Martyrs' mothers of YPJ: units represent basic force to protect Syrian women

The Joint Events Platform for Women's Movements and Organizations in Rojava launched a campaign on April 26 under the slogan "We are all YPJ, YPJ represents us," aimed at supporting the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) and demanding their inclusion in the Ministry of Defense.

Regarding this issue, the mothers of the martyrs spoke to ANHA agency, emphasizing the necessity of including the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) within the ministry's structure and the rights of women in the Syrian constitution.

Leyla Rashad, the mother of the YPJ fighter, martyr Janda Tolehdan, confirmed that the government has not yet recognized women's rights, and pointed out that the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) fought a great struggle in the war against ISIS/Daesh and saved women from genocide and murder.

She continued her speech, saying: "Our fighters have always been at the heart of the battle, sacrificing their lives to protect this land." As the mothers of the martyrs, we will not abandon our struggle until women's rights are guaranteed in the constitution and the Women's Protection Units find their place in the Syrian army.

Leyla concluded her speech by saying: "All the women of Rojava are with the Women's Protection Units." If they don't want us, we can take up arms and fight alongside our fighters. Let's not forget the enemy's fear of the Women's Protection Units fighters. "If they do not recognize the Women's Protection Units as an official force, our struggle will become stronger."

For her part, Fatima Hussein, the mother of the martyr fighter in the Women's Protection Units, Beritan Dersim, confirmed that the presence of the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) is a presence for all women. She added that if these units did not join the Syrian army, the lives of all Syrian women would be in danger. Fatima said, "The fighters of the Women's Protection Units have sacrificed many years to protect this land, and we will always remain in the field alongside them." The Women's Protection Units represent all Syrian women, and they are capable of saving women from genocide, enslavement, and extermination. And we join the campaign and support the Women's Protection Units until they officially join the Syrian army."

For her part, Koli Mohammed, the mother of the martyr Rojda Afrin, pointed out that the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) have been fighting to protect women in North and East Syria for 14 years and have participated in many operations against ISIS mercenaries. The units have achieved great accomplishments for women, especially in the fight against terrorism in Kobani, and have protected the regions of Rojava from attacks.

She expressed her pride in her daughter and the sacrifices of all the female fighters, saying: "We are all proud of our sons and daughters, for their resistance and struggle to protect the land of Rojava." Why are the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) not officially accepted into the Syrian army? Why are they so afraid of women's will?

Kholi Mohammed concluded her speech by saying: "We have achieved our freedom thanks to the presence of the Women's Protection Units, and therefore, the presence of these units is the presence of women." If women are not represented in the constitution and the army, Syrian women will always live in constant danger, so women's struggle must always be at the forefront of priorities.

The Women's Protection Units (YPJ), which were established on April 4, 2013, and have participated in various stages witnessed in the region, including their role in countering the ISIS mercenaries' attack on Shengal, seek to build a democratic, decentralized, and pluralistic Syria.

ANHA