Amira Muhammed of YPJ: All women must fight all forms of violence
“All women must fight all forms of violence,” said Amira Muhammed, Spokesperson of the YPJ in the Euphrates Canton of NE Syria, emphasizing the importance of combating all forms of violence against women.
SAMER MUHAMMED
Raqqa- The foundation of the Women's Defense Units (YPJ) is one of the most important gains of the revolution in Rojava. Since it was founded in 2013, the YPJ has defended women and fought for the freedom of the region.
Women in North and East Syria formed their own defense units after being subjected to oppression by the Syrian government for years. The YPJ has been defending the existence, culture and identity of women for years.
As the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, annually observed on November 25, is approaching, NuJINHA spoke to Amira Muhammed, Spokesperson of the YPJ in the Euphrates Canton of NE Syria, about women’s struggle. “As November 25 is approaching, we call on all women to join the YPJ to protect women from gender-based violence,” she said. “Thus, women will take their rights back.”
‘All women must fights all forms of violence’
Many women are subjected to violence and oppression in society, Amira Muhammed said, adding: “We would like to remind you of Jina Amini, who did not bow to traditional norms and bravely expressed her thoughts. Her name identifies with the ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadi’ philosophy. Many women from different ethnic and religious groups in North and East Syria are also subjected to violence oppression by their families, husbands, brothers or male relatives due to the patriarchy. Women are killed in the name of ‘honor’ and ‘tradition’. Today, all women must fight all forms of violence and rise up against oppression.”
‘I managed to stand against violence’
As an Arab woman, I managed to stand against violence by joining the YPJ, Amira Muhammed said. “I cannot allow any woman to be excluded or subjected to violence. Now, thousands of women are involved in women’s organizations and join the YPJ to defend women. These organizations also make efforts to solve all the problems in society. I am an Arab woman and I managed to overcome all challenges.”
‘We are ready to liberate the occupied areas’
Amira Muhammed talked about the important role of women and said, “We have managed to overcome all the challenges. Now, women fight to take their rights back and prove themselves in all facets of life. As the YPJ, we are ready to protect and defend our country and liberate the occupied areas.”