Kongreya Star, founded in 2005 under the name of Yekîtiya Star, is a confederation of women’s organizations in Rojava, Syria. They have been instrumental in the significant advances made in gender relations in the region. Its work is based on the claim that "without the liberation of women, a truly free society is impossible." One of its founding members is Îlham Ehmed, former Co-Chair of the Syrian Democratic Council The organization focuses on organizing women's communes which focus on economic opportunity and development, consciousness-raising and self-defense for women. Working throughout Rojava and Syria, Kongreya Star aims to be an example for the entire Middle East and to realize the women’s liberation revolution across the entire region. Ideologically they are within the wider framework of the Democratic Confederalism modernization movement.
Academies
Yekîtiya Star has established several academies, of which Yekîtiya Star Academy was founded in 2012 and provides instruction through the framework of Jineolojî, a term coined by Abdullah Ocalan. The Academy offers an introduction to Jineolojî, an exploration of the economy from a feminist lens in which women are seen as central actors in the economy, civics as practiced in Rojava as well as other subjects. The student body ranges significantly, from college educated young adults to the illiterate elderly. The pedagogy of the school emphasizes the personal authority of each student and encourages a more interactive relationship between teacher and student, similar to the teaching philosophies of John Dewey and Paulo Freire. Each program culminates in a final session called a "platform." A platform is an opportunity for a student to announce how they will participate in the Rojava Revolution.
Kongreya Star also publishes Asoya Jinê, a women's magazine covering "a variety of topics including political and social affairs, interviews with women, and a space devoted to women guerrillas who have fallen in the struggle. There is also Kuncika Malame: a forum for readers and followers to share feelings, poems, memories and stories, as well as a space for mothers to discuss handicrafts."
Other Activities
Other projects and activities are organized by the organization, including the opening of a park in honor of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan's birthday, campaigns and demonstrations against honor killings and the creation of safe houses for victims of domestic violence.
