With the revolution in Rojava, women have undergone important development processes in many areas. One of these areas is handicrafts, which used to be limited to the domestic sphere. Cihan Abdulgaffur was born and raised in Hesekê and has attended art classes since the fourth grade. She started by making paper and fabric flowers. Then she learned pottery. "I learnt something new every day while also teaching the newcomers in the course. After that, I spent two years training in woodworking art in Damascus," the young woman says.

From Damascus, she returned to Hesekê and taught children at the Xabûr Centre for four years. From Hesekê she came to Qamişlo, where she continues her diverse handicrafts. She makes jewellery, traditional clothing, belts, wall ornaments and the like from various materials. One of her main focuses is woodwork.

Cihan Abdulgaffur says that her life changed with the revolution: "Before the revolution, I was only in Hesekê. We could not move. With the revolution, I realised my dreams and finally came to Qamişlo. I now have the freedom to work. I have also met many artists who have given my life new colours. I never thought that I couldn't do something because I am a woman. I told myself that I could do the hardest work. Many people thought I couldn't do it, but I succeeded."