Hevi Salah

Sulaymaniyah — Women play a central role in society, a role grounded in self-confidence, determination, and progressive thinking. They are not only initiators with the ability to create, work, and achieve, but also mothers and leaders who possess a unique energy in raising generations and shaping the future.

Women actively participate in various fields of success, making their role one of the most important human roles in building and developing society. Today, they have proven their ability to adapt to social, economic, and political transformations, reflecting remarkable progress in fields that require knowledge, dialogue, and sustained effort.

 

Women’s Contributions to Education and Work: A Journey of Struggle and Change

Specialists affirm that women’s participation in education and employment brings about direct change in societal awareness. Through their role within the family, women lay the foundation for raising new generations, leaving a deep and lasting impact on the formation of thought and behavior in society. Studies indicate that women constitute approximately 43% of the agricultural workforce in developing countries, reflecting their pivotal presence in the rural economy.

Women directly engage in agricultural and economic activities in villages, with the scope of this role varying from one region to another. They may work on their own land, family land, or in fields and farms belonging to other rural areas. Their role in the agricultural sector includes crop production, water collection, fish farming, livestock care, as well as participation in trade and marketing.

 

Presence Across All Walks of Life

The importance of motherhood in human life stems from its role as a fundamental pillar in building civilizations and establishing nations. Mothers prepare individuals capable of contributing to societal development and serving humanity. Motherhood inherently plays a profound role in fostering psychological and emotional well-being within the family and shaping balanced personalities grounded in values and ethics—positively reflecting on society as a whole.

This importance is evident in women’s care for their family members, their support in facing challenges, and the emotional and psychological assistance they provide, especially during times of illness and hardship. Mothers also play a key role in raising children on sound social foundations, developing their abilities, and enhancing their awareness in religious, intellectual, political, and cultural fields. By instilling proper values and ethical behavior, mothers become the cornerstone of building a conscious and responsible generation capable of contributing to societal progress.

 

Models That Inspire Generations

Women’s role in the medical field is among the most essential worldwide. They have demonstrated an effective presence across various health specialties, whether as doctors, nurses, or community healthcare workers. In this era, women have achieved notable success in managing hospitals and health institutions.

Many women have also achieved prominent medical accomplishments that earned them prestigious global awards, including the Nobel Prize, in recognition of their leadership in advancing the healthcare sector. Their efforts and initiatives have contributed to improving the quality of medical services and developing plans and strategies that have propelled healthcare progress forward. Through this vital role, women have become essential partners in building a more advanced and efficient healthcare system.

Numerous distinguished female figures have emerged in the field of medicine, distinguishing themselves through contributions to medical sciences, treatment discoveries, and disease control. These achievements have solidified their status as pioneers in this vital field.

With the development of healthcare systems and the adoption of modern professional approaches to patient care, women’s participation in the medical sector has expanded, enabling specialized research related to women’s health and diseases that directly affect them. As a result, women’s presence in medicine has become a key factor in elevating healthcare services and enhancing medical knowledge in areas that long required focused attention.

In media and social activism, women’s presence has become more visible and influential than ever before. They now lead public debates and highlight societal issues and needs, contributing to revitalizing public dialogue and driving changes in laws and social behaviors.

Despite this progress, women continue to face social and cultural obstacles such as unequal employment opportunities, societal pressures, and weak legal protection. However, continued efforts by women and rising societal awareness have gradually reduced these challenges, opening the way for broader and more impactful participation in public life.

 

Women’s Role in Struggle and Liberation

The field of protection and defense stands out as one of the most significant areas where women’s roles have powerfully emerged. In North and East Syria, women’s participation in the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) has formed a clear model embodying women’s capability and free will. Their role has not been limited to military tasks; they have become a moral and intellectual force that inspires society and reshapes public consciousness.

Women’s presence in a field long considered exclusive to men has helped break entrenched stereotypes and demonstrated that women can achieve high levels of competence in defense and decision-making. By combining freedom with responsibility, these women have provided practical proof that women can be a fundamental part of national strength and play a direct role in protecting society and driving change.

Moreover, women’s participation in military fields has left a profound impact on other women and on the awareness of younger generations. The models that emerged in North and East Syria have become a true source of inspiration, encouraging new generations to break mental constraints, overcome fear, and view women’s participation in all fields as natural and achievable.

This transformation has also influenced international discourse on women’s rights, as women from North and East Syria are now presented in global media as symbols of courage and defense, contributing to changing the stereotypical image of women in the Middle East.

Despite ongoing social, legal, and cultural challenges, the experience of women engaged in military work demonstrates that when women are given equal opportunities and societal support, they can be effective and successful forces, playing a fundamental role in protecting society and shaping change.

Undoubtedly, the Freedom Movement would not have reached its current stage without the pivotal role played by women fighters across various arenas of resistance. The movement could not have endured or achieved its present accomplishments without the will and resilience of mothers who stood courageously despite immense losses, transforming their pain into a source of hope and a driving force for struggle. Without their sacrifices, this journey would not possess the dignity and honor it holds today.

Many women also faced imprisonment with steadfastness, confronting repression with courage, and some gave their lives as the price for their positions. Others continued their struggle outside prison with unwavering determination, defying all obstacles and pressures, proving that sustained resistance is possible through women’s will when they are given the opportunity and believe in their cause.

 

From Social Awareness to Decision-Making

These roles undertaken by women demonstrate that their participation in social change is not merely important—it is essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive development. Through their active presence across various fields, women directly contribute to raising societal awareness and reinforcing principles of social justice. Experience confirms that societies granting women equal opportunities for participation are better equipped to face and overcome challenges.

Nevertheless, some social, legal, and cultural barriers still limit women’s full participation, necessitating conscious societal efforts to overcome them. Hence, supporting and empowering women—especially in leadership and decision-making positions—is a crucial step toward building a more equal, just, and progressive society.

Public policies and programs should also focus on strengthening women’s capacities and providing genuine opportunities for effective participation, because real change can only be achieved when women are full partners in building society and shaping its future.