RONAHÎ NÛDA

Qamishlo – Star FM Radio station was established on December 15, 2017, in the Tirbesiye district of Qamishlo city, NE Syria with the motto, “The voice of women and life”.

20 women work at the radio station, known as “The radio of women’s revolution in Rojava” in the region. The listeners and guests of the radio are women. Women’s Press Union (YRJ) held a conference in 2020 and decided the radio to broadcast in Cizre Region. After 4 years of great effort and work, Star FM will broadcast not only in Qamishlo but also in the Cizre Region. As of October 1, the radio will also broadcast in the Cizre Region.

Star FM makes programs on politics, culture, children, youth, jineology, and many more. We spoke to Avaşin Helin, one of the founders of the radio, about their project to broadcast in the Cizre Region. “Before the developments in technology, radios had significant effects on societies. In the past, only wealthy people could buy radios. People came together around the radio and listened to the news together. Radio Yerevan and Baghdad provided the opportunity to broadcast in Kurdish. Kurdish people listened to dengbêj and Kurdish singers thanks to these radio stations,” Avaşin Helin said.

Avaşin Helin pointed out that the radio stations play an important role in Rojava, “After the revolution in Rojava, people began to organize in many areas. All organizations began to carry out cultural works. Radio stations established in the region have played an important role. The first radio station established in Rojava is Cudi Radio Station. Then, many radio stations were established such as Waşûkanî, Xabûr, Sawt El-Heyat, Rojava and Dicle radio stations.”

“We realize their dream”

Avaşin Helin emphasized that the revolution in Rojava is a women’s revolution. “Women organized and got an education in every part of life. In Western Kurdistan, women had hopes of working in the press; they wanted to for radio stations, channels, and news agencies. Many of our friends were martyred with this dream. We wanted to realize their dream by establishing Star FM Radio station. Star FM Radio station started broadcasting on December 15, 2017.”

“The radio station is for everybody”

Avaşin Helin gave information about the programs of the radio station. “We have 23 programs every week. Some of these programs are Panorama Star, Rojbaş, Tovên Jiyanê, Çand û Huner, Şevbûherk, Nirxên Şoreşê, Daxwaz, Pêşbirk, Gundê Me, Jin û Jiyan, Rojeva Jin, Şitlên Rojê ya Zarokan, Nûpelya YPJ'ê, Pêşbirka Zarokan, Quncika Helbest û Çîrokan, Jineolojî, Wêje, Tenduristî, Jinên Ciwan and Dîrokê Binas. The people from all strata have their voices in our programs. The main duty of every person working for the radio station is to defend all the values of the society and preserve their history.”

“Our aim is to be the voice of women,” Avaşin Helin said, “We work for the radio station but the radio station belongs to all women. In addition, many of our female listeners share their suggestions, criticisms, and opinions with us to improve our programs.”

Star FM to broadcast in Cizre Region on October 1

Avaşin Helin also gave information about their broadcast in the Cizre Region. “20 women have worked for the radio station. They are from Hesekê, Qamishlo, Rimêlan and Derik. We try to be the voice of all women. Before, we broadcasted just from Qamishlo. Women’s Press Union (YRJ) held a conference in 2020 and decided the radio to broadcast in Cizre Region. We have worked for six months to broadcast in the Cizre Region. We will officially broadcast in the Cizre Region on October 1. The door of the Star FM Radio station is open for all women. They can share their thoughts, wishes, criticisms, and suggestions with us.”