SORGUL ŞÊXO

Hasakah- On May 6, the People's Defense Units (YPG) and the Women's Defense Units (YPJ) launched "Operation Commander Rûbar Qamishlo" to liberate the western Cizre Canton from ISIS. Mount Kizwan, also known as Mount Abdulaziz, was liberated from ISIS by the YPG/YPJ in the same year. For nine years, the region has been controlled by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). The tomb of Abdul Aziz, a descendant of Abdul-Qadir Gilani, was located in the mountain, which has historical importance for the Kurdish people as well as Muslims. When Mount Kizwan was handed over to ISIS by Al Nusra Front, many historical places of the mountain were destroyed. According to local sources, the tomb of Abdul Aziz and his son were blown up by ISIS on April 1, 2014.

‘There was a world of men before liberation’

Sewsen Süleyman, member of the Economy Committee of Xera Council, told us how the life of women was before the liberation of Mount Kizwan and its surroundings.

“During the rule of the Baathist regime, women had no economic independence; they were always oppressed. Then, the Al Nusra Front began to occupy the region. At that time, families did not allow women and girls to go to school or work for security reasons,” Sewsen Süleyman said. “We could not even go out to harvest cotton. At that time, you could not see women anywhere, in the streets, towns and in front of houses. You could only see men. There was a world of men before the liberation of the region.”

The region has been ruled by women since its liberation, Sewsen Süleyman emphasized, adding: “Women are now free in all facets of life, including economy. The transition from slavery to freedom is an indescribable feeling. Women have realized many projects such as agriculture, baking and sewing projects. The women said, ‘We also can do it’ and took a step towards a commune economy. Since our country is under economic attack and siege, women should develop projects and start cooperatives to alleviate the impact of this crisis on society.”

‘Being able to vote for women candidates gives strength’

Women organize themselves today thanks to the ideology of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, said Cewahir Mihemed, member of Kongra Star. “We organize seminars and meetings to support women. As Kongra Star, we have solved many social issues, especially regarding women. Since women are subjected to all forms of violence, we carry out activities to give information about women’s rights. Women have regained their identity thanks to Kongra Star. We follow in the footsteps of Beritan Cudi, who sacrificed herself for the freedom of the people and women of Kizwan. Women play a leading role in all facets of life and they will play their leading role in the municipal elections to be held on June 11. Being able to vote for women candidates gives us strength. We will stand with each other and preserve our identity to build a better future.”

‘Women feel better’

Şeyîma Ehmed, member of the health center in the region, mentioned the problems faced by women in the health sector. “Women were deprived of their right to health when the region was controlled by ISIS. They could not go to hospitals, health centers or pharmacies. Women were mentally depressed. The situation is different now; women enjoy health services. Women feel better now. We provide health care services to them and organize seminars about women’s health.”