RANİYA ABDULLAH

Yemen – Women’s Defense Units (YPJ) was formed in 2013 in northeastern Syria. Thousands of women were trained to use weapons and were prepared both physically and psychologically to cope with the harsh conditions of life. Yemeni activists spoke to NuJINHA about how the experience of the YPJ affects them and women in other countries.

YPJ's butterfly effect

"I think women need defense units to protect women, such as the one that was formed in north and east Syria in 2013. Although I am against women’s participation in wars, women need to form their own military units to defend themselves without waiting for men to protect them. These units fight against all forms of physical and sexual violence and rape perpetrated by armed groups in Syria, these women do not wait for protection from anyone and fight for their freedom. If women’s defense units are formed in Yemen, I will join them,” activist Amal Saeed told us.

The courage of the YPJ

Underlining that Syrian women have faced many rights violations, Arwa Hajar, the activist and project officer at the Masarat Foundation for Human Development, said, “The reports released by human rights organizations show that Syrian women are subjected to torture, physical and sexual violence. The international community and the United Nations didn’t take a step to prevent such crimes against women. For this reason, the YPJ was formed to protect women. What women in NE Syria are doing is something courageous and honorable."

Other countries need this experience

 Speaking about the courage and strength of women joining the YPJ, psychologist Karima Al-Samadi said, “Women have paid a great price in wars and conflicts because they are the targets in wars and conflicts. For this reason, women must take up arms and be trained to defend themselves. Women in other countries suffering from wars and conflicts need an experience like the YPJ.”