Dear friends,
This week, discussions, meetings and public dialogues took place in North and East Syria, reaffirming once again how essential the equal participation of women in all areas of public life – particularly in decision-making processes – is to the building of a democratic Syria. The participants in these events continue to demand that the new Syrian constitution guarantee women’s political and social rights, protect the gains achieved through years of struggle, and ensure meaningful representation of women in state institutions. These demands have, to date, received not enough attention in the current integration process.
This makes it all the more important to strengthen women’s organisations and collective action in order to counter policies of marginalisation and exclusion. As part of the ‘We are all YPJ’ campaign, female politicians, fighters and activists continued to call for the official recognition of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) as independent women’s defence forces, so that they can continue to play their crucial role in protecting society in the future.
Art and culture as a form of women’s resistance
The women’s art and culture movement Hîlala Zêrîn celebrated the second anniversary of the opening of the first women’s college of music and art in North and East Syria, thereby reaffirming its commitment to creating cultural spaces that strengthen women’s creativity and role in society. During the event, female students showcased their talents in music, singing, film and much more. They demonstrated that culture and art are essential forms of resistance, and reaffirmed their commitment to developing creative, resistant, life-affirming art and culture that celebrates beauty and freedom from a women’s perspective.
Hilala Zêrîn continued its cultural and artistic activities as part of the ‘We Are All YPJ’ campaign. Through theatre performances, music events and art exhibitions held in several cities across northern and eastern Syria, the movement highlighted the struggle and sacrifices of the YPJ fighters in defending society and resisting IS. The events emphasised the role of art and culture in preserving women’s history, passing on the values of resistance to future generations, and supporting the demand for official recognition of the YPJ as part of the integration process.
Return to Afrin
Eight years after their forced displacement, the people of Afrin continue to insist on their right to return to their homes and villages. Many families who have already begun the process of returning report that conditions remain difficult. They emphasise that a genuine return requires security, the restitution of confiscated property, the prosecution of crimes committed, and conditions that guarantee a dignified life for all residents. Women remain among those most severely affected by years of displacement and abuse, underscoring the need for justice and protection.
Commemorating the 14 July resistance
The Democratic Union Party (PYD), Kongra Star and the Kurdish community in Lebanon commemorated the 44th anniversary of the historic resistance of 14 July at Amed Prison and reaffirmed that this resistance represented a decisive moment in the struggle for freedom, dignity and the defence of Kurdish identity. The participants also paid tribute to the pioneering role of women in the freedom movement and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the struggle for a democratic society.
Protecting the name and identity of Kobanê
As part of the integration process, the current transitional government insists on the official Arabised names of towns in North and East Syria. In response, a broad campaign was launched by the people of Kobanê to demand that the city’s original name be recognised in all official documents. The name Kobanê is an inseparable part of the city’s history, identity and collective memory. Preserving the city’s name also means preserving its history and honouring its resistance and the many sacrifices made by its people.
Massive protests and demonstrations took place in Kobanê against the attempt to change the city’s name to Ain al-Arab. The campaign also spread to other cities. For example, actions took place in Qamishlo where participants likewise protested against the attempt to change the city’s name and expressed their solidarity with the people of Kobanê.
With this, we send you revolutionary greetings from Rojava.
