Women in the Rojava revolution were not merely participants; they also became the primary driving force of change in many fields. The revolution offered women in Rojava an opportunity to break free from the chains of tradition. Traditions imposed on women came to an end with the idea of the free woman; in other words, the tribal mindset was challenged and dismantled.
The Rojava revolution, which began in 2012, was not only a political and military transformation but also a social and ideological revolution in which women became the main force of change. The revolution demonstrated that a free society is only possible through the liberation of women. Women rose up against the Baath regime, raising the Kesk, Sor and Zer (Green, Red and Yellow) flags in place of the Syrian regime’s banners.
Throughout history, revolutionary women such as Rosa Luxemburg and Clara Zetkin, along with many others whose names are written into history, rose up against dominant mentalities and became symbolic figures of revolutionary struggle.
Women chose the path of equality and justice against systems of power and the path of peace and stability against feudalism, declaring “we exist” in the face of policies of erasure. Women, often symbolized as goddesses in historical narratives, have always left their mark on history.
From natural societies to male-dominated state structures, women have governed communities in ways consistent with democratic principles, administering societies justly and without discrimination among people.
After the emergence of the state, many democratic figures appeared, yet they were often eliminated by ruling powers that pursued only their own interests. Although these democrats sought to implement social equality and the abolition of slavery, they were suppressed by authorities and by ideas that recognized only their own dominance.
Throughout history, many Kurdish uprisings have taken place. When colonialism and occupation were imposed on Kurdistan, the Kurdistan Freedom Movement emerged. The uprising that began with Abdullah Öcalan’s assessment that “Kurdistan is a colony” continues to this day.
Following the Rojava revolution, which began under the leadership of women, women organized themselves and demonstrated that they could govern society. Hevrîn Xelef, Yusra Derwêş, and many other women became examples of this reality.
Before the Rojava revolution, tribalism was the dominant social mindset. However, thanks to women who resisted it, this mentality began to break down. One example of this resistance is Şilan Kobanê, who stood against all forms of ruling power.
The Syrian regime was brought down by women
Many pioneering women, such as the martyr Şilan Kobanê, left their mark on this revolution and became an inspiration for Kurdish women everywhere. With the spirit of Şilan and others like her, the revolution began on 19 July 2012, and on 8 December 2024 the ruling regime was completely overthrown. Once again, it was women who created this revolution.
The first women’s institutional structure in Rojava emerged with the establishment of Yekitiya Star on 15 January 2005. After a series of successful steps, Yekitiya Star expanded its fields of work. At a congress held in 2016, the organization adopted the name Kongra Star. Under the umbrella of Kongra Star, twelve committees were formed, covering areas such as education, academies, politics, social defense, rights and justice, the communal economy, finance, foreign relations, culture and art, health, media, and social organization. Women also established the Syrian Women’s Council on 8 September 2017, with the aim of ensuring the participation of all women in these efforts regardless of nationality or religion.
For this reason, the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) were announced in 2013. The Sara Organization, which works to combat violence against women, was founded on 1 July 2013 in Qamishlo. Branches were opened in cities across the region, bringing together various components of society within this structure. The Sara Organization works to strengthen women’s roles in politics, the economy, and social life.
Another achievement of the revolution was the creation of Women’s Houses (Mala Jin), established to defend women’s identity, justice, and equality. The first of these houses was founded on 20 March 2011 in Qamishlo. Jineology, a field of social science regarded as the science of the women’s revolution, also began its work within the framework of the women’s revolution in North and East Syria. The Zenûbiya Women’s Community was officially established in 2021, operating as an umbrella organization for women in liberated regions such as Raqqa (Reqa), Tabqa (Tepqa), Deir ez-Zor (Dêrazor), and Manbij (Minbic).
Women also organized independently in the field of art. The Hîlala Zêrîn Movement was organized in Jazira (Cizîr) in 2016, in Afrin (Efrîn) in 2017, and in Kobanê on 2 March 2018.
Led by women, Rojava has become a barrier against all forms of violence. From mothers to young women, Kurdish women have risen to defend the achievements of the revolution. In Kobanê, which continues to face attacks, women remain mobilized in every field. They resist the philosophy inspired by Abdullah Öcalan. A mother who has taken up arms in Kobanê said: “No matter what happens, we will defend this city.”
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