YPJ on its 14th anniversary: ​​Our struggle continues for women's freedom and building democratic Syria

The General Command of the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) issued a statement today on the occasion of the 14th anniversary of the units' founding, extending its congratulations to all women and the people of the region.

The statement read, "With pride and honor, we congratulate all women and our noble people on the fourteenth anniversary of the founding of the Women's Protection Units (YPJ). On this occasion, we remember with reverence and respect all the martyrs of the revolution, foremost among them the founding martyrs of the YPJ: Martyr Jinda Tel Tamer, Slava Afrin, Arin Mirkan, Rivan Kobani, Hebun Arab, and Berivan Ezidi, along with the internationalist martyrs Ivana Hoffman and Helen Karachokh, and we bow in reverence before their great heroism. We also renew our pledge to follow in the footsteps of the martyrs, embodied in the martyrs of this era: Deniz Cia, Sedar Afrin, Leyla Qasim, Tin Arab, and Shilan Kobani. We congratulate Leader Apo and all freedom fighters on this day. Undoubtedly, in our struggle, we have relied on the ideas and philosophy of Leader Abdullah Ocalan, who opened the path to freedom for us women. Accordingly, April 4th, which coincides with the anniversary of the Leader's birth, is a day of profound significance." Apo is also considered the anniversary of the founding of the Women's Protection Units (YPJ).

The statement added, "Since its founding, the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) have steadfastly continued their struggle, overcoming all forms of challenges and difficulties through immense sacrifices and unwavering resolve, until they reached their current position. Through this struggle, the YPJ has contributed to the liberation of women and the peoples of the region from the oppression of the defunct Ba'ath regime and the terrorism of ISIS. It has also played a pivotal role in bringing about historical social transformations, where the principles of freedom and equality have become a way of life and deeply rooted values ​​in society."

It continued, "Throughout the Rojava Revolution, the mission of YPJ fighters has not been limited to defending the land; they have also demonstrated women's ability to build a free and equal life based on dignity and justice. The struggle led by the YPJ has shown that women are capable of breaking the chains of oppression and writing their own destiny."

It emphasized, "The Women's Protection Units, founded by Kurdish women, have become a leading and powerful model of women's self-defense around the world."

The statement noted, "The YPJ's presence has been a source of security and confidence for all women living in Syria. Today, if we are talking about building a free and democratic future for Syria, it is inextricably linked to the struggle of the YPJ and the struggle of all Syrian women. Our ranks include women from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, and we fight together, shoulder to shoulder, to establish the values ​​of coexistence and equality."

It emphasized that, "The YPJ's integration into the Ministry of Defense will contribute to build modern Syrian army that will serve as a model for the region. Furthermore, the YPJ's presence, established through immense sacrifices, must be guaranteed by clear constitutional and legal safeguards. Hence, the YPJ's participation in the army acquires historical significance in the process of building a Syrian future based on freedom and equality."

In this context, our General Command of the Women's Protection Units held a meeting in Damascus with the Ministry of Defense, marking the beginning of a new phase of dialogue and struggle. These meetings will undoubtedly continue in the coming period, but this does not signify reaching a final agreement. Therefore, to ensure the YPJ's integration into the Ministry of Defense and its legal recognition, a joint struggle involving both women and the community is required

The statement called on "all women's movements and organizations in Rojava, Syria, and the world to support this new phase of the struggle and to work together to ensure the future of women and build a free, democratic, and equal Syria."

It also emphasized "the necessity of strengthening women's unity and advancing the joint struggle for freedom, believing that a democratic and free Syria will be achieved under the leadership of free women. We are certain that our struggle will remain a beacon illuminating the path for millions of women, and that we will continue to fulfill our historical responsibilities to the end for the freedom of peoples, the equality of women, and the building of a democratic future for Syria."

The statement commemorated all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for freedom. It also extended "greetings to the mothers of the martyrs and congratulates all women, our people, and our female fighters in the Women's Protection Units on this blessed anniversary of the founding of our units."

Sh-S

ANHA