SIBELIA AL-IBRAHIM

Hasakah- Kongra Star, an umbrella organization for all women’s organizations and institutions of North and East Syria, played a leading role in the revolution led by women in Rojava.

In an interview with NuJINHA, Bêrîvan Yunîs, member of the Education Committee of Kongra Star, talked about the activities carried out by Kongra Star during the revolution and the experiences gained by it.

“The patriarchal mindset always suppresses the role of women,” she said at the beginning of her speech. “This mindset always imposes domestic roles such as housework and caring for children and husbands on women. The women of North and East Syria rejected this mindset by participating in all facets of life. They started their organized struggle on January 15, 2005 by founding Yekîtiya Star. After holding its sixth congress in 2016, the name of Yekitiya Star was changed to its current name of Kongra Star.”

‘Kongra Star represents a legacy of struggle’

Kongra Star represents a legacy of struggle for the women’s revolution in Rojava, Bêrîvan Yunîs stressed. “20 years ago, women began to organize and strengthen their struggle against all forms of oppression. Yekitîya Star was founded 20 years ago by a group of women, who influenced many women. Women started joining the military to protect their gains and they founded the Women's Justice Committee. The committee has enacted laws protecting women. In addition, many women’s organizations and institutions have been founded in North and East Syria.”

‘The co-presidential system guarantees women’s participation in decision-making positions’

Bêrîvan Yunîs also spoke about the co-presidential system implemented in North and East Syria. “This system guarantees women’s participation in politics and decision-making positions,” she said, adding:

“Kongra Star plays a leading role and becomes an umbrella organization for all women. Since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, it has strengthened the women's struggle by bringing many women into the fold. We have carried out activities in all cities of North and East Syria, such as Manbij, Raqqa, Tabqa and Deir ez-Zor.”

‘Kongra Star is a reference for all women in the region’

The system of North and East Syria guarantees 50 percent women's representation in all organizations and institutions, Bêrîvan Yunîs noted. “Now, women participate in all facets of life, including politics, military and economy. Kongra Star has formed many committees to promote women’s roles in society. Kongra Star is a reference for all women in the region.”

‘We will eliminate classism’

Speaking about recent wars and conflicts in the world, Bêrîvan Yunîs said, “Women are most affected by wars and conflicts. The women of North and East Syria decided to fight instead of becoming victims of war. They formed their defense forces and guaranteed their rights. They have also enacted laws protecting their rights. Recently, we have worked on Family Law to guarantee the rights of women and children.”

‘We work to guarantee women’s rights in the new Syria’

Bêrîvan Yunîs defined Syria as “The country of civilizations” and concluded her speech saying, “Syria has a long history of women’s struggle. Zenobia, the queen of Palmyra, fought against injustice and colonialism. She left behind a legacy, encouraging us to keep struggling. We have gained experiences in North and East Syria. We keep in touch with women from different cities of Syria and we are always ready to share these experiences with all women. We work coordinately with all women to guarantee women's rights in the new Syria."