Rojava

Rojava, also known as the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), is a self-proclaimed autonomous region in the northern part of Syria. The region has gained international attention for its role in the Syrian Civil War and its experiment in democratic confederalism, grassroots democracy, women’s liberation, and self-governance. 

The region began to gain autonomy in 2012 when Kurdish forces, led by the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and its armed wing, the People’s Protection Units (YPG), took control of Kurdish-majority areas after the Syrian government’s forces withdrew. The creation of Rojava was driven by the desire of Kurdish and other local communities to establish self-governance. 

Rojava’s governance model is based on democratic confederalism, which focuses on grassroots democracy, decentralisation, and direct participation of communities in decision-making processes. This model fosters local autonomy and promotes collective governance structures that prioritise inclusivity, diversity, and representation. At the same time, Rojava places a strong emphasis on gender equality, challenging patriarchal norms with co-leadership positions in political and military structures held by men and women, and with the establishment of women’s councils to address gender-specific issues. 

Inspired by the ideas of Abdullah Öcalan, Rojava’s vision emphasises social ecology, communalism, and ecological sustainability. Rojava has been working to implement cooperative and communal economic models aiming to harmonise human society with the natural environment, promote sustainable practices, and address environmental challenges through collective action and community-based solutions. 

Rojava is home to a diverse population, including Kurds, Arabs, Assyrians, and other ethnic groups, with the Kurds being the largest ethnic community. Rojava’s commitment to cultural pluralism, coexistence, and interethnic dialogue reflects its diverse population and historical legacy. The region’s initiatives aim to preserve and promote cultural heritage, linguistic diversity, and religious tolerance, fostering mutual respect, understanding, and solidarity among different communities and identities. 

Rojava has garnered attention and support from libertarian movements worldwide for its progressive social policies and democratic governance model. Thousands of international and Syrian activists, researchers and professionals have come to the region to support, report on and participate in the work of its institutions.