ZEYNEB ÎSA

Qamishlo- Since the revolution that started in North and East Syria on July 19, 2012, women have led the efforts to build an equal and common life by including every segment of society. Communes established in villages and towns are one of the cornerstones of this process.

People from different ethnic and religious groups in northeastern Syria take part in the communes to rebuild their life together. Each commune consists of two co-chairs, one woman and one man, and 12 committees about education, economy, self-defense, law, ecology, health, culture and art, communication, diplomacy, social relations and information.

Communes in North and East Syria play important roles in not only supporting society but also building a democratic, equal and progressive life. The establishment of communes is considered as the key to build a democratic society in the region.

“Communes play important roles in building free society,” said Hêvî Ehmed, Co-mayor of Qamishlo. “Communes solve problems faced by society. They are the most basic unit of the system in North and East Syria. They are independent structures run by people. Each commune has its own committees such as economy, education, culture, art, health and ecology committees.”

‘Communes are the key to the solution’

Hêvî Ehmed also talked about the role and impact of communes in society, saying:

“Leader Apo (Abdullah Öcalan) attaches great importance to communes. For this reason, we, as people of North and East Syria, attach great importance to communes and take part in their activities. In North and East Syria, communes play important roles in villages and towns and they are the key to the solution. People from different ethnic and religious groups represent themselves in communes. Communes meet all the needs of the people.”

‘We have many projects to develop communes’

The municipality of Qamishlo has put many projects into effect to develop communes, Hêvî Ehmed told NuJINHA. “We have many projects to develop communes because they are the cornerstones of society and the democratic nation.”