Women Defend Rojava

The YPJ is also portrayed as if it were a separate or external entity, despite being an essential component of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and playing a key role in the fight against terrorism through its resistance and sacrifices. In Qamishlo, the War Wounded Federation issued a statement in support of the “We are all YPJ” campaign. The federation stressed that the Women’s Protection Units have played a historic role in defending society and protecting the rights of women and all peoples in the region. Speakers emphasized that recognizing the YPJ as an independent women’s force is an important step for the future of Syria and for safeguarding women’s achievements. The women’s cultural movement Hilala Zêrîn organized artistic activities in Qamishlo under the slogan “We are all YPJ.” The program included theatre performances, musical presentations, and an art exhibition. Participants highlighted the role of women in building a democratic society and the importance of preserving the gains achieved through years of struggle and resistance. In Kobanê, artists, women, and community members gathered for a cultural event in support of the YPJ. Through speeches and artistic activities, participants expressed their solidarity with women fighters and emphasized the importance of women’s participation in shaping Syria’s future. The event also highlighted the close connection between culture, resistance, and women’s freedom. A similar cultural evening was organized in Hesekê, bringing together artists, activists, and representatives of local institutions. Participants stressed that the Women’s Protection Units represent the will, resistance, and determination of women. The event formed part of the broader campaign supporting women’s self-defense and protecting the achievements of the Women’s Revolution. In Rojava, social and cultural initiatives continue to expand as part of broader community efforts aimed at strengthening women’s participation in everyday life. One of these initiatives includes the “I Want a Bicycle” campaign, which has encouraged women and girls to challenge social barriers and play a more active role in daily life through cycling activities and collective events. Such campaigns reflect ongoing efforts to expand women’s freedom of movement and participation in everyday life. And with that, we send revolutionary greetings from Rojava.

Dear friends, This week, support for the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) continued across North and East Syria. Cultural organizations, civil society institutions, and community representatives emphasized the importance of recognizing the achievements of women’s struggle and defending them, as well as the right of women to self-defense. In this context, positions expressed by the so-called transitional government, represented by Ahmad Al-Hilali, reflect a continued approach that fails to recognize the role of the Women’s Protection Units. This view does not only disregard the sacrifices of thousands of women fighters, but also reveals a deeply rooted patriarchal mindset and a clear refusal to acknowledge women as equal partners in building security, stability, and social life.

The YPJ is also portrayed as if it were a separate or external entity, despite being an essential component of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and playing a key role in the fight against terrorism through its resistance and sacrifices. In Qamishlo, the War Wounded Federation issued a statement in support of the “We are all YPJ” campaign. The federation stressed that the Women’s Protection Units have played a historic role in defending society and protecting the rights of women and all peoples in the region. Speakers emphasized that recognizing the YPJ as an independent women’s force is an important step for the future of Syria and for safeguarding women’s achievements. The women’s cultural movement Hilala Zêrîn organized artistic activities in Qamishlo under the slogan “We are all YPJ.” The program included theatre performances, musical presentations, and an art exhibition. Participants highlighted the role of women in building a democratic society and the importance of preserving the gains achieved through years of struggle and resistance. In Kobanê, artists, women, and community members gathered for a cultural event in support of the YPJ. Through speeches and artistic activities, participants expressed their solidarity with women fighters and emphasized the importance of women’s participation in shaping Syria’s future. The event also highlighted the close connection between culture, resistance, and women’s freedom. A similar cultural evening was organized in Hesekê, bringing together artists, activists, and representatives of local institutions. Participants stressed that the Women’s Protection Units represent the will, resistance, and determination of women. The event formed part of the broader campaign supporting women’s self-defense and protecting the achievements of the Women’s Revolution. In Rojava, social and cultural initiatives continue to expand as part of broader community efforts aimed at strengthening women’s participation in everyday life. One of these initiatives includes the “I Want a Bicycle” campaign, which has encouraged women and girls to challenge social barriers and play a more active role in daily life through cycling activities and collective events. Such campaigns reflect ongoing efforts to expand women’s freedom of movement and participation in everyday life. And with that, we send revolutionary greetings from Rojava.

Dear friends, This week, support for the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) continued across North and East Syria. Cultural organizations, civil society institutions, and community representatives emphasized the importance of recognizing the achievements of women’s struggle and defending them, as well as the right of women to self-defense. In this context, positions expressed by the so-called transitional government, represented by Ahmad Al-Hilali, reflect a continued approach that fails to recognize the role of the Women’s Protection Units. This view does not only disregard the sacrifices of thousands of women fighters, but also reveals a deeply rooted patriarchal mindset and a clear refusal to acknowledge women as equal partners in building security, stability, and social life.

Maintaining Strong Self-defence by All Means (Part 2 of 2) The campaign “We Are All YPJ! Em hemû YPJ ne!” in support of the official recognition and continued existence of the YPJ remains active. Over the coming weeks, a range of cultural initiatives will be launched in Rojava, including a theatre production, a concert, and an exhibition. Through these artistic and cultural projects, the campaign seeks to raise public awareness of the YPJ’s demands and bring them to a wider audience. 🌺Read more here about art and culture as selfdefence (Part 2/2): https://womendefendrojava.net/en/2026/06/13/maintaining-strong-self-defence-by-all-means-part-2-of-2/ 🌺Read more here about art and culture as selfdefence (Part 1/2): https://womendefendrojava.net/en/2026/05/31/art-and-culture-as-a-form-of-self-defense-in-rojava/

The Kurdish women’s movement has set international standards through its efforts for political self-administration and women’s liberation. Conti is an important politician in the left wing of Brazil’s Socialism and Freedom Party (PSOL) and is currently serving her third term as a city councilor in Campinas, in the state of São Paulo. She connects the struggles of Kurdish women with those of women in Brazil, where especially women, Black people, and Indigenous communities face poverty and exclusion. The rise of the far right has further intensified attacks on women’s rights. She compares former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. “Both represent authoritarian and far-right political developments that are part of an international trend,” she said. Therefore, women are at the forefront of resistance against authoritarian and right-wing politics. Like many people around the world, Mariana Conti sees great importance in the “We Are All YPJ” campaign and expresses her solidarity. The attacks on the achievements of the Rojava revolution make international solidarity more necessary than ever. Women worldwide are particularly affected by war, displacement, social inequality, and the impacts of the climate crisis. Therefore, feminist movements must work across borders. “International solidarity is the path we must take in this struggle,” Conti said. The cultural and artistic movement Hilala Zêrîn organized a cultural evening in support of the YPJ In the city of Dirbêsiyê, a cultural evening was organized in support of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ). The event was organized by the Hilala Zêrîn movement in cooperation with the Cultural and Arts Center. The Hilala Zêrîn movement, together with the Cultural and Arts Center in Dirbêsiyê, organized an evening of poetry and artistic performances in support of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ). The event, held in Şehîd Zevîn Park under the slogan “The YPJ is our existence,” was attended by artists, members of civil society organizations, and council representatives. After a minute of silence, the head of Hilala Zêrîn, Şêrîn Reşîd, stated that they would continue their support for the YPJ. She emphasized that the YPJ played a central role in the fight against ISIS, demonstrated its strength and position, and represents the will and struggle of women. And with that, we send revolutionary greetings from Rojava.

Donald Trump had called on Israel not to respond to the attacks and to adhere to the agreements. Both states continue to issue mutual threats in the event of further attacks. The United States and Israel continue to aim at reshaping the Middle East and breaking and taking control of the existing power structures. This means the colonization and destruction of the peoples living there, as we can see for example in Gaza. The Mullah regime in Iran is also responsible for human rights violations and poses threats to democratic life and women’s rights. Power relations in Iraq The United States, as an imperialist power, is active not only in Israel, Lebanon, and Syria but also exerts influence on the situation in Iraq. Currently, the issue of weapons in Iraq is once again moving to the center of political and security discussions. In particular, the United States and its special envoy for Syria and Iraq, Tom Barrack, support these processes. The focus is mainly on disarmament and the integration of Iraqi factions of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) into the Iraqi state army, the ISF. This is intended to give the Iraqi state greater control over the weapons of the individual factions. However, some PMF factions, especially Shiite armed groups close to Iran, reject this integration in order to remain an independent military structure. The Peshmerga forces, i.e. the military units of the KDP (Kurdish Democratic Party) and the PUK (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan), Kurdish parties in northern Iraq, are also expected to lay down their arms and integrate into state structures. The Kurdistan Regional Government, however, rejects any attempt to link the issue of the PMF with the future of the Peshmerga forces. According to the Iraqi constitution, the Peshmerga units are already an officially recognized military force. The debate over the PMF and the Peshmerga goes far beyond security and legal issues. It is part of a broader power struggle over Iraq’s political future and the distribution of influence within the state. Regional and international actors, particularly the United States, are attempting to shape the country’s security structures according to their interests. While Washington calls for stronger state control over armed groups and seeks to limit the influence of pro-Iranian forces, critics argue that this policy also serves to shift Iraq’s internal power balance in favor of Western interests. Return to Serêkaniyê The Serêkaniyê refugee committee has registered the names of 14,000 displaced families who may now finally return to their hometown after seven years. Preparations for an initial return phase are underway, but security issues remain unresolved. Security guarantees, return agreements, and practical conditions remain key prerequisites and are currently being discussed with the relevant actors. Îsmaîl, a spokesperson for the committee, points to the difficult situation in Serêkaniyê, as the city has suffered extensive destruction. “Reconstruction will not be easy and will require long-term efforts,” Îsmaîl stated. Many of the current inhabitants do not come from the city’s original population. Serêkaniyê was occupied in October 2019 following an invasion by Turkey and allied jihadist militias. More than 200,000 people were displaced, many of whom still live in nearby refugee camps. Instead of the original, predominantly Kurdish population, people from various Arab countries and other regions of Syria were settled there. Mariana Conti: Kurdish women have created an important global model Brazilian politician and feminist Mariana Conti sees the Kurdish women’s movement as one of the most important examples of women’s organization and political resistance worldwide. She highlights the development of social, legal, ecological, and organizational structures led by women, as well as the resistance against the Islamic State (IS). “Kurds have shown that women are not only part of social change, but can lead and shape it themselves,” said Mariana Conti.

Dear friends, In Rojava, the self-administered region of Kurdistan in Syria, summer has arrived, bringing intense heat. Temperatures reach between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius, and the air is dry and hot. People avoid going outside during the day, and the streets only begin to fill up in the late afternoon as the sun starts to set. Field Fires In Hasakah, field fires have caused damage to around 1,000 dunams of land. Since the beginning of the harvest season, the Hasakah Fire Department has extinguished 66 fires, including 14 fires in wheat and barley fields, which affected approximately 992 dunams. Most of the fires were concentrated in the areas of Tel Tamr and Kazwan. According to statistics from the Hasakah Fire Department, 22 fires broke out on agricultural land within its jurisdiction between May 24 and June 8, 2026. These fires destroyed varying areas of wheat, barley, and spelt fields. The damage has had a significant economic impact on farmers. Most of the fires were caused by sparks from combine harvesters during operation, while others resulted from electrical short circuits. KCK (Kurdistan Communities Union) Calls for a Struggle Against “Ecological Destruction” On World Environment Day, the umbrella organization of the Kurdish movement called on people not to accept environmental destruction and the plundering of natural resources in Kurdistan and around the world. On the occasion of World Environment Day on June 5, the Executive Council of the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) called for increased commitment to combating environmental destruction and resource exploitation. In a statement, the umbrella organization of the Kurdish freedom movement emphasized that the protection of nature and the foundations of life must be understood as both a social and political responsibility. According to the KCK, the ecological crisis is the result of war, capitalism, and systems of state domination based on exploitation, economic growth, and the commercialization of the foundations of life. The KCK highlighted the situation in Kurdistan, where it says a decades-long “ecological war of destruction” has been waged alongside military and political measures against the Kurdish population. “From Afrin to Behdinan, Botan, Serhed, and Rojhilat, forests have been destroyed, villages depopulated, and natural habitats damaged by dam projects, mining operations, power plants, and other large-scale developments.” The KCK views these developments not as isolated environmental issues but as part of a broader policy of control, displacement, and economic exploitation. According to the organization, many of these projects result in people losing their livelihoods, increasing poverty and migration, and the depopulation of entire regions. “Every place where our forests are cut down, where our fields and water sources are taken away, every place where dams, power plants, or mines are built, must become a place of resistance for the right to life,” the organization declared. It called on environmental initiatives, local communities, and democratic forces to organize against projects that destroy nature and the foundations of life. Situation in the Middle East: Iran – USA – Israel war On June 7, for the first time since the ceasefire agreement reached in early April between the United States and Iran, attacks took place. Late on June 7, Iran fired missiles at Israel after Israel had attacked Beirut. Iran had previously announced that it would not tolerate Israeli attacks on Beirut. Israel has been carrying out attacks on southern Lebanon for several weeks, allegedly to destroy Hezbollah as part of the “Axis of Resistance.” Hezbollah is an allied partner of Iran, which is why Iran responded to the attacks. We condemn Israel’s attacks on the civilian population and the resulting damage to society in Lebanon. Several people were killed in the attacks. After initial fears that a new escalation between Iran, Israel, and the United States could break out, this can currently be ruled out.

Art and Culture as a Form of Self-Defense in Rojava 🌺 Across Rojava, actions and demonstrations are calling for the recognition of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) and their integration into the Syrian armed forces. 🌺 But what is the connection between self-defense, art and culture? The women’s cultural movement Hîlala Zêrîn is organizing theater, music, and art events in support of the YPJ. 🌺 Mizgîn Çolaq and Şêrîn Reşîd from Hîlala Zêrîn discuss the link between self-defense, art, and culture. 🌺Read more here: https://womendefendrojava.net/en/2026/05/31/art-and-culture-as-a-form-of-self-defense-in-rojava/

❤️‍🔥Global action day in Rojava❤️‍🔥 Today, thousands of people from Qmishlo are taking to the streets. As part of the global day of action in defense of the YPJ and women’s rights, people are demonstrating for a free and democratic life. Rojihlat Afrin addresses society with strong words. We are all YPG - Jin Jiyan Azadi!!!

🌺Campaign - Women Defend Rojava🌺 The Women Defend Rojava campaign has come to an end! We have been able to gain a deeper understanding of how women organise in Rojava and all the progress they have made in recent years regarding their rights and freedoms. The Women’s Revolution in Rojava is currently in a fragile state, but the spark that was ignited over a decade ago can no longer be extinguished. Women have fought to make a dignified and just life a reality for themselves and their families, and they are clear that they will not take a single step backwards. From here, we have an internationalist responsibility to stay informed, to spread the news from there and to support them in their demands, which, after all, are also our own. Long live the resistance of the women of Rojava!

This time, around 1,000 families — many of whom had gathered the evening before — assembled with their belongings on the outskirts of the two cities in order to return to their homeland together early the next morning. This is now the sixth return convoy since the right of return was agreed upon in the ceasefire agreement of January 29 between the transitional government and the Autonomous Administration. When the first group returned in March of this year, emotional images spread around the world as displaced families were able to set foot in Afrin once again for the first time. The families had fled Afrin in 2018, when Turkey and allied jihadist militias occupied the city and region. Since then, the Turkish occupying power has pursued not only a classic colonial policy but also a policy of ethnic cleansing. More than 400,000 people were displaced from their villages and from the city of Afrin. Since then, due to the ongoing war in North and East Syria, the families have repeatedly been forced to flee again. Many have lived in up to six different cities during their displacement, often in refugee camps or makeshift shelters in schools. Further convoys are planned, as far from all displaced people have been able to return so far. Displaced people from Serêkaniyê, which was occupied by Turkey in 2019, are also still waiting for their return. Negotiations on this issue continue between the Autonomous Administration and the transitional government. With that, we send you revolutionary greetings from Rojava.

They also criticize the appointment of individuals to the electoral committees, as well as the appointment of the representative of the Serêkaniyê region. What has happened once again reveals a strategy of exclusion and marginalization, implemented through the selective appointment of only a few individuals. This contradicts the most fundamental principles of democracy, justice, and genuine national partnership. In Hesekê, the results of this process show that Christian communities are no longer represented, which significantly affects the political and demographic diversity of the region. The Armenian Unity Party has also failed to gain a seat in the People’s Council. This represents a further weakening of political representation in Syria. Street Renaming in Homs Activist Hanin Khalifa emphasized that throughout its long history, Syria has always been known as an open space for all cultures and religions. However, the current government is attempting to impose a monolithic and exclusionary vision, whether through school curricula or through the renaming of streets and public symbols. She explained that the repeated changes to street names and historical landmarks are not merely administrative decisions but carry political and ideological messages aimed at establishing a rigid religious discourse. The renaming of a street that once bore the name of Sultan Pasha al-Atrash — one of the most important leaders of the Great Syrian Revolution against French colonialism — is, according to Hanin Khalifa, an attempt to erase Druze history. “The proposed constitution reinforces exclusion and marginalization,” she said, adding that any political project not based on national partnership and respect for pluralism is incapable of creating genuine stability in the country. Renaming of Schools Rejected Last week, the transitional government sent lists of new school names to the local education committee in Qamişlo. Schools in Rojava are named after martyrs who fought against ISIS, preserving their memory and honoring them by carrying forward their courage and ideas. The “Şehîd Diyar” school is set to be renamed “Esed El-Dîn Şêrko.” For the “Şehîd Ferhad Kat” school, the former name “Hitin” was once again proposed — a name already used during Baath Party rule. The education committee, students, and teachers strongly reject these proposals and have sent a response to Damascus. Across northern Syria, protests against the renaming of educational institutions imposed by the leadership in Damascus are becoming increasingly common. Meeting of 2,000 Kurdish and Arab Women in Kobanê In mid-May, 2,000 women gathered in Kobanê under the slogan: “With the will of free women, we will build a democratic Syria.” Kurdish and Arab women spent an entire day discussing political participation, legal guarantees for their achievements, and their role in Syria’s future political order. Participants included women from civil society, Mothers of Peace, members of women’s organizations, relatives of martyrs, and fighters from the YPJ. One of the most widely discussed topics was the legal protection of the many achievements of the women’s movement in North and East Syria within Syria’s new constitution. Among other demands, participants called for the YPJ to be officially recognized as a legitimate force for the protection of society. In speeches and discussions, the participants repeatedly emphasized the importance of women’s political participation in all decision-making structures in Syria. “In the new Syrian order, women must not once again be pushed to the margins,” said Ilham Ehmed, co-head of foreign affairs of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. The meeting was also highly significant because Kurdish and Arab women jointly discussed future perspectives. In doing so, they actively opposed the division between Arab and Kurdish society promoted by the transitional government. Sixth Return Convoy Heads to Afrin Last week, another convoy of displaced families departed from Qamişlo and Dêrik toward Afrin.

Dear friends, We are writing to you from Rojava, the heart of the women’s revolution. Rojava is a region in northeastern Syria where a socialist-democratic revolution was declared in 2012. The people here organize themselves according to the social and administrative model of Democratic Confederalism. This concept was developed by Abdullah Öcalan, the representative of the freedom movement in Kurdistan. According to this model, people organize themselves through grassroots democracy in councils, committees, communes, and women’s structures. Following the philosophy of “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” (“Woman, Life, Freedom”), the liberation of women is considered a central pillar of a democratic society. Eid al-Adha All across Rojava, people are currently busy preparing for the Islamic Feast of Sacrifice, Eid al-Adha (ku. Cejna Qurbanê). The holiday lasts four days and commemorates the willingness of the patriarch Abraham to sacrifice one of his sons in order to prove his faith to God. This year, it begins on the evening of May 26. Homes are being cleaned, sweets are bought for children, pastries are prepared, and final shopping is being done. Everything is being prepared to welcome guests. The day begins early in the morning with washing, putting on festive clothes, and attending the mosque for the communal morning prayer. After the prayer, the sacrificial animal (usually a sheep, goat, or cow) is slaughtered. Traditionally, the meat is divided into three parts: one for the family itself, one for relatives and neighbors, and one for those in need. The rest of the time is centered around togetherness, community, and visits to neighbors, friends, and family. In Rojava, many families visit the martyrs’ cemeteries on the first evening to commemorate those who have fallen. Families, friends, and members of the community sit at the graves, light candles or incense, and collectively remember those who died in the fight against ISIS. The KCK (Koma Civakên Kurdistan, Union of Communities in Kurdistan) has called on society as a whole during Eid al-Adha to strengthen social solidarity, democratic organization, and Kurdish unity. The KCK stated that the holiday serves as a reminder of resistance against injustice and oppression and should therefore also be linked today with an awareness of social responsibility. “Taking a stand against oppression and denial belongs to the historical memory of this holiday.” The statement calls on people to oppose social division, discrimination, and conflicts between different population and faith groups. Appointment of the Syrian People’s Council (Parliament) Throughout Rojava, parties, councils of martyrs’ families, local councils, civil society organizations, and political groups are protesting the actions of the Syrian transitional government in appointing the new Syrian People’s Council, which is intended to function as the new parliament. The new People’s Council is to consist of 210 members in total. Seventy seats are allocated directly by the transitional government. The elections took place within electoral committees that themselves were formed through appointments. As a result, the members of the People’s Council were not democratically elected. Furthermore, many people in the population were either unaware of the election process or found it lacking transparency. In a statement issued by 21 parties and organizations, they declared: “We have already made it clear that we will not participate in this process. This electoral mechanism reflects neither the will of the Kurdish people nor that of the region’s communities and does not constitute a foundation for a genuine democratic political process. Likewise, the continued use of exceptional laws and special regulations demonstrates this, albeit through new means and mechanisms that attempt to give the political process an appearance of legitimacy, despite lacking legitimacy and public acceptance.”