News Center — The Star Congress in Rojava issued a statement today, Saturday, July 18, on the anniversary of the July 19 Revolution, affirming that the revolution launched from the city of Kobani in 2012 represented a historic turning point in North and East Syria—not only politically but also socially.

The statement noted that the July 19 Revolution, which began in Kobani in 2012 and later extended to many areas of North and East Syria, has become deeply rooted in the memory of the region's peoples as a pivotal historical milestone, particularly regarding the reshaping of women's position in social life.

The statement also recalled, with full respect, the revolution's martyrs who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom and equality—foremost among them the pioneering women who made great sacrifices—affirming that their legacy continues to serve as an important reference for shared life among peoples, for women's freedom, and for the pursuit of building a democratic society.

The Star Congress explained that the July 19 Revolution was not merely an event that changed the balance of political power but represented a social transformation that redefined women's role in society. This period witnessed an increasing presence of women in politics, local administration, education, social life, and self-defense—which the statement considered one of the revolution's most prominent achievements.

It added that the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) emerged during this period not only as a military force but also as a symbol of women's organization and embodiment of their ability to defend themselves and their rights, contributing to strengthening women's presence in various fields of life.

Regarding Syria's future, the statement stressed that preserving the gains achieved by women represents a fateful issue amid ongoing discussions about the country's future, affirming rejection of any attempts to restrict women's participation in public life, exclude them from decision-making positions, or reshape society according to monolithic visions that diminish women's role.

The statement pointed out that any approach that imposes pre-defined roles on women, or grants others the right to determine how they live, their clothing, workplace, political participation, or right to express their future, does not only threaten women's freedom but threatens the freedom of society as a whole.

The Star Congress affirmed that democracy cannot flourish in a society where women are excluded from public life; justice weakens when women are excluded from decision-making mechanisms; and equality cannot be achieved in the absence of recognition of women's efforts and contributions.

It added that confining women's existence within predetermined boundaries leads to silencing society and narrowing its future horizons. It noted that approaches that reduce women's freedom to their bodies, or seek to marginalize them or limit their presence in various fields of life, do not enhance community peace but rather deepen polarization and increase manifestations of inequality.

The statement affirmed that genuine security is achieved when women can live freely and participate equally in education, politics, economics, and all areas of social life.

In conclusion, the Star Congress reaffirmed that protecting the rights and gains achieved by women through years of struggle and sacrifices is a shared responsibility incumbent upon all those striving to build a democratic, pluralistic Syria. It stressed that a future that recognizes women's will as a fundamental force in building society represents the most important pillar of shared life among peoples, equal citizenship, and the achievement of lasting peace.