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Hasakah- Following the Rojava revolution that started in Kobanê on July 10,2012, women began to actively participate in all facets of life, including politics and military. On February 23, 2013, the Martyr Ruken Battalion was formed in the Afrin Canton of North and East Syria, becoming the first women’s battalion in Rojava. On April 4, 2012, the Women’s Defense (Protection) Units (YPJ) was founded April 4, 2013. On the 12th anniversary of the YPJ, NuJINHA spoke to women fighters of the YPJ.

 ‘The mission of the YPJ is to save women and society from the patriarchal mindset’

Leyla Dirbesiye, an Arab woman and fighter of the YPJ, joined the YPJ, believing that gender equality must be fully achieved in society. “The aim of the YPJ is to save women and society from the patriarchal mindset that has enslaved them for 5,000 years. I joined the YPJ to fight against the patriarchal mindset that affects our society,” she told NuJINHA. “Leader Abdullah Öcalan says, ‘A country can't be free unless the women are free’. Therefore, we fight for women’s freedom. The patriarchal mindset has hidden women's history for years, distracted them from their reality with nature, and used every possible way to destroy women’s will. The life philosophy of leader Öcalan is a light that opens the way for all women.”

‘The YPJ is a women’s fighting force’

YPJ fighters proved their strength and will to the whole world in the fight against ISIS, Leyla Dirbesiye stressed. “April 4 marks the birthday of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan and the foundation of the YPJ. The YPJ was founded on April 4 because the birthday of leader Öcalan is the birthday of women's freedom. The YPJ is not only a Kurdish fighting force but also a women’s fighting force joined by women from all ethnic and religious groups. The Arab community has also been affected by the patriarchal mindset that enslaves women. What we do is not only for the Kurdish people but also for the Arab people.”

‘Implementation of the project of a democratic nation will ensure a solution in Syria’

Women have the power to protect their homeland and society, Leyla Dirbesiye emphasized. “We make great efforts to explain the thoughts of leader Abdullah Öcalan to our society and we strive to fulfill this responsibility. As the YPJ, we are those who seek freedom, truth, justice and equality in Syria and in the Middle East. The interim government in Damascus excludes differences, undermining the essence of society. What has been happening in Syria’s coastal regions is unacceptable. Implementation of the project of a democratic nation will ensure a solution in Syria. People from different ethnic and religious groups in Syria must enjoy their rights. The YPJ fighters played an important role in defeating ISIS and they have played an important role in fighting against the Turkish occupation in Syria. As women, we must demonstrate our power at this important phase in Syria’s history.”

‘The YPJ has become a role model for protecting women’s identity’

The YPJ has made great sacrifices to build the spirit of self-defense among women, said Amara İlan, a YPJ fighter. “On the 12th anniversary of the YPJ, we remember the hundreds of women fighters, who sacrificed themselves to protect society and women from the attacks launched by mercenaries such as ISIS, Al Qaeda and Al Nusra on our regions. The YPJ has waged a historic resistance to protect the Tishreen Dam and the Qereqozax Bridge. The YPJ has become a role model for protecting women’s identity. The YPJ gets strength from Arîn Mirkan, Avesta Xabûr, Slava and Berivan, who became symbols of heroism and sacrifice.”

‘The YPJ was founded thanks to the ideology and philosophy of leader Öcalan’

The YPJ embraces all women, Amara İlan noted. “The leading role played by women in military, economy, politics and diplomacy during the Rojava Revolution has inspired women all around the world. The YPJ was founded thanks to the ideology and philosophy of leader Öcalan. The foundation of the YPJ on April 4 confirms the strong bonds of women with our leader’s ideology. His birthday is a renaissance for society, especially for women. The participation of women from different ethnic and religious groups in the YPJ strengthens our power and determination for democracy, justice and equality. The YPJ has the power to protect all Syrian women from attacks and rights violations.”

Call on women to break the chains of slavery

“We fight against oppressive regimes,” said YPJ fighter Cafer Efrîn. “We organize ourselves according to the thoughts and ideology of leader Abdullah Öcalan, who aims to liberate society through the freedom of women. The YPJ was founded on April 4, the birthday of leader Öcalan. As women, we see leader Öcalan as a ray of hope in our lives. I call on all women to break the chains of slavery.”