In early January 2026, the military campaigns of the Syrian Transitional Government (STG) against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) displaced anywhere from tens to hundreds of thousands of people. While some people have been able to return to their homes following the 30 January ceasefire agreement, many people are still struggling. The city of Kobani/Ayn al-Arab has also suffered greatly. Residents and displaced people there endured weeks of no electricity in freezing temperatures. Food shortages continue. 

Local organizations are trying to meet the needs of both displaced people and locals affected by the situation. The Syrian Women's Foundation (WJAS) has had to withdraw from it's offices in Aleppo and Raqqa, but has continued to support women in the northern cities where it was already active. They have been running a fundraising campaign to provide food, tents, blankets, and medical care for internally displaced people and locals who need support.

Even before this current crisis, WJAS was there for women in the North East of Syria. The organization provided funds and other material support to a health clinic in Hasakah and job training to women in the Washokani refugee camp. They also ran an inexpensive, not-for-profit, corner store in a working-class neighbourhood in Qamishlo/Qamishli. Here is how they put it, in their own words, "A fundamental goal of the Free Women’s Foundation in Syria is to promote the autonomy of women and improve their living conditions by providing services in the areas of education, health and economics."

As herbalists in so-called Canada who support Rojava and the Women's Revolution in North East Syria, we are raising funds for WJAS! We will be transferring funds into their European bank account in March 2026.

To learn more about WJAS, check out their website at https://wjas.org/en/the-foundation/