Nagham Jajan

Qamishlo – The Co-Chair of the Democratic Society Movement (TEV-DEM), Ramziya Mohammed, confirmed that the unity and solidarity of women in Rojava are the foundation for protecting their revolution and consolidating their rights. She stressed the continuation of the struggle on March 8, until freedom and justice are achieved for all women.

The model of democratic life for women in Rojava is considered a fundamental pillar amid the political conflicts and attacks taking place in the region. This model is based on the principles of freedom, women's rights, and strengthening social and political bonds. To protect this model and ensure its continuity, it is necessary to continue educating women, protecting civil rights, and strengthening political efforts. Women play a central role in political struggle, education, revolution, and battles for progress, making this model increasingly successful.

In an interview with our agency, the Co-Chair of the Democratic Society Movement (TEV-DEM), Ramziya Mohammed, emphasized the necessity for women to continue organizing themselves. She began her remarks by congratulating women around the world on the occasion of March 8:

“We congratulate all women and mothers on March 8. After years of struggle and resistance, we hope that March 8 this year will be a day of freedom and victory. Women's struggle will continue to make this day a symbol of protecting the Rojava Revolution. With this spirit of hope, we begin the activities of March 8.”

Consolidating Democratic Rights for Women

She stressed the need for women to organize themselves:

“The life built by women based on the principles of their revolution—especially the women’s revolution—relies on protection, equality, justice, and the consolidation of democratic rights that have long been denied. Therefore, women must organize their ranks to ensure the protection of their rights.”

Ramziya Mohammed affirmed that women play a central role in society and politics:

“Women were deprived of their rights for many years and were excluded from politics. But the Rojava Revolution opened a new path for them. Through experience, organization, and determination, they have proven themselves in various fields of life. When women unite within a strong organization, they can confront attacks and the targeting of women leaders. Women’s organization is the key to confronting the nation-state system. With their will, women can change the global system. On March 8 this year, women must demonstrate their presence and consolidate their political and social rights.”

Women Present in All Aspects of Life

Ramziya Mohammed explained that women in Rojava are present in all fields:

“The model established through the women’s revolution is based on a leading role for women, in which they have the will and ability to participate in all areas of life. Anyone who visits Rojava can see women in the streets and in institutions.”

She added:

“Leader Abdullah Öcalan was among the first to support the struggle of women and opened the path to freedom for them. When women take a leading role in society, their will emerges, and they can change politics and build a democratic society. The society of Rojava is a democratic one that allows every component to express its culture, and women and mothers play a fundamental role in protecting culture and language.”

Targeting Women Because of Their Leading Role

She continued:

“This model differs from others in the region and the world because it builds a democratic society, recognizes the rights of all, and opens space for women's organizations. This poses a threat to authoritarian systems; therefore, attacks on this model are increasing, and women leaders are being targeted. We will continue defending them until the criminals are held accountable.”

She added that these attacks greatly affect mothers and children. Authoritarian systems have not recognized women’s rights in constitutions and governance, which is why women’s struggle and resistance continue.

“On March 8, we will raise our slogans to protect the achievements of the women’s revolution.”

Women’s Strength Lies in Their Unity

She pointed out that for women to freely play their roles in all areas of life, women’s rights must be included in the new Syrian constitution and protected through special laws.

“The unity and solidarity of women in Rojava are essential. When this unity becomes stronger, the authoritarian system will change and begin to view women’s organization Women’s Protection Units (YPJ):differently.”

She also drew attention to the global support for the

“We witnessed how people in East Kurdistan and Iran took to the streets in support of the uprising ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ (Women, Life, Freedom). Demonstrations were also held around the world in support of the YPJ, and participants affirmed that they stand in the same trench with the fighters and will not allow women’s voices to be silenced.”

She concluded her remarks by saying:

“The future of the model of the free and democratic woman faces great danger. There are attacks in North and East Syria aimed at breaking the strength of women. To overcome this danger and preserve the model of the women’s revolution and spread it globally, women—regardless of their languages and cultures—must unite, support one another, and accept one another so they can secure the future of this model.”