LÎNA XİLÊF

Deir ez-Zor- The revolution that took place in North and East Syria on July 19, 2012 continues to be built as the “Women's Revolution” in the region despite the invasion attacks of the Turkish state. Many women’s organizations were established in Deir ez-Zor after its liberation in 2019. One of these women organizations, the Zenûbiya Women’s Association was established on November 11, 2019 to provide financial, legal and psychological support to women victims of violence and empower them. The association has received 313 applications from women victims of violence this year.

‘We make efforts to eliminate gender-based violence’

Indicating that women victims of violence apply to the association and they try to find solutions together, Muna Ewêd, member of the association, said, “We have carried out awareness-raising activities to eliminate gender-based violence. Most women applying to our association are subjected to domestic violence. Women are subjected to violence by their partners and family members. In addition, they suffer from economic problems. Women are forced to work to earn a living for themselves and their children. Another issue faced by girls and women is child marriage.”

‘We have received 313 applications this year’

Underlining that they also provide legal support to women victims of violence, Muna Ewêd said, “Sometimes, we face problems to support women. For this reason, we take some applications to court. We aim to strengthen women’s struggle by making efforts to eliminate gender-based violence in North and East Syria. We have received 313 applications this year.”

‘I remained silent against violence not to be blamed by society’

S.M. is one of the women applied to the association to receive support. She told us that she remained silent about violence against her not to be blamed by society, “I was subjected to violence by my spouse and children many times. Then, I applied to the Zenûbiya Women's Association because I could no longer tolerate the violence against me. In the past, I did not report violence because I was afraid of the accusations of society, but I can't stand this situation anymore.”

‘My spouse used economic violence against me’

Another woman applying to the association for support, L.M. told us that she had been subjected to economic violence by her spouse. “I have eight children. My spouse used to inflict violence against me when I did not give him my salary. My daughter and I work to meet the needs of our family. However, my spouse took money from us and did not spend money on us. I was subjected to violence by him when I refused to give money to him anymore. For this reason, I applied to the  Zenûbiya Women’s Association to support me in finding a solution for me.”