Dear friends,
The future of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ)
As part of the dialogue with the Syrian transitional government, discussions on the future of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) are continuing, with proposals on the table to integrate the units into the Ministry of the Interior as an independent counter-terrorism unit. Women’s organisations and activists have emphasised that any future arrangement must recognise women’s wishes and their experiences in self-defence, whilst at the same time safeguarding the legal and organisational status of the YPJ, which it has earned through years of struggle as a vital force in protecting society and building a democratic Syria.
The future of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ)
As part of the dialogue with the Syrian transitional government, discussions on the future of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) are continuing, with proposals on the table to integrate the units into the Ministry of the Interior as an independent counter-terrorism unit. Women’s organisations and activists have emphasised that any future arrangement must recognise women’s wishes and their experiences in self-defence, whilst at the same time safeguarding the legal and organisational status of the YPJ, which it has earned through years of struggle as a vital force in protecting society and building a democratic Syria.
Women, the Constitution and Shaping Syria’s Future
This week, the Syrian Women’s Forum for Building the Future discussed ways to strengthen the role of women in drafting the new constitution, consolidating civil peace and building a democratic Syria based on justice and equality. The forum’s participants emphasised that the protection of women’s rights requires ensuring their effective representation in decision-making bodies, enshrining constitutional and legal guarantees for equality, strengthening the role of women in peacebuilding, preserving Syria’s cultural diversity, and recognising the experiences of women in northern and eastern Syria as a model for women’s political and social participation.
Justice for female fighters and the protection of their rights
The Women’s Council of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) condemned the life sentence imposed on YPJ fighter Çiçek Kobanê, who was captured in 2019 by the jihadist militia ‘Ahrar al-Sham’ and abducted to Turkey. It described the abduction and sentencing as a violation of international law and an attack on women who have defended their communities against IS. Turkey confirmed the sentence, which had already been handed down in 2021, on 24 July following a years-long appeal process.
In its statement, the Women’s Council called for international action to ensure justice, protect the rights of those detained and hold those responsible for such violations to account.
The 12th anniversary of the Sinjar genocide
To mark the twelfth anniversary of the Sinjar genocide, many political and civil society actors in the region have used the occasion to reaffirm their solidarity and to reiterate their calls for international recognition of the genocide committed against the Yazidi community, for those responsible to be held to account, and for clarity regarding the fate of the missing women and children. They also emphasised the need to protect the Yazidi community and to ensure the safe and dignified return of the people of Sinjar. They emphasised that preventing a recurrence of such atrocities requires strengthening the community’s self-defence mechanisms, as well as recognising the role of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) in rescuing thousands of civilians and defending women during the ISIS attacks. These are fundamental guarantees against future acts of genocide targeting women and ethnic or religious communities.
Wheat – the heart of agriculture, culture and tradition in Rojava
Wheat is of great importance to Rojava and the Cizire region. As part of Mesopotamia’s Fertile Crescent, agriculture and wheat production are millennia-old traditions in the region, which continue to have a major influence on people’s lives to this day. The harvest is over and, in keeping with tradition, the people in the villages and neighbourhoods come together and cooked wheat is distributed. This year, with the aim of highlighting and preserving the history and culture of agriculture – and wheat in particular – in the region, the first Wheat Festival took place in the Cizire region in Qamishlo. The festival showcased traditional food as well as old tools used in agriculture and food production.
Many women’s organisations and groups, such as Jinwar and the Free Women’s Foundation, were also present and showcased handicrafts and homemade food products centred on the theme of wheat. They took the opportunity to highlight the importance of women to agricultural culture, to present their projects and to sell products in order to fund their initiatives.
With this, we send you revolutionary greetings from Rojava
This week, the Syrian Women’s Forum for Building the Future discussed ways to strengthen the role of women in drafting the new constitution, consolidating civil peace and building a democratic Syria based on justice and equality. The forum’s participants emphasised that the protection of women’s rights requires ensuring their effective representation in decision-making bodies, enshrining constitutional and legal guarantees for equality, strengthening the role of women in peacebuilding, preserving Syria’s cultural diversity, and recognising the experiences of women in northern and eastern Syria as a model for women’s political and social participation.
Justice for female fighters and the protection of their rights
The Women’s Council of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) condemned the life sentence imposed on YPJ fighter Çiçek Kobanê, who was captured in 2019 by the jihadist militia ‘Ahrar al-Sham’ and abducted to Turkey. It described the abduction and sentencing as a violation of international law and an attack on women who have defended their communities against IS. Turkey confirmed the sentence, which had already been handed down in 2021, on 24 July following a years-long appeal process.
In its statement, the Women’s Council called for international action to ensure justice, protect the rights of those detained and hold those responsible for such violations to account.
The 12th anniversary of the Sinjar genocide
To mark the twelfth anniversary of the Sinjar genocide, many political and civil society actors in the region have used the occasion to reaffirm their solidarity and to reiterate their calls for international recognition of the genocide committed against the Yazidi community, for those responsible to be held to account, and for clarity regarding the fate of the missing women and children. They also emphasised the need to protect the Yazidi community and to ensure the safe and dignified return of the people of Sinjar. They emphasised that preventing a recurrence of such atrocities requires strengthening the community’s self-defence mechanisms, as well as recognising the role of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) in rescuing thousands of civilians and defending women during the ISIS attacks. These are fundamental guarantees against future acts of genocide targeting women and ethnic or religious communities.
Wheat – the heart of agriculture, culture and tradition in Rojava
Wheat is of great importance to Rojava and the Cizire region. As part of Mesopotamia’s Fertile Crescent, agriculture and wheat production are millennia-old traditions in the region, which continue to have a major influence on people’s lives to this day. The harvest is over and, in keeping with tradition, the people in the villages and neighbourhoods come together and cooked wheat is distributed. This year, with the aim of highlighting and preserving the history and culture of agriculture – and wheat in particular – in the region, the first Wheat Festival took place in the Cizire region in Qamishlo. The festival showcased traditional food as well as old tools used in agriculture and food production.
Many women’s organisations and groups, such as Jinwar and the Free Women’s Foundation, were also present and showcased handicrafts and homemade food products centred on the theme of wheat. They took the opportunity to highlight the importance of women to agricultural culture, to present their projects and to sell products in order to fund their initiatives.
With this, we send you revolutionary greetings from Rojava
Meeting planned between the YPJ and the government in Damascus
For 14 years, the Women’s Defence Units (YPJ) have been organised as a women’s military force in northern and eastern Syria. YPJ fighters have played a decisive role in shaping the situation in Syria through numerous battles and victories. The agreement of 29 January marked the start of a new process: the integration of the institutions of the Autonomous Administration with those of the Syrian transitional government. One of the points provides for the incorporation of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian army. However, the issue of the Women’s Defence Units (YPJ) remains one of the most sensitive and controversial topics. To this day, the Syrian transitional government categorically refuses to allow an independent women’s army to exist.
Most recently, a meeting took place in April between the YPJ leadership and the Syrian Minister of Defence; however, no official response has yet been received to the proposals put forward there.
For 14 years, the Women’s Defence Units (YPJ) have been organised as a women’s military force in northern and eastern Syria. YPJ fighters have played a decisive role in shaping the situation in Syria through numerous battles and victories. The agreement of 29 January marked the start of a new process: the integration of the institutions of the Autonomous Administration with those of the Syrian transitional government. One of the points provides for the incorporation of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian army. However, the issue of the Women’s Defence Units (YPJ) remains one of the most sensitive and controversial topics. To this day, the Syrian transitional government categorically refuses to allow an independent women’s army to exist.
Most recently, a meeting took place in April between the YPJ leadership and the Syrian Minister of Defence; however, no official response has yet been received to the proposals put forward there.
The YPJ emphasises that its presence is not limited to the military sphere, but also symbolises women’s participation in security matters and society. The future of the YPJ depends on the nature of the integration process and the guarantees that will be provided in the next phase. In recent weeks, there has been speculation in many media outlets about the integration of the YPJ into internal security structures. In principle, the YPJ is open to proposals and discussions on this matter, provided that its autonomy as women and its own decision-making structures remain guaranteed. However, this requires official negotiations to take place between the YPJ and the government in Damascus.
Women’s rights must be guaranteed by law and under the constitution
Syrian women activists and human rights defenders highlighted the need to review existing and applicable laws and to assess their effectiveness in protecting women’s rights. They called for increased efforts during the transitional phase to ensure that women’s rights are firmly enshrined in the new Syrian constitution, including equal representation and meaningful participation in decision-making processes. They highlighted the experiences in Rojava as a model for the empowerment of women and emphasised that women must be involved in the drafting of the constitution from the outset. They also called for laws that guarantee equality, protect women’s rights and ensure their unrestricted participation in all areas of political and social life.
Risks facing displaced families returning to Serekaniye
After seven years, the first convoy of around 400 families from Serekaniye set off on their journey back to their town and villages. The return comes after years of displacement and harsh living conditions in camps, whilst the families have consistently insisted on their right to a safe, organised and dignified return to their homeland.
However, the returnees’ journey was not without problems. Armed men attacked a vehicle in the convoy and families were prevented from returning to their homes. At the same time, there are reports that armed groups are patrolling the region, causing returnees to feel threatened.
In response, widespread protests broke out in Qamishlo, Hasaka, Tal Tamr, Derik, Tirbespiye, Derbesiye and Kobani. Demonstrators demanded protection for the returning families, accountability from those responsible, and guarantees for a safe and sustainable return. The Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) called for an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into the attacks and urged the relevant authorities to take full responsibility for the protection of returnees and their property. Kongra Star also strongly condemned the attacks, particularly those targeting women, children and the elderly.
Overall, the atmosphere in the region is tense, and people accuse the transitional government of failing to honour agreements or to guarantee sufficient protection for their implementation.
Unidentified armed men recently attacked a unit in the outskirts of Qamishlo that has since been integrated into the Syrian army and is stationed there. Two fighters lost their lives and several others were injured.
With revolutionary greetings from Rojava.
Women’s rights must be guaranteed by law and under the constitution
Syrian women activists and human rights defenders highlighted the need to review existing and applicable laws and to assess their effectiveness in protecting women’s rights. They called for increased efforts during the transitional phase to ensure that women’s rights are firmly enshrined in the new Syrian constitution, including equal representation and meaningful participation in decision-making processes. They highlighted the experiences in Rojava as a model for the empowerment of women and emphasised that women must be involved in the drafting of the constitution from the outset. They also called for laws that guarantee equality, protect women’s rights and ensure their unrestricted participation in all areas of political and social life.
Risks facing displaced families returning to Serekaniye
After seven years, the first convoy of around 400 families from Serekaniye set off on their journey back to their town and villages. The return comes after years of displacement and harsh living conditions in camps, whilst the families have consistently insisted on their right to a safe, organised and dignified return to their homeland.
However, the returnees’ journey was not without problems. Armed men attacked a vehicle in the convoy and families were prevented from returning to their homes. At the same time, there are reports that armed groups are patrolling the region, causing returnees to feel threatened.
In response, widespread protests broke out in Qamishlo, Hasaka, Tal Tamr, Derik, Tirbespiye, Derbesiye and Kobani. Demonstrators demanded protection for the returning families, accountability from those responsible, and guarantees for a safe and sustainable return. The Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) called for an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into the attacks and urged the relevant authorities to take full responsibility for the protection of returnees and their property. Kongra Star also strongly condemned the attacks, particularly those targeting women, children and the elderly.
Overall, the atmosphere in the region is tense, and people accuse the transitional government of failing to honour agreements or to guarantee sufficient protection for their implementation.
Unidentified armed men recently attacked a unit in the outskirts of Qamishlo that has since been integrated into the Syrian army and is stationed there. Two fighters lost their lives and several others were injured.
With revolutionary greetings from Rojava.
Dear friends,
On the ‘We Are All YPJ’ campaign
Representatives from various women’s organisations across politics, the press and civil society have come together over the past few days to discuss the ‘We Are All YPJ’ campaign, its results to date and future prospects. It became obvious that, despite numerous actions at the start of the campaign and widespread international solidarity, no concrete results have yet been achieved. All participants made it clear that the campaign must continue and be strengthened. For the women in Rojava, the continued existence of the YPJ is an integral part of their identity and fundamental to the struggle to protect the achievements of the women’s revolution.
The transitional government continues to categorically reject the integration of the Women’s Defence Units into the Syrian army.
On the ‘We Are All YPJ’ campaign
Representatives from various women’s organisations across politics, the press and civil society have come together over the past few days to discuss the ‘We Are All YPJ’ campaign, its results to date and future prospects. It became obvious that, despite numerous actions at the start of the campaign and widespread international solidarity, no concrete results have yet been achieved. All participants made it clear that the campaign must continue and be strengthened. For the women in Rojava, the continued existence of the YPJ is an integral part of their identity and fundamental to the struggle to protect the achievements of the women’s revolution.
The transitional government continues to categorically reject the integration of the Women’s Defence Units into the Syrian army.
Alternative options – such as affiliation with the Ministry of the Interior whilst retaining autonomous structures and women-led command – were indeed raised in the media but have not been seriously discussed by the transitional government. On Tuesday, an initial meeting took place between the transitional government and the YPJ command. Everyone is now awaiting further concrete steps.
On the situation of displaced people in North and East Syria
Creating safe and dignified conditions for displaced families, who have often had to flee multiple times in recent years due to attacks and occupation, remains one of the greatest challenges in northern and eastern Syria.
Currently, the ongoing crisis for displaced people from Shahba in Qamishli is intensifying as the new school year approaches. More than 200 families, currently housed in 17 schools, face eviction without any alternative accommodation being provided. Whilst the education authorities are demanding that the schools be vacated so that pupils can return to their classrooms, the displaced people emphasise that their primary demand is a safe return to Shahba, not resettlement elsewhere. They are calling for the necessary security measures to be put in place to guarantee their safety and dignity and to enable them to return to their homes.
Displaced people from Sere Kaniye continue to wait for a safe return. They repeatedly state to the press and the public that returning to their homes is a fundamental right, but that any return must be safe, stable and dignified. They called for the repair of damaged homes, the reopening of roads and schools, and the provision of basic living conditions, coupled with the protection of returning civilians. They emphasised that years of displacement and hardship in the camps had not weakened their determination to return, and that they were ready to return as soon as conditions were in place to guarantee their safety and rights.
Ongoing dialogue on the future of Syria
A meeting in Damascus between the Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, the Co-Chair of the Department of External Relations, Ilham Ahmed, and the Foreign Minister of the Syrian Interim Government, Asaad al-Shaibani, has concluded. As part of the ongoing dialogue on the country’s future, the meeting addressed a range of issues relating to political developments in Syria and the implementation of outstanding points from the agreement of 29 January. Following the meeting, the dissolution of the military alliance and the completion of the integration of the former SDF units as brigades into the Syrian Army were announced.
Women’s rights in the constitution of a new Syria
The Syrian Women’s Council organised a lecture in Hasaka on women’s rights in the constitution of a modern state, emphasising that equality, human dignity and the rule of law must be fundamental principles in the building of the state. The lecture addressed women’s constitutional rights, including education, employment, political participation, decision-making, and protection from violence and discrimination. It was emphasised that guaranteeing women’s rights and ensuring their unrestricted participation is not an issue that concerns women alone, but rather forms the foundation of a modern and democratic society.
From Rojava, we send you revolutionary greetings.
On the situation of displaced people in North and East Syria
Creating safe and dignified conditions for displaced families, who have often had to flee multiple times in recent years due to attacks and occupation, remains one of the greatest challenges in northern and eastern Syria.
Currently, the ongoing crisis for displaced people from Shahba in Qamishli is intensifying as the new school year approaches. More than 200 families, currently housed in 17 schools, face eviction without any alternative accommodation being provided. Whilst the education authorities are demanding that the schools be vacated so that pupils can return to their classrooms, the displaced people emphasise that their primary demand is a safe return to Shahba, not resettlement elsewhere. They are calling for the necessary security measures to be put in place to guarantee their safety and dignity and to enable them to return to their homes.
Displaced people from Sere Kaniye continue to wait for a safe return. They repeatedly state to the press and the public that returning to their homes is a fundamental right, but that any return must be safe, stable and dignified. They called for the repair of damaged homes, the reopening of roads and schools, and the provision of basic living conditions, coupled with the protection of returning civilians. They emphasised that years of displacement and hardship in the camps had not weakened their determination to return, and that they were ready to return as soon as conditions were in place to guarantee their safety and rights.
Ongoing dialogue on the future of Syria
A meeting in Damascus between the Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, the Co-Chair of the Department of External Relations, Ilham Ahmed, and the Foreign Minister of the Syrian Interim Government, Asaad al-Shaibani, has concluded. As part of the ongoing dialogue on the country’s future, the meeting addressed a range of issues relating to political developments in Syria and the implementation of outstanding points from the agreement of 29 January. Following the meeting, the dissolution of the military alliance and the completion of the integration of the former SDF units as brigades into the Syrian Army were announced.
Women’s rights in the constitution of a new Syria
The Syrian Women’s Council organised a lecture in Hasaka on women’s rights in the constitution of a modern state, emphasising that equality, human dignity and the rule of law must be fundamental principles in the building of the state. The lecture addressed women’s constitutional rights, including education, employment, political participation, decision-making, and protection from violence and discrimination. It was emphasised that guaranteeing women’s rights and ensuring their unrestricted participation is not an issue that concerns women alone, but rather forms the foundation of a modern and democratic society.
From Rojava, we send you revolutionary greetings.
For the right to education in their mother tongue …
… many pupils are on strike. Instead of attending lessons, they are gathering in tents in the towns. They are expressing their concern for their future and protesting against the transitional government’s decision to restrict Kurdish-language teaching. They emphasise that the right to learn in one’s own mother tongue must not be reduced to three lessons a week. Pupils and families are demanding that this right be guaranteed in the new Syrian constitution and that teaching in Kurdish be offered at all school levels and across all subjects. The protection of the mother tongue is not only a matter of education, but also a matter of preserving identity and culture, as well as ensuring that future generations can learn in their own language. That is why not only the student body, but the entire population, is continuing its protests through demonstrations and rallies.
Women remain resolutely committed to shaping Syria’s future.
The women’s movement emphasises in particular that participation in Syria’s transitional phase and in shaping the country’s future must be genuine and meaningful, and must not be merely symbolic. At a meeting between representatives of women’s organisations and the governor of Hasaka, the participants discussed the challenges to women’s participation, as well as the need to protect their rights, achievements and autonomy of action. The spokesperson for Kongra Star, Gulistan Gulo, emphasised that women will continue their struggle for participation in decision-making processes and that their role is significant in any process aimed at building a new Syria.
Rojava’s mothers preserve the memory of the revolution.
Through its ‘On the Path to Freedom’ project, the Association of Martyrs’ Families has compiled and published the stories of 18 mothers in a book. This book documents their experiences and life journeys since the beginning of the Rojava Revolution. Most of the women are mothers of martyrs and activists. Others took part in the revolutionary process and contributed to the building of society and the upbringing of new generations. Their testimonies preserve an important part of the memory of the women and mothers who have lived through years of change and struggle, and highlight a role that has been ever-present throughout the various phases of the revolution. After eleven months of work, the book was published in Kurdish and Arabic. Further volumes are planned to document the stories of more mothers.
The public, business owners and farmers are protesting against rising fuel prices.
… and are taking to the streets daily in many towns across the region. They are demanding solutions to the electricity and fuel crises, as well as lower prices and improved economic conditions, as rising costs are placing a heavy burden on families, businesses and people’s livelihoods. As the rising costs of fuel and essential goods have a direct impact on people’s daily lives, participation in the protests is high. Gatherings are giving rise to spontaneous demonstrations that express the growing frustration amongst the population.
Farmers and agricultural cooperatives are also severely affected by the restrictions. The transitional government’s agricultural authority halted the supply of fuel to the agricultural sector at the start of the cereal sowing season. At the same time, payment for the harvested crops is still outstanding. As a result, many farmers are unable to cultivate their fields.
… many pupils are on strike. Instead of attending lessons, they are gathering in tents in the towns. They are expressing their concern for their future and protesting against the transitional government’s decision to restrict Kurdish-language teaching. They emphasise that the right to learn in one’s own mother tongue must not be reduced to three lessons a week. Pupils and families are demanding that this right be guaranteed in the new Syrian constitution and that teaching in Kurdish be offered at all school levels and across all subjects. The protection of the mother tongue is not only a matter of education, but also a matter of preserving identity and culture, as well as ensuring that future generations can learn in their own language. That is why not only the student body, but the entire population, is continuing its protests through demonstrations and rallies.
Women remain resolutely committed to shaping Syria’s future.
The women’s movement emphasises in particular that participation in Syria’s transitional phase and in shaping the country’s future must be genuine and meaningful, and must not be merely symbolic. At a meeting between representatives of women’s organisations and the governor of Hasaka, the participants discussed the challenges to women’s participation, as well as the need to protect their rights, achievements and autonomy of action. The spokesperson for Kongra Star, Gulistan Gulo, emphasised that women will continue their struggle for participation in decision-making processes and that their role is significant in any process aimed at building a new Syria.
Rojava’s mothers preserve the memory of the revolution.
Through its ‘On the Path to Freedom’ project, the Association of Martyrs’ Families has compiled and published the stories of 18 mothers in a book. This book documents their experiences and life journeys since the beginning of the Rojava Revolution. Most of the women are mothers of martyrs and activists. Others took part in the revolutionary process and contributed to the building of society and the upbringing of new generations. Their testimonies preserve an important part of the memory of the women and mothers who have lived through years of change and struggle, and highlight a role that has been ever-present throughout the various phases of the revolution. After eleven months of work, the book was published in Kurdish and Arabic. Further volumes are planned to document the stories of more mothers.
The public, business owners and farmers are protesting against rising fuel prices.
… and are taking to the streets daily in many towns across the region. They are demanding solutions to the electricity and fuel crises, as well as lower prices and improved economic conditions, as rising costs are placing a heavy burden on families, businesses and people’s livelihoods. As the rising costs of fuel and essential goods have a direct impact on people’s daily lives, participation in the protests is high. Gatherings are giving rise to spontaneous demonstrations that express the growing frustration amongst the population.
Farmers and agricultural cooperatives are also severely affected by the restrictions. The transitional government’s agricultural authority halted the supply of fuel to the agricultural sector at the start of the cereal sowing season. At the same time, payment for the harvested crops is still outstanding. As a result, many farmers are unable to cultivate their fields.
23 years since the founding of the Democratic Union Party
To mark its 23rd anniversary, the Democratic Union Party (PYD) invited its members and supporters to an anniversary event. The anniversary was marked with speeches and a cultural programme. During the event, participants reaffirmed their commitment to the cause of Kurdish rights and to building a democratic and decentralised Syria that guarantees the rights of all its communities. They also reiterated their dedication to safeguarding the achievements of the revolution and ensuring the recognition of Kurdish rights in the Syrian constitution. The anniversary coincides with a crucial phase in the current political process in Syria. To date, there is no legal basis for a multi-party system in Syria. This is regarded as a prerequisite for holding democratic elections and ensuring the representation of the various population groups and interest groups. This is one of the upcoming struggles for which the PYD and a politically organised society committed to its own future will campaign.
As the struggle for rights, freedom and democratic coexistence in Rojava and Syria continues, we send you revolutionary greetings.
To mark its 23rd anniversary, the Democratic Union Party (PYD) invited its members and supporters to an anniversary event. The anniversary was marked with speeches and a cultural programme. During the event, participants reaffirmed their commitment to the cause of Kurdish rights and to building a democratic and decentralised Syria that guarantees the rights of all its communities. They also reiterated their dedication to safeguarding the achievements of the revolution and ensuring the recognition of Kurdish rights in the Syrian constitution. The anniversary coincides with a crucial phase in the current political process in Syria. To date, there is no legal basis for a multi-party system in Syria. This is regarded as a prerequisite for holding democratic elections and ensuring the representation of the various population groups and interest groups. This is one of the upcoming struggles for which the PYD and a politically organised society committed to its own future will campaign.
As the struggle for rights, freedom and democratic coexistence in Rojava and Syria continues, we send you revolutionary greetings.
Dear friends,
As part of the integration process between the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria and the transitional government led by Al-Sharaa, many issues remain unresolved. Many decisions do not reflect the will and needs of the population, which is why the situation remains tense and people’s protests continue. At the heart of these protests are issues such as the right to education in one’s mother tongue, women’s rights and participation, and the steady deterioration in general living conditions due to rising oil prices and the government’s failure to honour agreements.
As part of the integration process between the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria and the transitional government led by Al-Sharaa, many issues remain unresolved. Many decisions do not reflect the will and needs of the population, which is why the situation remains tense and people’s protests continue. At the heart of these protests are issues such as the right to education in one’s mother tongue, women’s rights and participation, and the steady deterioration in general living conditions due to rising oil prices and the government’s failure to honour agreements.
Forwarded from WDR Roj
Message from Rojava - 7th of October 2026
Dear friends,
Women at the Heart of the Discussion on Syria’s Future
The Syrian Democratic Council met with Kongra Star, the confederation of women’s organisations in Rojava, and several women’s organisations and community forces like the Êzidî Women’s Union and members of TEV-DEM, the Democratic Society Movement to continue discussions on Syrias future. The meetings focused on the importance of the role of women in political and social life, as well as the need to protect their rights and gains and guarantee them constitutionally and legally.
Co-Chair of the Syrian Democratic Council, Leyla Qara Man, stressed that building a stable Syria cannot be based on a single identity. She emphasized that....
If you want to read & listen on, go to:
Website: https://womendefendrojava.net/en/2026/10/08/message-from-rojava-7th-of-october-2026/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/05MNvSqj8BVH9SULPHv9by?si=Mu91Qz-6S3WywGQrhYex2Q
Dear friends,
Women at the Heart of the Discussion on Syria’s Future
The Syrian Democratic Council met with Kongra Star, the confederation of women’s organisations in Rojava, and several women’s organisations and community forces like the Êzidî Women’s Union and members of TEV-DEM, the Democratic Society Movement to continue discussions on Syrias future. The meetings focused on the importance of the role of women in political and social life, as well as the need to protect their rights and gains and guarantee them constitutionally and legally.
Co-Chair of the Syrian Democratic Council, Leyla Qara Man, stressed that building a stable Syria cannot be based on a single identity. She emphasized that....
If you want to read & listen on, go to:
Website: https://womendefendrojava.net/en/2026/10/08/message-from-rojava-7th-of-october-2026/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/05MNvSqj8BVH9SULPHv9by?si=Mu91Qz-6S3WywGQrhYex2Q
👍1
Message from Rojava - 13th of October 2026
Dear friends,
Targeting Women’s Symbols Threatens Coexistence
After the arrival of terrorist groups in Heseke last week, despicable attacks against the values, symbols, images of martyrs and leaders of the Kurdish people, particularly female leaders, have increased. These attacks are part of the provocative policies of those forces who want to create conflict between peoples and forcibly ignite a Kurdish-Arab war. This reckless stance is not only a blatant disrespect for the memory of the martyrs and people's values, but it is also a deliberate provocation that targets the historical consciousness - the Kurdish people's historical memory, honor, and will for freedom....
If you want to read & listen on, go to:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7Kicxznu1oteUXraXn2qDN?si=Nd3MXCnES4C1cXEE4013QQ
Website: https://womendefendrojava.net/en/2026/10/15/message-from-rojava-14th-of-october/
Dear friends,
Targeting Women’s Symbols Threatens Coexistence
After the arrival of terrorist groups in Heseke last week, despicable attacks against the values, symbols, images of martyrs and leaders of the Kurdish people, particularly female leaders, have increased. These attacks are part of the provocative policies of those forces who want to create conflict between peoples and forcibly ignite a Kurdish-Arab war. This reckless stance is not only a blatant disrespect for the memory of the martyrs and people's values, but it is also a deliberate provocation that targets the historical consciousness - the Kurdish people's historical memory, honor, and will for freedom....
If you want to read & listen on, go to:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7Kicxznu1oteUXraXn2qDN?si=Nd3MXCnES4C1cXEE4013QQ
Website: https://womendefendrojava.net/en/2026/10/15/message-from-rojava-14th-of-october/
Attacks in Hesekê: Attacking the symbols of female martyrs is an attack on every woman who has struggled for freedom and legitimate rights
Analysis on what is happening in Hesekê and statement of Women Defend Rojava-Campaign. In short:
🔴 The attacks in Hesekê clearly have the aim to create a hatred between the peoples, hinder the integration process, and ignite a kurdish-arab war
🔴 They also aim to target the history and achievements of the women’s movement. They reveal the dominant, sexist and misogynistic male mentality of the militias that seeks to suppress the struggle for freedom, social leadership and the will of women, young women.
🔴 The Women's movement, communal representatives and people of Rojava call for the engagement for peaceful coexistence among all the people of the region and all democratic forces to stand up against the attacks.
🔴 Women of Hesekê made clear, that they will not …
Read the full text on: www.womendefendrojava.net/en/
„Attacks in Hesekê“
Analysis on what is happening in Hesekê and statement of Women Defend Rojava-Campaign. In short:
🔴 The attacks in Hesekê clearly have the aim to create a hatred between the peoples, hinder the integration process, and ignite a kurdish-arab war
🔴 They also aim to target the history and achievements of the women’s movement. They reveal the dominant, sexist and misogynistic male mentality of the militias that seeks to suppress the struggle for freedom, social leadership and the will of women, young women.
🔴 The Women's movement, communal representatives and people of Rojava call for the engagement for peaceful coexistence among all the people of the region and all democratic forces to stand up against the attacks.
🔴 Women of Hesekê made clear, that they will not …
Read the full text on: www.womendefendrojava.net/en/
„Attacks in Hesekê“
Dear friends & Women Defend Rojava Comitees,
Soon will be the World Kobanê Day! We call on all of you to join this action 🔥
Kobanê is a symbol for the resistance of the YPJ and YPG against Daesh/ ISIS and was freed from ISIS after 134 days. Until today it is a symbol for the resistance in Rojava, especially of women!
Nowadays ISIS is attacking again in the region. Now predominantly in Hesekê.
Let’s come together, join the spirit of the revolution and defend it!
We send you warm and revolutionary greetings! ✌🏼🔥
WDR Rojava
Soon will be the World Kobanê Day! We call on all of you to join this action 🔥
Kobanê is a symbol for the resistance of the YPJ and YPG against Daesh/ ISIS and was freed from ISIS after 134 days. Until today it is a symbol for the resistance in Rojava, especially of women!
Nowadays ISIS is attacking again in the region. Now predominantly in Hesekê.
Let’s come together, join the spirit of the revolution and defend it!
We send you warm and revolutionary greetings! ✌🏼🔥
WDR Rojava
🔥3
Forwarded from WDR Roj
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Dear friends,
Honouring the Martyrs and Protecting the Symbols of Women’s Struggle
Over the past week, Kurdish symbols and images of martyrs have continued to be targeted in various locations across Rojava. Especially symbols and images of martyrs for the women's struggle were targeted. These attacks continue to be concentrated in neighbourhoods in the city of Hesekê, but acts of vandalism have also taken place at the war cemetery in the Sheikh Maqsoud district of Aleppo. Graves were desecrated and vandalised.
Women from Çil Axa and Dirbêsiyê also expressed their opposition to the attacks, emphasising that images of martyrs hold deep meaning for their families and society. Kongra Star, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), the Revolutionary Youth Movement as well as Martyrs’ Families …
Get to know ll news on Spotify (or soon again our website)!
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7sRtz1pLXSRJMFwErkPCz0?si=d6AVmaD7TG6UHDpBVcN7eQ
Website: currently unavailable
Dear friends,
Honouring the Martyrs and Protecting the Symbols of Women’s Struggle
Over the past week, Kurdish symbols and images of martyrs have continued to be targeted in various locations across Rojava. Especially symbols and images of martyrs for the women's struggle were targeted. These attacks continue to be concentrated in neighbourhoods in the city of Hesekê, but acts of vandalism have also taken place at the war cemetery in the Sheikh Maqsoud district of Aleppo. Graves were desecrated and vandalised.
Women from Çil Axa and Dirbêsiyê also expressed their opposition to the attacks, emphasising that images of martyrs hold deep meaning for their families and society. Kongra Star, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), the Revolutionary Youth Movement as well as Martyrs’ Families …
Get to know ll news on Spotify (or soon again our website)!
We are sorry for the delay!
If you want to be informed on time, follow our Spotify and Instagram ✌🏼🔥
If you want to be informed on time, follow our Spotify and Instagram ✌🏼🔥