The negative impact of the patriarchal mentality on society and the need for its transformation remain key topics in Northern and Eastern Syria. The focus is on educating men to eliminate inequalities, with the goal of reshaping their mindset through education. This is one of the most significant achievements of the women's revolution.

Rohilat Muslim from the Kongra Star Education Committee, along with Mesûd Yûsif and Baqî Hemza, who participated in the Kongra Star educational program, spoke to ANF about the importance of transforming and reshaping the male-dominated mentality.

Transforming the patriarchal mentality is essential

Rohilat Muslim emphasized that the patriarchal mentality, which has taken root in all aspects of life, including education, has shaped society through deeply entrenched institutional structures for thousands of years. She stated: “The only alternative for transforming this mentality is education. The effort to change and reshape the male mentality was initiated by the leadership, which is why numerous academy programs have been established. The male-dominated mentality has pushed society to the brink of disaster. Women are the ones most affected and oppressed by this system. As a result, men are perceived as everything, while women are seen as nothing; men are considered flawless, while women are deemed sinful. This mentality must change so that we can build a philosophy of free and equal coexistence between men and women. Alongside men, women must also be educated, made aware, and organized through education.”

Progressing toward change and transformation through education

Rohilat Muslim noted that the first educational programs began in the Afrin (Efrîn)-Shahba Canton and later expanded across Northern and Eastern Syria. She stated: “It is possible to say that change and transformation are taking place through these educational programs. We have specific programs designed to help participants grasp the harsh reality of the male-dominated mentality. In many cases, this is the first time they have truly confronted this reality, leading them into a process of deep self-questioning. Through profound reflection, they begin to see and understand themselves, initiating their own transformation. They become aware of their mistakes and recognize that they are not superior. More importantly, they have come to acknowledge their male-dominated mindset. Accepting and becoming convinced of this reality is a crucial step in the transformation process.”

A man who admits his sexism can transform

Rohilat Muslim stated that when men who have undergone change and transformation reintegrate into society, the conditions for a free and equal life naturally take shape. She continued: “By preventing violence, oppression, and tyranny, the overall well-being of society is also enhanced. This, in turn, leads to the establishment of an equal, democratic, and just way of life. Even if sexism is not entirely eradicated, even a reduced form of it allows society to enter a phase of transformation. It is difficult to say that this change happens in all men. However, we see transformation in those who make an effort to change, acknowledge their violence, oppression, and sexism, and commit to a process of self-reflection and growth.”

Women's struggle has defeated the male mentality

Mesûd Yûsif, who participated in the educational program organized by Kongra Star for men, emphasized that the women leading the way in Rojava have waged a significant struggle against the male-dominated mentality, not only in Rojava but across the Middle East, paving the way for change and transformation. Highlighting how women's resistance, leadership, and struggle have prompted men to question their own beliefs, Mesûd Yûsif stated: “This process of questioning has led to an awareness of sexism. Of course, this awareness was not created by men themselves. It is the result of a fierce struggle waged by women against patriarchal mentality. One of the greatest achievements was the establishment of the co-chair system in Northern and Eastern Syria. The progress made both in society and within institutions and organizations has been a direct outcome of this system.”

Healing the damage is not easy

Reflecting on his experience in the educational program, Mesûd Yûsif stated: “It is impossible to undo the damage caused by the male-dominated mentality in just a few days. There is one undeniable reality: we are the people of the Middle East. Growing up and developing within this mentality makes it difficult to abandon ingrained habits. I joined the educational program organized by Kongra Star without hesitation. Throughout the one-month training, we examined how deeply patriarchal ideology has taken root in every aspect of life and reassessed our approach to combating it.”

Inequality is being eliminated through women's struggle

Baqî Hemza, who participated in the Kongra Star educational program, emphasized that women's leadership in the Rojava Revolution has been the key factor in achieving victory. He stated: “The transformation of the male-dominated mentality and the movement towards men's own pursuit of freedom have been achieved through the struggle of women. Looking at history, we see that the life built by women was stolen by men, leading to increasing oppression, violence, and tyranny within society with each passing day. Gender inequality disrupted society, creating an unjust and undemocratic world. Today, this inequality is being eradicated through women's struggle. Women who have embraced Abdullah Öcalan’s ideology of women's liberation have secured their rights in all areas of life through their struggle and established the co-chair system. If the revolution has reached this point, it is thanks to the women who fought against ISIS and led every institution and organization within society.”

Women are weaving the fabric of life

Baqî Hemza shared his thoughts on the insights gained from the educational program and added: “I have come to realize the power of women. I have realized that it is women who build lives, and I have reached the conclusion that living on equal terms with women will contribute to the advancement of society. It is certain that coexistence will enhance the level of social development. In a society where women are not free, men cannot achieve true freedom either. It is a mutually dependent reality. Through the philosophy of ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ (Women, Life, Freedom), we have once again witnessed the transformative and revolutionary power of women.”