The First Kurdish Women’s Conference in Rojava was held on March 23 in Azadî Park, Qamishlo, under the slogan 'Kurdish National Unity Is Realized Under the Leadership of Kurdish Women.' The conference brought together 300 delegates.

The conference board included prominent figures such as Rîhan Loqo, Spokesperson for Kongra Star; Perwîn Yûsif, Co-chair of the Democratic Union Party (PYD); Stêra Qasim, member of the Women’s Council of North and East Syria; activist Sîham Emoka; and Narîn Metîni, President of the Kurdistan Future Movement.

The two-session conference began with the presentation of a report on the latest political developments, followed by discussions among participants. The second session, held under the title ‘Kurdish National Women’s Unity Conference in Rojava Kurdistan’, focused on a report covering eleven topics. These included Kurdish women’s unity, Kurdish women’s culture and identity, democratic nation, Jineoloji, free and equal life model, the struggle for women’s rights, protection of revolutionary achievements, women’s self-defense, and the women’s economy.

The conference concluded with the release of a final declaration consisting of twelve articles.

Îlham Ehmed and Nergîz Bekir, who were among the participants, spoke to ANF about the significance of the conference.

Îlham Ehmed, Co-chair of the Foreign Relations Department of North and East Syria, stated that the First Kurdish Women’s Conference in Rojava would mark a new chapter in the history of Kurdish women: “Through this conference, Kurdish women will strengthen their organization, shape their future accordingly, and continue to lead with even greater determination.”

Nergîz Bekir, from the Kongra Star Coordination in Aleppo, emphasized that the consensus reached among Kurdish women would also play a significant role in the rewriting of Syria’s constitution.

An important discussion environment to take the right steps

Îlham Ehmed emphasized the importance of organization, consensus-building, and unified positioning ata time when genocidal policies against the Kurdish people continue. She said: “During the conference, everyone was able to express their views freely. In such a process, an important discussion environment has been created for the Kurdish people to take the right steps. And it is Kurdish women who are leading this process. The step taken in Rojava Kurdistan will be a historic one for the other parts of Kurdistan as well.”

A new chapter in the history of Kurdish women

Ehmed recalled that Kurdish women have been engaged in an unyielding struggle for years and continued: “Kurdish women made enormous sacrifices on the frontlines of war. Many fell as martyrs, and many more were wounded. At the same time, they played an active role on the political front. They have played a vital role in raising global awareness about the Kurdish cause and the genocidal policies waged against the Kurdish people. This conference is the result of a multifaceted struggle, and we believe it marks a new chapter in the history of Kurdish women. Through this conference, Kurdish women will strengthen their organizations, shape their future accordingly, and continue to lead with even greater determination. A free society can only be built with free women. If we are to fight for a free country, we must first liberate society, and to liberate society, women must be free. Therefore, this conference, which brought about consensus and a common stance, will pave the way for important developments.”

Alliance crucial to prevent a new civil war

Ehmed stated that the Kurdish National Women’s Conference in Rojava laid the groundwork for the Kurdish National Conference in Rojava. She added: “Tremendous efforts have been made to prevent the Kurdish people from reaching a consensus, to obstruct their unity, and to keep them divided. The fact that women are coming together and forming a shared vision today will have a profound impact on the Kurdish people as a whole. In this context, the first steps have been taken, and a concrete result will be reached soon. An alliance will also be declared among the Kurdish political parties in Rojava. This alliance is crucial both to prevent a new civil war in Syria and to secure the Kurdish people’s rights.”

Universalizing the women's struggle will help transform the patriarchal mentality

Nergîz Bekir noted that the conference also addressed how women would take part in shaping Syria’s future. She said: “Every opinion voiced at the conference reflects the power of women. Through these views, women’s organization, struggle, and willpower will be brought to the forefront. Kurdish women have fought tirelessly for over 13 years to change the fate of Syria. Their struggle must inspire unity among all women. Universalizing the women's struggle will help transform the patriarchal mentality that continues to shape society. Especially through their efforts in Syria, Kurdish women must take the lead in all four parts of Kurdistan. It is women who have suffered the greatest pain—oppression, violence, and massacres. And so, their struggle must be equally powerful.”

Paving the way for new developments

Bekir stated that the Kurdish women's struggle that reached its peak during the Rojava Revolution and the unity of Kurdish women will open the door to new developments. She concluded: “The consensus reached among Kurdish women is of great significance for the rewriting of Syria’s constitution. Moreover, it will contribute to spreading the women’s libertarian and democratic nation model throughout Syria, while also laying the foundation for Kurdish unity and the democratic nation paradigm.”