. Directors at the Peoples' Court in the city of Hesekê says they consider women's equality in all their work. The justice system in Rojava often works to secure local consensus, but some cases go to court.

"The cases that go to court may be mostly serious ones, but this isn't a problem for us," explained NefûsaHiso, one of the directors of the court. The court has worked to remake the previously patriarchal justice system along the principles of the Rojava revolution. "Since all our policies are women-oriented, we have gotten rid of any blocks to women testifying in their own cases. In Rojava, all institutions lay the ground for women to express themselves."

"Our basis here is that in the cases that come before us, instead of punishment, we want to find a solution to the problem by talking about it," said ŞêrînXanim, who serves on the court's governing board. "I took on this responsibility as a woman."

EdlaEhmed is on the court's council.

"Our courts are especially sensitive when it comes to cases involving women. We have policies about violence against women and rape," she said. ""It's time for women, exploited and enslaved for years, to defend their rights and take part in proceedings." She said that more women's participation would increase the capacity of the court to struggle for justice for women.

(zd/mg/cm)