SILVA AL-IBRAHIM          

Hasakah- Women of Manbij proved their existence in all spheres of life, including politics, economy and social life after their city was liberated from ISIS by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Women’s Defense Units (YPJ) and the People's Defense Units (YPG) in 2016. Then, they started celebrating International Women’s Day until the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) launched an offensive on the city in December 2024. Since December 2024, the people of Manbij have been subjected to various rights violations such as kidnaping, theft, looting, killing and rape.

“Our city has been surrounded by a dark mindset for the second time. I am looking forward to the day when Manbij will be liberated again.” said  R.Z., a woman living in Manbij.

“After our city was liberated from ISIS eight years ago, we, as the women of Manbij, participated in all decision-making positions. The women of Manbij managed to break down gender stereotypes. Before the armed factions launched the offensive, we had celebrated International Women’s Day and Newroz.”

‘The city has become a city of darkness’

Since the offensive on Manbij in 2024, the city has become a city of darkness again,” R.Z. told NuJINHA. “In previous years, we celebrated IWD with great enthusiasm. Now, we feel sad when we remember those years. Now, we cannot even go out, our dreams are surrounded by the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions. Our life has turned into a living nightmare.”

‘We will celebrate IWD again when our city is liberated’

Speaking about the claims of Syria’s transitional government led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), she said, “They claim that they will deliver justice to women; however, their practices show that they will not. Women deserve to participate in the construction of the new Syria. I hope that security will be restored in Manbij and that women will regain their rights under the system of the Autonomous Administration. As women, we will celebrate IWD again when our city is liberated.”

During the Syrian civil war, Manbij was captured by ISIS in 2012. In 2016, the SDF, YPJ and YPG launched a military offensive operation and liberated the city from ISIS on August 15, 2016.

‘We felt like we were reborn’

J.E., another woman in Manbij, told us what she felt when the city was liberated from ISIS. “As the women of Manbij, we felt like we were reborn. After the liberation, I started realizing my dreams. For instance, I started going to school again. After my graduation, I found a job, enjoying my rights. The city was more beautiful than before. We were not in fear anymore. Many art and culture associations were founded and I attended their courses and activities.”

J.E. also commented on the celebrations for International Women’s Day in the city. “Many activities and events such as seminars and conferences were held in the city. However, we cannot even celebrate our day now. There are no activities or events for women to attend. I feel like I am held in a prison without any rights.”

‘A new Syria that respects women must be built’

J.E. also shared her thoughts about the new Syria. “I am one of the women who want to build a democratic and free country. A new Syria that respects women and their rights must be built. Women must participate in all facets of life in Syria without obstacles and oppression.”