Rohilat Afrin: YPJ will remain unyielding shield for all Syrian women

During the conference entitled "The Women's Alliance as a Foundation for Building Justice and Democracy in Syria: A Unified Decentralization", held in the city of al-Hasakah with the attendance of representatives from various Syrian communities, Rohilat Afrin delivered a keynote speech.

She asserted that the struggle of women in North and East Syria is a product of intellect and the spirit of resistance, stating: "This struggle has brought us to a day where freedom is embodied in a society that protects itself and its women."

Rohilat Afrin elaborated that the trajectory of the Syrian revolution since 2011 was not merely a political conflict but a comprehensive humanitarian project that imparted a fundamental lesson. She added: "Life without protection is impossible. No household, neighborhood, institution, or party can endure under continuous threat without a robust and comprehensive defense system. Hence, building self-protection has become an essential condition for societal continuity and ensuring citizens are not mere victims of oppression and aggression."

She further explained that the women’s revolution on July 19, 2012, in Rojava and North and East Syria, was not a conventional revolution but a revolution of life for every woman and society at large. Continuing her address, she said: "The free woman’s will has become a home for all Syrian women and a flame the world watches with admiration. Protecting women is not a choice but a fundamental prerequisite for any free and stable society."

Rohilat Afrin added that the women’s revolution did not only raise the slogan of defending women but established a broader concept: "Protecting society and rebuilding the homeland on the pillars of justice, equality, and freedom."

Regarding the attacks targeting women in al-Sahel and Sweida, she affirmed that these assaults were attempts to annihilate the will of both women and society, underscoring the necessity for every individual to strengthen self-protection measures.

She highlighted that the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) embody the core military and ideological force, combining both arms and philosophy. The weaponry is not limited to military defense but extends to defending values, freedom, and the right to justice and equality. She emphasized: "We wield our weapons and ideology for the cause of protection, having constructed an integrated defense system with the people, society, and women, and we aspire to extend this experience across the entirety of Syrian territories."

Rohilat Afrin pointed out that the ongoing events in Afrin, Ras al-Ain (Girê Spî/Tel Abyad), and Serê Kaniyê, which are under Turkish occupation and mercenaries, prove that the absence of protection leads to recurring tragedies. She stressed that resistance is not merely a military defense but a comprehensive life project that redefines the homeland based on justice and equality, placing the protection of women and society at the core of any political or social action.

Concluding her speech, Rohilat Afrin stated: "Resistance and protection are not options but conditions for survival. Every attack on women and every threat to society is an opportunity to prove that our will is stronger and our philosophy of defending freedom remains unshaken. The Women’s Protection Units will remain the steadfast shield for all Syrian women, carrying the flame of freedom ignited to remain a beacon for future generations.

ANHA