Despite all circumstances, no one is compelled; everyone desires to.
Shining a Light on the Empowered: Women of Rojava
Imagine spending a lifetime in the shadows, then stepping out into the sunlight - that's the spirit of the women living in Jinwar, a village in Rojava, north Syria. This beacon of hope, meaning "land of women" in Kurdish, has drawn in women from all walks of life who've suffered and longed for freedom. Here, they cultivate a vibrant, self-managed community, one that’s an antithesis to the stifling patriarchy.
Filmmaker Robert Krieg, with a career spanning over four decades documenting grassroots initiatives in the Middle East, has captured these women's incredible journeys in his documentary "Despite Everything." On the surface, the lifestyles portrayed might seem alien to Western societies, akin to tales from an alien world. Yet these women are proof that solidarity, collaboration, and mutual respect are powerful forces with the potential to heal and instill hope even in the face of adversity.
The film features a diverse and resilient cast of women—Argin, a tech-savvy agricultural maven, Jehan, an artistic picture framer, Delal, a single mother, Sidan, a versatile yet worn individual, Ghoufran, a passionate Taekwondo instructor, and Hiba, a diligent weaver who's deaf. Their stories are woven together, testifying to their gratification since they found their newfound freedom. The documentary also explores other projects approached with this same self-organized spirit: a multi-religious food delivery service, a tailor, an artist, and a woman inspiring change through TikTok and Facebook videos. As Sidan from Jinwar puts it, with principles and common sense, "we can achieve anything here."
The film provides striking glimpses into these self-managed lives, a stark departure from the oppressive, patriarchal societies that preceded them. Men scarcely appear, other than among the children the women bring into the village. When they do, they represent the violent oppressors who imprisoned wives and took away their children.
While the film does not delve deep into the intricacies of these self-organized societies, questions inevitably arise. What guidelines are implemented to maintain harmony within the community? Who is included, and who is excluded? What happens when the rules are disregarded?
Perhaps it's only those who cling too tightly to the status quo who'd question the harmony portrayed in "Despite Everything." One cannot help but wonder if it's simply impossible for societies built upon collaboration, mutual respect, and self-determination to be completely conflict-free. The film doesn't dwell on potential dissent within the women's communities, but one wonders if it's a question best left unasked.
In this documentary, Krieg seeks to demonstrate that communities like Jinwar are not merely distant, unattainable ideals. In societies where 'disruptive' seems the only attribute valued, these solidarity-based lifestyles might seem unlike anything we know. But perhaps it's precisely the principles these women espouse—respect, solidarity, fairness, and support—that we need the most.
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In the face of overwhelming adversity, these women have come together to create something extraordinary from nothing—a beacon of hope that shines the light on what a self-determined life can be. They've demonstrated that the qualities we in the West celebrate—courage, resilience, and self-confidence—are not exclusive to our own societies. It's a reminder that we are more alike than we often care to admit.
The future of Rojava remains uncertain, dangerously so. Ongoing negotiations with the Syrian central government, threats from both Turkish-backed factions and jihadi groups, and a broader regional geopolitical struggle all pose considerable threats. Yet the spirit of these resilient women continues to inspire, a testament to their unwavering determination to build a brighter future.
"Despite Everything," Germany 2025. Director: Robert Krieg. 90 minutes, Release: June 12
1) In the face of adversity, the women of Jinwar, Rojava have cultivated a self-managed community that embodies the principles of science, health-and-wellness, and womens-health, as seen in their diverse professions such as agriculture, art, and Taekwondo instruction.
2) The documentary "Despite Everything" underscores the importance of collaboration, mutual respect, and lifestyle choices based on fairness and support, showing that these values, often associated with women's health and wellness, can create thriving societies. These principles, even if uncommon in Western societies, could be crucial for the future stability and prosperity that we all aspire to.
