Communalism in Rojava
A Lesson in the Power of Mutual Aid
Mutual aid is nothing new—communities have been practicing it for generations to survive oppression and take care of one another when the state won’t. But what the people of Rojava are building goes far beyond survival. It’s a full-on reimagining of society, designed to resist tyranny and create something better. For those of us contending with authoritarianism, Rojava offers lessons we can’t afford to ignore.
Understanding Rojava’s Communalism
Context:
Rojava, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, is a Kurdish-led region that’s been rewriting the rules of self-governance since the Syrian civil war created a political vacuum. Under siege from ISIS, Turkey, and the Syrian regime, the people of Rojava have carved out an autonomous region rooted in direct democracy, gender equity, and environmental sustainability.
This wasn’t handed to them. They built it through sheer determination and a belief that communities, not authoritarian regimes, should decide their own futures.
Core Principles:
Autonomy and Decentralization: Local councils make decisions for their neighborhoods, putting power in the hands of the people most affected.
Gender Equity: Women’s empowerment is baked into governance, with women’s councils and the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) playing key roles in both defense and leadership.
Holistic Development: They’re not just surviving—they’re creating schools, cooperatives, and sustainable practices to build a better future.
What Rojava Does That Works
Local Councils:
Think of these like neighborhood assemblies where decisions are made directly by the people. No one is waiting for some distant government to figure things out—they’re solving problems right where they live.
Worker Cooperatives:
In Rojava, many businesses are run collectively by workers. It’s not about chasing profits for a few but ensuring that resources stay within the community.
Women’s Empowerment:
Women aren’t just included—they’re leading. Women’s councils ensure their voices are central in every decision. The YPJ defends their communities while pushing back on the patriarchy that too often comes with militarization.
Education and Skill-Sharing:
Education here isn’t just about literacy—it’s about empowerment. From teaching critical thinking to skills that build independence, Rojava’s focus on education strengthens the whole community.
Defense and Safety:
The people of Rojava are no strangers to danger, so they’ve developed local defense units to protect themselves. While not everyone will need militias, their model shows the importance of having plans to keep people safe from harassment or repression.
What We Can Learn from Rojava
Rojava teaches us that mutual aid isn’t just about plugging holes where the state fails—it’s about imagining and building something better. Here’s how we can apply their lessons to the work of resisting authoritarianism in our own communities:
Emphasize Autonomy and Decentralization:
Build neighborhood-based councils or mutual aid groups where decisions are made collectively. Decentralized leadership makes it harder for authoritarians to disrupt your work and ensures everyone has a say.
Create Holistic Support Systems:
Don’t stop at immediate needs like food or housing. Use your mutual aid networks to foster long-term change. Start worker co-ops, teach skills, and build networks that empower your community to thrive on its own terms.
Prepare for Defense:
While most of us aren’t facing the same threats as Rojava, we still need plans to keep our people safe. Think about rapid-response teams that can step in during ICE raids, far-right harassment, or state repression.
Action Steps for Today
Form Local Councils:
Bring neighbors together to identify needs, coordinate aid, and build power at the local level.
Expand Beyond Basic Aid:
Start cooperative businesses, offer free education programs, and organize skill-sharing events. Create systems that make your community more self-sufficient.
Build Safety Plans:
Organize teams to provide support during crises. This could mean helping a family after an eviction, defending a protest, or showing up to protect a vulnerable neighbor.
Empower Marginalized Voices:
Take a page from Rojava and ensure women, LGBTQ+ folks, and other marginalized people are central to decision-making. This isn’t just about inclusion; it’s about transforming power structures.
Integrate Environmental Sustainability:
Rojava’s emphasis on ecological resilience shows us how mutual aid can include sustainability. From community gardens to renewable energy projects, think long-term.
The Big Picture
Rojava isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving, even in the face of war and oppression. They remind us that mutual aid is about more than meeting needs—it’s about creating the world we want to live in.
By building power locally, fostering solidarity, and refusing to let authoritarianism dictate the terms, we can create resilient communities capable of resisting oppression and imagining something better. Let’s take these lessons to heart and start building.
Read And Learn More About Communalism In Rojava
Revolution in Rojava: Democratic Autonomy and Women's Liberation in Syrian Kurdistan
Authors: Michael Knapp, Anja Flach, Ercan Ayboga
Overview: This foundational text explores the principles of communalism in Rojava, focusing on grassroots democracy, women's liberation, and ecological sustainability.
The Kurdish Women's Movement: History, Theory, Practice
Author: Dilar Dirik
Overview: Provides an in-depth look at the role of women in shaping the political and social structures in Rojava, emphasizing their contributions to communalism and gender equality.
A Small Key Can Open a Large Door: The Rojava Revolution
Editors: Strangers in a Tangled Wilderness
Overview: A collection of essays, interviews, and analyses of the Rojava Revolution, offering insights into its communalist ethos and grassroots governance.