Nurshan Abdi

Kobani_ The Syrian Interim Government has been holding talks with the Autonomous administration for some time, and several provisions of the agreements have been implemented so far.However, the government_ still carrying the mentality of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham_ is practicing policies hostile to women, as it does not recognize the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) as a main force within the Syrian ministry of Defense.

This stance and decision by the interim government have angered the women of Rojava. Women in Kobani stated: “If the presence of the Women’s Protection Units is not guaranteed, we will not trust the Syrian army.”

“The Women’s Protection Units Are Our Trust, Our Honor, and Our Existence”

Jihan Bozan stated that there are attempts to deny the strategic existence of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), adding that the wars and attacks that occurred during this period aimed to destroy the existence and achievements of the people of Rojava.

“We have seen how strong the Women’s Protection Units are. Their fighters carried weapons and fought to protect women and preserve their achievements. Yet today we see that the jihadist government of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham denies the existence of the YPJ and does not mention it at all in the agreements,” she said.

She emphasized that the Women’s Protection Units made tremendous efforts during the years of the revolution, particularly in the fight against ISIS, and played a strategic role.

“Rejecting the YPJ within the Syrian military system is completely unacceptable, and we will reject it until the end. For us as women, the YPJ are our defensive forces. If they are not granted official status within the Syrian Ministry of Defense, we will not trust this army. The YPJ represent our trust, our honor, and our existence.”

 

“The Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) Are a Symbol of a Dignified Life”

Fatima Khalil also affirmed that the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) are “part of the legacy of Kurdish women’s strength and military power.”

She explained that Kurdish women, who demonstrated their strength and determination for everyone in the mountains of Kurdistan, succeeded in building a great legacy for all women. The YPJ, she said, are part of this heritage, as they established themselves on the same principles and formed a distinct model within the women’s revolution.

“Our fighters and commanders in the YPJ have become a source of inspiration for women around the world in their struggle for freedom and a dignified life,” she added.

Regarding the refusal to integrate these forces into the Syrian army, she argued that the reason lies in the core ideology of the patriarchal state, which “has always conspired to eliminate women’s existence.”

“In the face of these conspiracies, we affirm that the YPJ represent for us a culture, a philosophy, and an identity. Denying the YPJ means denying the identity of free and rebellious women.”

 

“We Will Protect Our Existence”

She also expressed her rejection of the decision and position of the interim government, saying:

“The YPJ have always been a support for every woman during the years of the revolution. This experience may be new and we may be going through it for the first time, but we have defended our existence with the YPJ for years.”

She added:

“The YPJ have always been a target of attackers. In previous wars, mercenaries targeted YPJ fighters. For this reason, the YPJ may not be officially guaranteed, but this force is rooted in the spirit of every Kurdish woman. As women, we do not wait for orders from any government.”

 

“We Will Protect Our Red Lines”

The young woman Sevin Mustafa strongly condemned the position of the interim government toward the Women’s Protection Units.

“The YPJ fought all attacks on the region for years and protected it. Even in the darkest circumstances, they never abandoned women. Therefore, we will support our forces with full loyalty and fight to ensure their safety.”

She stressed that the YPJ are “our red line”, noting that they are recognized internationally.

“Everyone acknowledges that they are the leading force in protecting women. Just as we have protected our red lines until now, we will preserve our legacy and make our strength permanent.”