Hundreds of men have taken to the streets throughout Kurdish-led North and East Syria, issuing a powerful rebuke condemning violence against women. The demonstrations come ahead of 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Speaking at the march in regional capital Qamishlo (Qamisli), Cewahir Osman of the Kongra Star network uniting women’s organisations throughout North and East Syria said: “the ruling forces impose violence on society through violence on women. Violence against Leader Apo [Abdullah Öcalan] is violence against all women. We say enough is enough and we say that you cannot break our will as a people.”
She referred to the jailed Kurdish leader whose philosophy is credited with inspiring a social revolution reaching millions of women throughout the Middle East, and particularly in North and East Syria, where the 2012 ‘Rojava Revolution’ has seen principles of women’s autonomy enshrined throughout society at large.
As a result, events are taking place throughout the autonomous regions, particularly targeting men. Kongra Star hosted a three-day workshop in the Kurdish town of Amûdê for 60 men, covering topics such as “Family Laws”, “Living in a Free Partnership”, and “Social Sexism”. The workshop aims to challenge patriarchal norms, raise awareness about gender equality, and combat systemic violence and oppression.
Additional seminars were held in Arab-majority towns including Til Hemîs and Shedadê, targeting broader societal audiences. Speakers highlighted the causes and manifestations of violence against women and facilitated discussions on measures to address these issues. Participants in Til Hemîs examined writings by Öcalan, which critique patriarchy and traditional gender roles. Efforts to raise awareness extended to Til Temir, Hol, and Dirbêsiyê, where activists distributed materials advocating against violence toward women and girls.
Meanwhile, in Tabqa, the Women’s Council of the Future Party of Syria hosted a symposium on “Women in Politics”. Representatives from the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and the Arab Women’s Union Zenobiya joined the discussion on women’s contributions to grassroots democracy and ongoing challenges in political and social institutions.
In Aleppo’s Şêxmeqsûd district, the Aleppo Intellectuals Association organised an event addressing the societal harm caused by patriarchal dominance and emphasising the value of freedom. These initiatives collectively underscore the region’s commitment to fostering gender equality, empowering women, and promoting democratic values.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women will be marked by further speeches, marches and statements throughout Kurdistan and worldwide. The umbrella organisation Kurdistan Women’s Communities (KJK) issued a powerful statement calling on women worldwide to strengthen their collective struggle against systemic violence. Under the slogan ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ (Woman, Life, Freedom), KJK has called for global solidarity and transformative action to dismantle patriarchal systems and confront systemic injustice.
