Sorkal Sheikho

Tel Tamer — Amid ongoing negotiations between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian Interim Government, women from North and East Syria expressed their views regarding the issue of integrating the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), presenting perspectives and proposals that reflect their political and organizational aspirations within this sensitive context.

 

In a meeting with YPJ commander Rohilat Afrin, she confirmed that the YPJ continues to organize itself independently within the structure of the SDF, stressing its commitment to maintaining autonomy and the distinct nature of its work within this framework. She noted that any form of integration must preserve the identity of these forces and ensure their continuity as an independent entity.

 

“YPJ: The Women’s Guarantee Against Marginalization and Violence”

 

Nasrin Younis stated that women confront patriarchal and authoritarian mindsets by joining the ranks of the YPJ, where they gain strength and defend themselves. She explained that surrendering their power to men would mean submission, emphasizing that women do not trust men who uphold patriarchal thinking.

“We draw our strength from the thought and philosophy of Leader Abdullah Öcalan, as we see our existence reflected in him,” she said.

 

Younis expressed her lack of trust in the Syrian Interim Government, considering it incapable of protecting women. She highlighted the importance of the YPJ’s presence in any political negotiations or dialogues, as it is the only force capable of protecting and organizing women under the banner of freedom.

 

“The YPJ Is Part of Syria’s Future — A Force That Cannot Be Ignored”

 

Vilda Simon, a member of the Armenian Social Council, affirmed that the YPJ represents the core strength of women, emphasizing that women will never abandon it under any circumstances. She added that every woman, regardless of her background or challenges, views the YPJ as a source of support and empowerment.

Therefore, these units serve as a foundation and pillar for all women from various components of society. She stressed that Armenian women continue to fully support the YPJ to this day.

 

Simon noted that the YPJ plays a pivotal role in building Syria’s new future, and that expanding its activities across the country would benefit women and strengthen the government as well. She pointed out that this force, established 13 years ago, cannot be ignored or excluded from any political negotiations.

“As long as there are women suffering from violence, the YPJ will be able to support and protect them,” she said, underscoring the importance of these units as a guarantee for women’s rights in Syria.

 

She added that the situation of women and the violations they face, such as killings and attacks, are closely interconnected. She specifically mentioned the suffering of Alawite and Druze women, stressing that if they had their own protection forces, they would be able to defend themselves or resist such assaults.

“Without the YPJ, Armenian women today would not have been able to organize themselves and build their collective capacities,” she affirmed.

Simon also questioned the Syrian Interim Government, asking:

“If you do not recognize women today, how can you protect them? The absence of recognition for women’s roles means the failure of all negotiations, because peace cannot be built without women’s participation. A government that does not recognize Akitu or Newroz cannot respect Syria’s diverse components or grant them their rightful place in terms of religion, culture, language, and belief. We reject a one-colored Syria.”

 

“Decentralization Is the Solution — and Women Must Be at the Heart of Decision-Making”

 

Abla Karim stated that excluding women from dialogue tables poses a serious threat to Syria’s future, emphasizing that marginalizing them will create a reality that does not acknowledge them or a constitution that reflects their aspirations.

 

She stressed that decentralization is the best path toward a lasting solution that reflects Syria’s diversity:

“No step should be taken without women’s participation — they must be at the core of planning and decision-making processes.”

 

Karim called for the need to amend the Syrian constitution to clearly and explicitly include women’s rights, asserting that women’s participation in shaping the country’s future is not optional but essential to ensuring a just and comprehensive peace.