Women reject exclusion of YPJ, affirm: Its presence in army is security; societal necessity

Women from the city of Jal Agha in al-Jazira region expressed their strong rejection of attempts to exclude the Women's Protection Units and not integrate them into the proposed Syrian army. They viewed this step as contradictory to the vital role the units played in protecting the region and women from attacks targeting the will of the people and women.

In this context, Sakina Haj Mahmoud expressed her dissatisfaction with the refusal to integrate the Women's Protection Units into the army, considering it an attack on the will of free women. She praised the role and bravery of the units in the battlefields against ISIS/ Daesh mercenaries and all the attacks targeting the region.

She added, "The Women's Protection Units are an essential part of the defense project in Rojava. As a woman, I support their important role in enhancing security and safety for the people of the region, especially women, because the safety and security of women in Rojava are linked to the presence of the Women's Protection Units, which play a protective shield role for them and their achievements."

For her part, Azima Rostam said: "The Women's Protection Units represent the identity and true existence of women in Rojava; they reflect social and cultural progress in Kurdish society and the communities living alongside it. Their role in society has granted women many rights and abilities to defend women and the community against attacks targeting women's will."

She emphasized that the exclusion of the Women's Protection Units from the army is part of the ongoing challenge to marginalize women from playing their fundamental role in society.

She concluded her speech by rejecting the step, saying: "The Women's Protection Units have significantly contributed to enhancing security and providing protection to the community in Rojava, and their presence within the army is a security necessity."

For her part, Miada Ramadan said: "The Women's Protection Units have played a crucial role in defending the region since the beginning of the Rojava Revolution and have protected women from the repercussions of attacks targeting them to break their will and take them as war spoils."

She continued: "The Women's Protection Units represent the will of free women, and their removal from the ranks of the army means the continuation of marginalizing women's roles, allowing policies of enslavement and oppression to persist, which is categorically rejected because the role of women in Rojava, embodied by the Women's Protection Units, has been a pivotal factor in maintaining security, safety, and women's rights."

She emphasized that the presence of the Women's Protection Units within the army is a fundamental step toward empowering women in society, affirming at the end of her speech the continuation of women's support and backing for the Women's Protection Units in their struggle for achieving security and stability.

ANHA