In 2012, amidst the civil war ravaging the country, Kurdish forces seized the opportunity to establish a form of political autonomy in northeastern areas where Bashar al-Assad’s troops had withdrawn. This move towards autonomy was influenced by the ideologies of Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The PKK, known for integrating women into its ranks and promoting the development of Jineolojî, or “the science of women,” has been a driving force behind the push for autonomy.
Recently, Öcalan called for PKK members to disband and disarm, a move that has sparked mixed reactions. While the PKK is deemed a terrorist organization by several countries, including the UK, the EU, and the US, supporters argue that its approach to feminism challenges mainstream perspectives viewed as Eurocentric and elitist.
Verona Evdke, co-president of the Ecology Academy of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, emphasizes the intertwining of environmental and women’s rights in building a new society. She stresses that the exploitation of nature is linked to the oppression of women within patriarchal, capitalist, and colonial systems.
Despite numerous challenges, the connection between ecological and feminist struggles is gaining traction, particularly among the youth. Projects like the one in Raqqa, where women lead reforestation efforts and planting initiatives, highlight the importance of women’s involvement in environmental conservation.
Further northwest in Rojava, the town of Oudah stands amidst arid landscapes, where a women’s organization, Kongra Star, manages a farm in the desert. Nisrine Ahmad, a co-director of the farm, emphasizes the empowerment of women through agricultural work, providing them with emotional and financial support.
In the village of Jinwar, located about a hundred kilometers from Oudah, a community rooted in ecological principles and Jineolojî offers a safe haven for women free from patriarchal oppression. Delal Haji Omar, a resident of Jinwar, expresses gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with the land and learn about women’s rights and ecological practices.
Jinwar, affiliated with Rojava’s Academy of Jineolojî, serves as a model of resistance where women cultivate knowledge and share it through educational initiatives. Residents like Shirine Ahmad believe that the village allows women to rediscover their innate connection to nature and essential practices.
As Malika and her daughter work the fields near the grazing cow and calf, the village of Jinwar symbolizes a rebirth for women who have been marginalized in society. Delal reflects on the profound impact of reconnecting with nature, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to live a fulfilling and empowered life.
This article was written by Amélie David, a freelance journalist based in Lebanon, covering environmental and climate change stories. Supported by the Ecologist Writers’ Fund, contributions from readers help compensate authors for their work. To support initiatives like this and contribute to the fund, donations can be made through the Ecologist website.
