SORGUL ŞÊXO

Zirgan (Abu Rasin)- Women have rebuilt their life in solidarity with each other in Zirgan, a village in the Jazira Canton of North and East Syria, revitalizing their neighborhoods and streets despite all the challenges.

In the village, old women are leaders of their society. Women sitting in front of houses share their experiences and discuss many issues such as economy, politics and the challenges faced by women due to the patriarchal mindset. Despite the ongoing Turkish attacks on their village, they are in solidarity with each other to empower each other.

The Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions launched their occupying attacks on Serêkaniyê (Ras al-Ayn) and Girê Spî (Tell Abyad) and Zirgan on October 9, 2019, displacing thousands of people. Süriya Aziz was one of the women displaced from Zirgan in 2019. She returned to the village to build her life again.

“I am very happy because the displaced people of our village have been returning,” said Süriya Aziz. “As women, we gather in front of a house to discuss the current situation in Syria. We benefit from the experiences of the elders. We also discuss the problems faced by women and how we can solve them.”

‘Women have changed the views of men and society’

Women used to be criticized when they gathered, Süriya Aziz stressed. “Now, women gather without being criticized. Women have changed the views of men and society.” Süriya Aziz thinks that the use of cell phones kills social life. “I always tell my children and my family members not to use cell phones when we come together. We must discuss issues that will benefit our society when we come together. It is important to have quality time for yourself and your family.”

Süriya Aziz also talked about the social life of those living in tall buildings. “Living in tall buildings isolates women and causes social alienation. No one sees each other or talks to each other. When I have a conversation with women, I feel happy.”