Dear friends,
Once again this week, through their activities and protests, the women in North and East Syria have reaffirmed how important it is to protect women’s achievements, to recognise their role in building a democratic Syria, and to continue the struggle for freedom, justice and peace.
Recognition of the YPJ
In an interview, Klara Kobanê, a member of the General Command of the Women’s Defence Units (YPJ), stated that the failure to recognise the YPJ as part of the integration process with the Syrian transitional government amounts to a disregard for women’s will and leaves the building of a democratic Syria incomplete. She emphasised that the YPJ is an independent force that has played a decisive role in the fight against IS, and pointed out that the international campaign in support of the YPJ has raised global awareness of the units as a symbol of women’s will and self-defence. She stated that the YPJ would continue its struggle to defend women’s rights and strengthen their position in society.
Commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Zilan’s martyrdom
Kongra Star organised commemorative events in several cities in to mark the 30th anniversary of Zilan’s (Zeynep Kınacı) martyrdom. The participants paid tribute to her life and struggle, describing her as a turning point in the history of the Kurdish freedom movement and an enduring symbol of resistance and self-sacrifice. They reaffirmed their commitment to carrying on her legacy, defending the achievements of women and the people, and continuing the struggle in the spirit of her resistance.
Commemoration of the Kobanê massacres
The city of Kobanê commemorated the anniversaries of the 2015 and 2020 massacres with a large women’s march organised by Kongra Star. The participants paid tribute to the victims, condemned the attacks on the city and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the achievements of women and society, whilst upholding peace and stability in the region.
Women’s Forum on the Syrian Constitution
The Women’s Council of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) organised a women’s forum in Qamishlo, where it held discussions with representatives from a wide range of women’s organisations on women’s rights in the future Syrian constitution. The participants called for a new constitution to guarantee gender equality, women’s political participation and the protection of the gains that had been fought for over many years. They also emphasised that women must play a central role in shaping Syria’s political future.
Developments in Syria’s political process
The Syrian Parliament published the official list of members appointed by Ahmad al-Sharaa as part of his own quota for the Syrian Parliament. This officially completed the formation of the transitional government’s parliament, comprising a total of 210 members. 140 members were indirectly elected by various electoral bodies and 70 members were appointed by decree by al-Sharaa himself. This figure does not include the seats for the Suwayda region, where the procedures for selecting representatives have not yet been finalised. With a total of 22, women make up approximately 10 per cent of the parliament’s members; 7 of these were elected and 15 were directly appointed by al-Sharaa.
Syrian women’s organisations and Kongra Star continue to demand fair representation for women in parliament through protests, demonstrations and activities in several regions.
And with that, we send revolutionary greetings from Rojava.
