ROJ HOZAN

Qamishlo- Agriculture is the base of economy and livelihood in many countries. Women have been playing an important role in the economic development since they make up almost half of the agricultural labor force. In North and East Syria, women have played an important role in many fields, including in agriculture.

 The Economy Committee of the Kongra Star has started six women’s cooperatives in Tirbê Spî, town of Qamishlo to empower women in the labor force. 46 women have been the members of these agriculture and bakery cooperatives to make a living. The NuJINHA team visited the members of these cooperatives to learn more about the activities of the cooperatives.

  ‘Changes in life lead people to be engaged in agriculture again’

In an interview with NuJINHA, The Economy Committee member Xedîca Mihemed said, “Changes in life lead people to be engaged in agriculture again. Although people continue to harm ecological life, women, who are the protectors of nature and society, play an important role in protecting nature, ecological life. The climate change caused by human activities such as wars and conflicts has already caused death and suffering across the world. We should immediately stop this. More women participation in the labor force can end such problems because women and nature have a powerful connection. Our aim is to perpetuate women’s economic participation.”

 Agriculture cooperatives

Speaking about the agriculture cooperatives aiming to increase women’s economic participation in the town of Tirbê Spî, Xedîca Mihemed said, “There are three women’s agriculture cooperatives and three women’s bakery cooperatives in Tirbê Spî. One of these agriculture cooperatives is in the village of Dugirê. Women have already planted wheat and coriander on 100 acres of agricultural land. They have also planted vegetables such as lettuce, onions, garlic and beans on 50 acres of agricultural land.  We have already picked some vegetables and sold them in the market. In addition, we have reserved 30 acres of land for summer vegetables such as pepper, cucumber, eggplant and watermelon. We have already planted some of them. 18 women work for the agriculture cooperative in the village of Elî Bedran. 740 acres of land is ready for planting. 440 acres of this land have been reserved to plant wheat and 60 acres to plant coriander. The women working for the agriculture cooperative in the village of Til Merûf have already planted wheat. The aim of these cooperatives is to empower women in the labor force and protect nature.”

Bakery cooperatives

Xedîca Mihemed also talked about the bakery cooperatives in the town of Tirbê Spî. “We have also started bakery cooperatives in the town. Four women work for each of the three bakery cooperatives. One of these bakery cooperatives is in the town, one in the village of Hilwa and another is in the village of Til Merûf. Women bake thin float bread. While 20 percent of the income from the products of these cooperatives is for the Women's Economy Committee, 80 percent is for the women working at the cooperatives.”

Laha Ali, one of the women working at the one of the bakery cooperatives, told us that she was happy to be able to make a living by working at the cooperative. “Women work in solidarity with each other.  I hope that all women use their strength, products and labor for their people so that they can lead their society.”