YPJ: our struggle will continue to enhance women's rights in Syria

 Speaking to ANHA agency on the occasion of the 13th anniversary of the Units' founding, which falls on April 4th each year fighters from the Women's Protection Units underscored the vital role women play in the spheres of protection and defense. They emphasized that their participation is not limited solely to the military aspect but extends to encompass various facets of life.

Fighter Cicek Serhed noted that the inception of the Women's Protection Units coincided with the early stages of the Syrian Revolution, serving as a strategic move aimed at shielding women from various forms of injustice and abuse.

She explained that this struggle continues to this day in defense of women suffering under oppression, pointing out that this fight embraces all ethnic and religious components of society without exception, including Arabs, Kurds, and Syriacs. She added that experience has conclusively demonstrated women's capacity to fulfill their role in protecting society and bolstering its stability.

Furthermore, she expressed their aspiration for the Units to play a prominent role within any future Syrian army, thereby guaranteeing women's presence and active participation.

For her part, fighter Roken Tartous affirmed that the trajectory of their struggle is grounded in the philosophy of Leader Abdullah Ocalan, focusing on empowering women with their freedom and protecting their rights against all forms of injustice. She noted that women have proven their ability to engage in the toughest battles, particularly in confronting ISIS/Daesh mercenaries and the occupation attacks targeting the region and expressed the view that these experiences demonstrate women's capacity to defend society.

She also emphasized the necessity of assigning women a fundamental role within the military structure of a future Syria, grounded in the recognition that they constitute a vital pillar of society.

For her part, Berat Derbasiya, a fighter within the Women's Protection Units (YPJ)—pointed out that the notion of women's inherent weakness is no longer valid, asserting that women have proven their capability to participate in diverse spheres, ranging from combat operations to community administration.

Fighter Berat Derbasiya concluded her remarks by affirming that the contributions of women along with the sacrifices made by both male and female martyrs underscore the pivotal importance of women's status in the construction of a free and stable society.

ANHA