Jineology college included in admissions process of Syrian universities, Rojava university

Jineology College recently witnessed decisive and intensive discussions during the integration process over the continuation of the discipline and possible alternatives to ensure its future, particularly amid the transitional government’s lack of a clear vision regarding women’s rights and the mechanisms for their integration into Syria’s official institutions and departments.

These efforts culminated in the announcement that the college had been officially included in Syria’s general university admissions process and Rojava University’s admissions process, with the minimum admission score set at 55.

Jineology College is considered one of the most significant achievements for women. It opened in 2017 and became part of the Faculty of Social Sciences in 2020. The college admits a number of female students each year and is preparing to graduate its first class this year.

In this context, instructor Khunaf Mohammed explained that Jineology, or the science of women, is not entirely new. She noted that related studies have been taught since the 1970s at American universities and numerous universities worldwide, extending to master’s and doctoral levels.

She said, “However, Jineology as a distinct field of study is new. It emerged from women’s activities in North and East Syria and Rojava. The first college dedicated to this discipline was opened at Rojava University in 2017, before it was officially incorporated into the Faculty of Social Sciences.”

Regarding the college’s academic system, Khunaf said the program spans four years. Previously, it was based on an interdisciplinary approach. Under the current system, students study history, philosophy, Jineology and social sciences during their first two years before moving on to advanced study and specialized training in their final two years.

She noted that the college has seen a significant increase in interest among female students following the announcement of admissions for the new academic year. Approximately 50 students enrolled last year, and the college is preparing to graduate its first class of university students specializing in Jineology this year.

Khunaf explained that enrollment is currently restricted to young women. However, the administration hopes to admit male students in the future, giving them an opportunity to learn about the discipline, although the proposal remains under consideration.

Khunaf expressed the teaching staff’s and students’ happiness over the college’s inclusion in the university admissions process across Syria. She described the decision as a major historic achievement resulting from women’s efforts and struggle, and a tangible outcome of their determination to establish their presence and secure their rights.

She also stressed that the official recognition would encourage further academic progress and enable the college to accommodate more students, expanding the reach of the discipline. Current efforts are focused on preparing students for graduation and encouraging them to pursue master’s degrees in the field.

Khunaf added that the curriculum covers subjects related to women and society, particularly women’s health, women and philosophy, rights and a dignified, free life, and women’s economics. English is also taught, and the curriculum is updated annually through further research to deepen the field of study.

Concluding her remarks, Khunaf said the coming phase would require extensive work and greater responsibility, with additional efforts needed to strengthen the college’s foundations and develop its academic resources.

She emphasized that the administration’s primary goal is to introduce Jineology College to the world in a way that reflects its history and struggle, transforming it into a center of knowledge and a destination for researchers and those interested in women’s and social issues.

She added that the college hopes to use this new period of stability to attract students from beyond the Jazira region and become a center drawing students from all Syrian governorates, helping spread the discipline and deepen its educational and developmental impact throughout the country.

A-H 

ANHA