Please note, this area is in what is known as northeastern Syria or Rojava and is an autonomous region in the country because the country is a federation. I want to point out to you that I am not trying to highlight this area as some kind of woman Utopia. It still has its own problems obviously and it is still in the Middle East meaning that it still has a ways to go. The area has also been ravaged by war for a very long time so while they have been trying to make strides they have also had to deal with a lot of things that women in the west don't have to deal. I'm not trying to bring up these people as some kind of Paragon of feminism. I am simply trying to point out this community as another type of feminism, one that is different not necessarily better or worse, just different. Perhaps to take from other types of women's liberation movements and to take what we like and leave the rest. Again I am not trying to paint them as some kind of Utopia, they're not, but they are doing things differently and I thought that this would be an interesting discussion about perhaps what they do right, what they do wrong at least from our perspective, and what just maybe interesting about them and how they do things differently. It's more about shining light on different perspectives in the world and seeing what can be learned from them and stuff like that. I also want to point out that this is one commune in a series of communes in the area and communes are essentially similar to US states. They are subdivisions of the entire area. So no, it's not like men don't have anywhere to go. This is one community and it's the only women's only community in the region.

Jinwar, whose name derives from the Kurdish words "Jin" meaning "woman" and "war" meaning "space" or "land," literally translating to "woman's place" or "woman's land," is a self-governed village established to provide a safe haven for women and children, free from violence and oppression. The village operates under a unique political structure that emphasizes collective leadership and democratic participation. Instead of a single central leader, Jinwar has a democratically elected council where each member takes turns serving as the town's leader on a monthly basis, ensuring that all women in the community have an active voice in political decisions. This rotating leadership model fosters a sense of shared responsibility and empowerment among the residents. The educational framework in Jinwar is designed to promote self-empowerment and independence among women and children. The village houses a primary school that educates students from first to sixth grade. Upon completing this program, students have the option to attend schools in neighboring communities, thereby integrating with the broader educational system. Additionally, the Women's Academy in Jinwar focuses on teaching Jineology (Jineoloji), a social science that centers on women's roles and contributions. The academy offers lessons in various fields of Jineology, along with language programs in Kurdish, Arabic, and English, catering to older women who wish to broaden their linguistic skills. In terms of daily life and economic structure, Jinwar emphasizes self-sustainability. The women engage in agriculture, cultivating a variety of crops such as aubergines, paprika, tomatoes, okra, beans, watermelon, melon, cucumber, onions, and garlic. Each family manages its own plot of land, providing them with autonomy over their food sources and the opportunity to generate income by selling surplus produce to nearby communities. This agricultural practice not only ensures food security but also reinforces the principles of ecological living and economic independence. The village's policies regarding male presence are clearly defined to maintain its women-centered environment. Men are permitted to visit during daylight hours, provided they conduct themselves respectfully toward the women; however, they are not allowed to stay overnight. The only males granted permission to reside in Jinwar are the sons of the women who live there. As these boys approach adulthood, the community's leaders intend to allow them to decide whether they wish to continue living in the village, given that they have been raised with Jinwar's values. This approach ensures that the principles of the commune are upheld while respecting the autonomy of the young men as they mature. The justice system within Jinwar is rooted in communal principles and collective decision-making. Disputes and conflicts are addressed through dialogue and consensus, reflecting the village's commitment to maintaining harmony and mutual respect among its residents. This system underscores the importance of community cohesion and the active participation of all members in upholding the commune's values. The treatment of women in Jinwar is central to its mission. The village was established to offer a refuge for women who have suffered from various forms of violence and oppression. By creating a space where women can live independently, engage in meaningful work, and participate in decision-making processes, Jinwar empowers its residents to reclaim their lives and redefine their roles in society. The community's emphasis on education, self-sustainability, and democratic governance serves to uplift women and provide them with the tools necessary for personal and collective growth. In summary, Jinwar stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of women seeking to build a life free from patriarchal constraints. Through its unique political structure, comprehensive educational programs, and clear policies regarding male presence, the village fosters an environment where women can thrive, children can grow in a supportive setting, and the principles of equality and self-determination are paramount. The community's approach to justice, rooted in dialogue and consensus, further reinforces its commitment to maintaining a harmonious and empowering environment for all its members.