Architects of the revolution speak

JINHA

CIZÎRÊ - Women have worked to answer the basic needs at the beginning of the Rojava revolution: health, work, violence against women.

This series by JINHA explores the model of women-led revolution pioneered in the Rojava autonomous region in Syria as the revolution's third anniversary approaches. We interview women overseeing health, labor and the struggle against violence against women about these institutions' gender policies.

Miha Ûmût serves on the Health Council of the Rojava autonomous region. When the people of Rojava declared a state of democratic autonomy on July 19, 2012, said Miha, they realized that healthcare would be one of their primary needs, but faced material and logistical difficulties. As the revolution has continued, the Health Council has continued expanding services for women's and children's health in particular. These populations are often the target of Daesh and other attacks.

"In every massacre, it was women and children who were targeted. This is why there was a need for health centers," said Miha. The council has led consciousness-raising projects about health for women, who Miha says are a key focus for health.

Emîne Omer, of the Women's Council of Rojava, began answering our questions first by honoring those who have lost their lives resisting for Rojava. She explained that the Women's Council was founded to struggle against the traditional position of women in society.

"In the beginning, there were times when the patriarchal mindset imposed on us," said Emîne. "They got in the way of a lot of our projects, but we insisted, and we never accepted their approach." The Women's Council has founded Women's Defense Houses for women being abused. There, women are protected and gain economic self-sufficiency. The Council has also developed services for orphaned and disabled children, educational programs for communes in Rojava and projects to stop child marriage.

Although the Work and Social Projects Executive Board has general functions, board member Newroz Seroxan noted that they have made women fundamental to their approach. The board consults with the Women's Council on its projects and as in all institutions in Rojava, a man and a woman share all leadership positions. The employees working for the board are 60% women. There is talk of a labor union for the workers here. According to Newroz, the key role of women fighters in defending the revolution has helped change perceptions about women in the workplace.

"If women can fight and carry a gun, that means they can do anything--this is the approach that has developed in society," said Newroz, commenting on the changed position of women since the Rojava revolution began.

Those working in revolutionary institutions are not required to have certain certificates, diplomas, or other roadblocks to participation, said Newroz. Rather, they start the work and seek out education if it's necessary for them.

"That is to say, we don't have an approach or a system where if someone wants to work, we put them in a course and then if they succeed, they can start working," said Newroz. "In the Rojava system, our approach is to help people learn in practice and educate them as necessary."

Changes to labor law since the Rojava revolution have included requirements for workplaces that employ women to open nurseries. Women are entitled to two hour-long breaks every day for nursing or caring for children, as well as a three-month birth leave for every child. The laws also call for positive discrimination for hiring women. The board also has projects for women living in the two refugee camps in Rojava. There are now sewing courses and women's centers in the camps to help women be economically self-sufficient.

"This is the most free, the most democratic society and country in the world," said Newroz. "I invite everyone who wants democracy and freedom to come here."

(ekip/mg/fk/cm)