NAGHAM JAJAN

Qamishlo_Over years of struggle and combat, the Women’s Protection Units have accumulated extensive experience and become a symbol of women’s presence and their ability to defend their rights. Preserving their existence and identity is an essential part of protecting women’s gains and ensuring the continuation of their role in society.

With the introduction of a new path for the integration of military and security forces, the future of the YPJ and its role in protecting women has emerged as one of the files that attracts wide attention, amid questions about the form this integration will take and whether it will preserve the specificity of the women's force and its role in society.

Regarding the integration process and its new horizons, YPJ fighter Zelan Avashin said that the units are a women's force that has paid a heavy price for the freedom of women and society, accumulating extensive experience through years of fighting under extremely difficult conditions, until they became known globally and a symbol of the protection of women's rights.

She stressed that protecting women's rights requires the continued existence of the YPJ, noting that "the YPJ is a fundamental force known for its role in protecting women's rights. Thanks to its struggle, women have become more capable of possessing will and participating actively in society and the state. Through its continued existence, we will be able to protect women's rights and ensure their presence and role."

"The YPJ Includes Thousands of Women from Different Nationalities"

Zelan Avashin pointed out that women from various components find a place within the YPJ: "The YPJ has proven itself and shown its role during many attacks and difficult circumstances."

In any form, and in order to ensure the rights and existence of thousands of women, she affirms: "We will protect and preserve our existence, because there is a very great danger threatening women's lives. Our YPJ forces believe in this, and that is why thousands of women from different nationalities have joined it."

Zelan Avashin stressed that since its founding until today, the YPJ has been fighting for women's freedom: "The YPJ has paid a price and fought an unparalleled struggle and resistance. That is why it still stands today, and this is what drives us to insist on our existence as a women's force capable of protecting itself."

Thousands of female fighters have sacrificed their lives to protect women and have become, as she explained, "our pioneers." She recalled that "when the YPJ was founded, it had no military experience, but because its goal was to protect women's and society's rights, it took up arms and fought all terrorist forces that posed a threat to society."

"Without Women's Freedom, a Homeland Cannot Be Free"

Zelan Avashin noted that leader Abdullah Öcalan emphasizes that a homeland cannot be free if women are not free: "Leader Öcalan always says that if women are not free in a country, that country is not free. He reaffirms that women must have existence and will in every country, and at the same time, women must be decision‑makers."

"Women Must Not Be Killed"

Fighter Zelan Avashin called on all women of the world to support the YPJ: "As a women's army, we never harm anyone; we protect women, help them build their will, and protect their rights. Our goals are clear: women must not be killed, they must live freely, and it is necessary for all women to support the YPJ force so that it can protect this society. Not everyone can carry arms, but they can provide support in different ways."