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Dear friends,
We are writing to you from Rojava, the heart of the women’s revolution.
Rojava is located in North and East Syria. Since 2013, people here have been living a revolution and organizing themselves in communes, councils, and women’s structures. They are building a social model based on democratic confederalism.
The concept of democratic confederalism was developed by Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of the Kurdish freedom movement. It describes a grassroots democratic system of administration that is not controlled by the state, but instead builds democracy from within society itself. A central pillar of this social model is the self-determination and liberation of women.
May 1st
Many people take to the streets on May 1st, International Workers’ Day. To build a united force, we must look to history in order to understand the legacy on which our struggle is built, where we stand, and who we are.
To do so, we also need a solid analysis of the political situation as well as patriarchal and capitalist power structures. When we look at the history of May 1st, we see a struggle that began as early as 1886 and continues an even older social tradition.
The traditions of the workers’ movement and socialism find a living expression today in the women’s revolution in Rojava. On the occasion of May 1st, we aim to connect these struggles worldwide and build a bridge between them.
The Initiative for the National Unity of Kurdish Women in Europe published a statement on this occasion addressing the situation of Kurdish women. They linked May 1st to the struggle for freedom and identity.
They emphasized that the lived reality of Kurdish women cannot be reduced to poverty, unemployment, and insecurity, but must be understood in the context of structural oppression and political violence. In addition to economic exploitation, this also includes ethnic discrimination, militarization, displacement, language bans, and inequality in education. This results in a double burden rooted both in the patriarchal-capitalist system and in the assimilation policies of nation-states:
“The struggle for work is, for Kurdish women, also a struggle for identity, freedom, equality, and a life in dignity.”
Referring to the Kurdish women’s movement, they further stated:
“Together with Jin, Jiyan, Azadî, it is time to strengthen solidarity for freedom and justice. Bijî Yek Gulanê!”
Recognition of the mother tongue
On Thursday, thousands of people gathered in the streets of Qamishlo and demonstrated for the recognition of the Kurdish language in the Syrian constitution, as well as in institutions and the education system.
Many women, and especially children, held up signs reading slogans such as “Our language is our existence and identity” and “Our language is our right.” During the march, people chanted in unity: “No life without language.”
Defending one’s own language means defending one’s identity and culture.
Culture is created by people and emerges wherever people come together. Throughout history, culture has been strongly transmitted through language: people gathered, told stories, and passed on valuable knowledge about society, nature, and ways of living together.
Semêra Hecelî, co-chair of the Education Authority of the Self-Administration, referred to the history of the Kurdish language struggle and those who lost their lives in it:
“Our martyrs wrote the letters of the Kurdish language with their blood.”
Regarding the current state of the integration agreement, she stated:
“We will continue to work to ensure that our language is anchored in the constitution. We will not accept less than two hours of instruction per week.”
Theatre rehearsal in Hesekê
The importance of self-defense and art became especially clear during our visit to Hesekê at the Community Center for Art and Culture. There, a group of young women are rehearsing a play under the direction of their teacher, Fatma. The play will be performed as part of the “WeAreAllYPJ” campaign.
It tells the stories of fighters from the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ). Through their facial expressions and body language, the actors create powerful and vivid scenes. Among other things, they depict the battles against ISIS in Şengal, Raqqa, and Kobanê.
The courage and determination for women’s freedom are powerfully embodied by the performers.
The YPJ provides physical protection against patriarchal violence while also strengthening women’s identity. In the current phase of the integration agreement, it also represents the protection of diversity, women’s rights, and democracy.
If the YPJ is not recognized, there can be no real democracy in Syria.
YPJ Campaign
The YPJ campaign was initiated by women’s structures and the YPJ itself to defend the right to an autonomous women’s self-defense force. The YPJ must not be excluded from the Syrian army. Democracy in Syria must be protected.
The campaign calls for active participation. People are encouraged to send in solidarity videos or take part in the hashtag campaign. Materials such as brochures, statements, letters, and actions should be shared via social media or expanded through original contributions.
It also calls for organizing events, seminars, and actions, and for spreading knowledge about the history, struggle, and significance of the YPJ and the achievements of the women’s revolution, especially regarding self-defense. Creative contributions such as film screenings, art actions, theatre, and music are particularly encouraged.
On May 9th at 7:00 PM (Central European Time), a hashtag campaign using #WeAreAllYPJ will take place. Join the campaign and share the hashtag.
Spring Festival at the University
In recent days, students at the University of Rojava organized a spring festival.
The focus was on cultural and artistic activities, while also highlighting the social engagement of young people. Around 1,500 students study here in Kurdish across various fields.
In sunny weather, students, teachers, and cultural workers came together, danced govend, recited poetry, and created a diverse music program. Speeches emphasized that universities are not only places of learning, but also spaces for cultural expression and social engagement.
Art students exhibited works from recent semesters and curated an exhibition. Paintings of colorful landscapes, still lifes, captured moments, and portraits told the stories of the students. Both the beauty of nature and themes of society and resistance were explored.
The highlight of the festival was the games in the university courtyard. Different groups competed in tug-of-war and relay races. The audience enjoyed the shared atmosphere and collective spirit.
With revolutionary greetings from Rojava
