8 years since Tabqa’s liberation: Women lead democratic change
On the eighth anniversary of the liberation of Tabqa Canton, women have emerged as a cornerstone in the project of building a democratic society. After years of struggle, organization, and institutional work, they have become active partners in administration and decision-making.
On May 10, 2017, the Syrian Democratic Forces liberated Tabqa in response to the appeal of local residents to end the suffering imposed by ISIS, particularly on women who endured the harshest forms of oppression and marginalization.
From oppression to leadership
Before ISIS's occupation, the role of women in Tabqa, like in many other Syrian regions, was limited to family and education sectors. During the occupation, women were entirely erased from public life. After liberation, a new chapter began, one focused on reclaiming their status through the establishment of the Democratic Autonomous Administration, which provided an organizational and legislative environment that guaranteed a central role for women in all aspects of life.
Samira Habash, the spokesperson for the Zenobia Women's Gathering in Tabqa, explained that the gathering created a framework for organized women’s work by establishing multiple committees, such as the Reconciliation Committee, Political and Social Training Committee, Economic Committee, which launched small-scale projects like bakeries, dairy factories, and agricultural initiatives, and the Health Committee, which focuses on community awareness.
Samira said, "We worked on empowering women from within so that they could represent themselves economically and socially and move beyond a culture of dependency," noting that women now make up over 50% of the workforce in the Democratic Autonomous Administration. In addition, women have formed their own organizations dedicated to women's and children's affairs on all levels.
Women in decision-making positions
Under the co-leadership system adopted by the Autonomous Administration, women have reached administrative positions across various institutions, including media, energy, agriculture, and internal affairs. Turkeya Al-Hammada, Head of the Women's Body in the administration, stated: “Our presence today is built on solid foundations and a clear vision.”
She added that the Women’s Body has implemented numerous projects to support economic empowerment, including the "Noor Jian" sewing center and a vocational and computer training center, both of which have provided women with independent income and enhanced their participation in local production.
Women in the defense forces
Empowerment has not been limited to the civilian sphere but has extended to the military field as well. Women have joined the ranks of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) and Internal Security Forces, contributing to maintaining stability through checkpoints and security patrols. They have also made significant sacrifices during the battles against ISIS.
A leading example: From marginalization to leadership
Among the inspiring stories that reflect the scale of transformation is that of Suad Oso, a member of the Zenobia Women's Gathering Council, who serves as a living testament to the change women in Tabqa have experienced.
Suad, a mother of five, was unemployed during ISIS’s rule. She found herself in a battle she had to fight alone after her husband was killed by ISIS. “Our work was confined to the home, with no freedom and no voice. But after liberation, a new chapter in my life began,” she said, noting that joining the Women’s House changed her life, making her an independent woman capable of securing a better future for her children.
She added, “I owe my awareness and strength to the women’s movements and the books of Leader Abdullah Ocalan. We owe our freedom to Leader Abdullah Ocalan.”
Toward a participatory democratic future
As indicated by leading women and pioneers, the experience of women in Tabqa has become a model that can be applied throughout Syria. Women have not merely witnessed the change, they have made it happen. Their involvement today in governance and defense represents a genuine guarantee for a society rooted in justice, equality, and freedom.
A-H
ANHA
8 years since Tabqa’s liberation: Women lead democratic change
On May 10, 2017, the Syrian Democratic Forces liberated Tabqa in response to the appeal of local residents to end the suffering imposed by ISIS, particularly on women who endured the harshest forms of oppression and marginalization.
From oppression to leadership
Before ISIS's occupation, the role of women in Tabqa, like in many other Syrian regions, was limited to family and education sectors. During the occupation, women were entirely erased from public life. After liberation, a new chapter began, one focused on reclaiming their status through the establishment of the Democratic Autonomous Administration, which provided an organizational and legislative environment that guaranteed a central role for women in all aspects of life.
Samira Habash, the spokesperson for the Zenobia Women's Gathering in Tabqa, explained that the gathering created a framework for organized women’s work by establishing multiple committees, such as the Reconciliation Committee, Political and Social Training Committee, Economic Committee, which launched small-scale projects like bakeries, dairy factories, and agricultural initiatives, and the Health Committee, which focuses on community awareness.
Samira said, "We worked on empowering women from within so that they could represent themselves economically and socially and move beyond a culture of dependency," noting that women now make up over 50% of the workforce in the Democratic Autonomous Administration. In addition, women have formed their own organizations dedicated to women's and children's affairs on all levels.
Women in decision-making positions
Under the co-leadership system adopted by the Autonomous Administration, women have reached administrative positions across various institutions, including media, energy, agriculture, and internal affairs. Turkeya Al-Hammada, Head of the Women's Body in the administration, stated: “Our presence today is built on solid foundations and a clear vision.”
She added that the Women’s Body has implemented numerous projects to support economic empowerment, including the "Noor Jian" sewing center and a vocational and computer training center, both of which have provided women with independent income and enhanced their participation in local production.
Women in the defense forces
Empowerment has not been limited to the civilian sphere but has extended to the military field as well. Women have joined the ranks of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) and Internal Security Forces, contributing to maintaining stability through checkpoints and security patrols. They have also made significant sacrifices during the battles against ISIS.
A leading example: From marginalization to leadership
Among the inspiring stories that reflect the scale of transformation is that of Suad Oso, a member of the Zenobia Women's Gathering Council, who serves as a living testament to the change women in Tabqa have experienced.
Suad, a mother of five, was unemployed during ISIS’s rule. She found herself in a battle she had to fight alone after her husband was killed by ISIS. “Our work was confined to the home, with no freedom and no voice. But after liberation, a new chapter in my life began,” she said, noting that joining the Women’s House changed her life, making her an independent woman capable of securing a better future for her children.
She added, “I owe my awareness and strength to the women’s movements and the books of Leader Abdullah Ocalan. We owe our freedom to Leader Abdullah Ocalan.”
Toward a participatory democratic future
As indicated by leading women and pioneers, the experience of women in Tabqa has become a model that can be applied throughout Syria. Women have not merely witnessed the change, they have made it happen. Their involvement today in governance and defense represents a genuine guarantee for a society rooted in justice, equality, and freedom.
A-H
ANHA
