The Jineoloji Academy of North and East Syria is continuing its wide-ranging program of events, underway since 16 November as part of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November, across many cities in the region. The seminars, panels and workshops covering the Aleppo, Tabqa, Euphrates and Jazira cantons conclude today with a major panel in Azadi Park in Qamishlo titled “Against the Sati culture, Jin Jiyan Azadî.”
Within this framework, a two-day intensive workshop titled “History of Philosophy and Women in Philosophy” was held on 30 November – 1 December at Şiler Café in Qamishlo, in the Jazira Canton. The program, moderated by Jineoloji Academy member Bêrîvan Ebbas, was attended by many women from the academy.
The origins of philosophy and women philosophers
On the first day, participants discussed the historical development of philosophy by period, the social and political events that shaped the philosophy of each era, and the position of women within these processes. It was emphasized that philosophy has a much older history beyond the Greece-centered narrative, and attention was drawn to the role women philosophers played throughout history and how this role has been obscured. In particular, focus was placed on the dialogue between Socrates and the priestess Diotima of Mantinea in Plato’s Symposium, which Abdullah Öcalan often references with regard to love and knowledge and how a woman educates a man. The fact that a woman transmits knowledge to a man and that philosophical dialogue can be established between equals was described by participants as “a powerful challenge to the male-dominated philosophical tradition.”
Workshops in four groups
On the second day, workshops were held in four separate groups. In-depth discussions were conducted around questions such as “What should philosophical relationships between women be like?”, “How can women’s consciousness be reconstructed in philosophy?”, and “How can the reality of women be revealed in historiography?”
Speaking to ANF, Jineoloji Academy member Leman Şexo summarized the work as follows: “Yesterday we examined Syriac history, and today we addressed the history of philosophy. We discussed women’s roles in philosophy, how we can put this awareness into practice, and how we can reflect it in our work. We made evaluations within the framework of Abdullah Öcalan’s Democratic Society Manifesto. We must research the past and bring the truths to light.”
Academy member Alya Osman added: “These activities are extremely valuable for getting to know and developing ourselves. We held deep discussions on the history of philosophy, ways of thinking, and especially the hidden role of women in philosophy. This was not just a seminar; we talked about how the reality of women was covered up throughout history and how we can uncover it. Highly meaningful questions emerged about the impact of women’s thought on philosophy.”