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.

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/

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, women’s initiatives and activities continued across North and East Syria, highlighting the importance of protecting women’s achievements and strengthening their role in social and political life. The events also reaffirmed the commitment to continuing the struggle for freedom, democracy, and the values that women have defended through years of resistance and sacrifice.

Mass marches took place in the cities of Dêrik, Çil Axa, Girkê Legê, Til Temir, Zirgan, and Dirbesiyê, calling for the physical freedom of Abdullah Öcalan. Participants stressed that Öcalan’s ideas and philosophy continue to contribute to dialogue, coexistence, and democratic solutions, while emphasizing the importance of supporting peace and stability efforts in the region.

The women’s cultural movement Hilala Zêrîn organized a large public event in Hesekê under the slogan “With the Spirit of Women and the Life of Women, Together We Will Achieve Victory.” The event was attended by local residents, women’s organizations, and civil institutions. Speakers highlighted the historic role of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) in confronting ISIS and defending society, emphasizing that YPJ fighters have become a global symbol of women’s strength and resistance. The event also included cultural and artistic performances reflecting the diversity of the region and the determination of women to continue their struggle.

Hilala Zêrîn also opened an art exhibition in the city of Dêrik as part of the “We Are All YPJ” campaign. The exhibition featured artworks highlighting the role of women and the Women’s Protection Units in the Rojava Revolution, as well as the sacrifices made by women fighters in defense of women’s freedom and rights. Visitors expressed their support for the YPJ and emphasized the importance of protecting women’s achievements and ensuring their participation in shaping Syria’s future.

The third anniversary of the martyrdom of Yusra Derwish and Reyhan Amûda was commemorated at the Martyr Ismail Shrine in Amûda. Participants honored their struggle and contributions to society, women’s participation, and the promotion of democratic values and coexistence. Flowers were laid at their graves in tribute to their legacy and the principles for which they dedicated their lives. Both were killed in a drone-attack by the Turkish state in 2023. Both are symbolic for many women in Rojava and throughout Kurdistan that fought to be the voice of free women and gave their life within this struggle. Remembering them gives the strength and the reason to continue fighting today and to defend the achievements of the women's revolution with all abilities and resources.

And with that, we send revolutionary greetings from Rojava.

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.

Dear friends,
This week, discussions, meetings and public dialogues took place in North and East Syria, reaffirming once again how essential the equal participation of women in all areas of public life – particularly in decision-making processes – is to the building of a democratic Syria. The participants in these events continue to demand that the new Syrian constitution guarantee women’s political and social rights, protect the gains achieved through years of struggle, and ensure meaningful representation of women in state institutions. These demands have, to date, received not enough attention in the current integration process.
This makes it all the more important to strengthen women’s organisations and collective action in order to counter policies of marginalisation and exclusion.

As part of the ‘We are all YPJ’ campaign, female politicians, fighters and activists continued to call for the official recognition of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) as independent women’s defence forces, so that they can continue to play their crucial role in protecting society in the future.

Art and culture as a form of women’s resistance

The women’s art and culture movement Hîlala Zêrîn celebrated the second anniversary of the opening of the first women’s college of music and art in North and East Syria, thereby reaffirming its commitment to creating cultural spaces that strengthen women’s creativity and role in society. During the event, female students showcased their talents in music, singing, film and much more. They demonstrated that culture and art are essential forms of resistance, and reaffirmed their commitment to developing creative, resistant, life-affirming art and culture that celebrates beauty and freedom from a women’s perspective.

Hilala Zêrîn continued its cultural and artistic activities as part of the ‘We Are All YPJ’ campaign. Through theatre performances, music events and art exhibitions held in several cities across northern and eastern Syria, the movement highlighted the struggle and sacrifices of the YPJ fighters in defending society and resisting IS. The events emphasised the role of art and culture in preserving women’s history, passing on the values of resistance to future generations, and supporting the demand for official recognition of the YPJ as part of the integration process.

Return to Afrin

Eight years after their forced displacement, the people of Afrin continue to insist on their right to return to their homes and villages. Many families who have already begun the process of returning report that conditions remain difficult. They emphasise that a genuine return requires security, the restitution of confiscated property, the prosecution of crimes committed, and conditions that guarantee a dignified life for all residents. Women remain among those most severely affected by years of displacement and abuse, underscoring the need for justice and protection.

Commemorating the 14 July resistance

The Democratic Union Party (PYD), Kongra Star and the Kurdish community in Lebanon commemorated the 44th anniversary of the historic resistance of 14 July at Amed Prison and reaffirmed that this resistance represented a decisive moment in the struggle for freedom, dignity and the defence of Kurdish identity. The participants also paid tribute to the pioneering role of women in the freedom movement and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the struggle for a democratic society.

Protecting the name and identity of Kobanê

As part of the integration process, the current transitional government insists on the official Arabised names of towns in North and East Syria. In response, a broad campaign was launched by the people of Kobanê to demand that the city’s original name be recognised in all official documents. The name Kobanê is an inseparable part of the city’s history, identity and collective memory. Preserving the city’s name also means preserving its history and honouring its resistance and the many sacrifices made by its people.
Massive protests and demonstrations took place in Kobanê against the attempt to change the city’s name to Ain al-Arab. The campaign also spread to other cities. For example, actions took place in Qamishlo where participants likewise protested against the attempt to change the city’s name and expressed their solidarity with the people of Kobanê.

With this, we send you revolutionary greetings from Rojava.

Dear friends,

In a wide range of statements and interviews, women and women’s organisations – particularly on social media and in the press – continue to emphasise that building a democratic Syria is impossible without women’s equal participation in decision-making processes and in shaping the country’s future. The demand for recognition of the Women’s Defence Units (YPJ) remains on the agenda of the women’s movement, as does the strengthening of women’s organisations and the joint struggle in all areas of life, for these are the most effective guarantee for safeguarding the achievements of the women’s revolution and defending women’s rights.

Syrian women appeal to the international community

Women’s organisations are also using the visit of António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, to Syria to express their perspectives and demands to the international community.
During a meeting with 18 women’s organisations, including a representative of the Kurdish women’s movement ‘Kongra Star’, statements were presented on the situation of women, the economy, the justice system and the protection of the rights of the Kurdish people, whilst attention was drawn to the attacks and human rights violations against the people of Sheikh Maqsud, in the coastal region and in Suwaida. At the same time, the importance of women’s participation in political decision-making processes and in the transitional government in Damascus was emphasised.

Integration of the University of Rojava

In recent days, several discussions have taken place regarding the integration of the University of Rojava into the higher education system of Al-Hasaka. This forms part of a broader process aimed at integrating and linking academic institutions to the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. With the aim of ensuring the continuity of education for the population, all parties involved are committed to ensuring that the integration takes place through carefully planned academic and legal steps, and that the rights of students and academic staff are protected. However, proposals to rename the university ‘Roj University’ – and, in particular, the insistence on restructuring the curriculum to be taught in Arabic and English rather than, as today, in Kurdish – are fuelling personal fears about the future among both teaching staff and students, as well as concerns that one of the revolution’s most important achievements – basic and further education in the mother tongue – is being endangered.

“Women can succeed as long as they show perseverance and determination.”

This applies not only on a broader scale, when we speak of the struggle against patriarchy and for women’s liberation, but also in every small struggle that women must wage daily for their self-determination and dreams. This is a quote from Sarah Jagami, a young woman from Suweyda who has been living out her passion for football since 2023 as part of the women’s team at the Al-Suwayda Workers’ Club. For years, football was considered a male-dominated sport in Syria too, and women were scarcely to be seen in sports stadiums. Yet the changes of recent years have opened the door for young women. Not only in Rojava but also in Suweyda, there are women’s football teams in almost every town. The players of the Al-Suwayda Workers Club are currently attracting particular attention. They have made the leap into the stadium and are taking part in official tournaments – including the West Asian Championship. Despite the war, mobility issues and academic pressures, they are role models for women who want to break free from old patterns and shape their own sporting futures. Due to the security situation and the war, many young women were denied access to education and, consequently, the opportunity to develop their own personalities and achieve their dreams. Through sport, they have fought to secure these opportunities for themselves.

Conference of Filmmakers in Rojava

The first Cinema Conference took place in Qamishlo from 24 to 26 July. The conference was attended by numerous filmmakers, actors, cameramen and activists from the film community, who discussed the current state of cinema in Rojava and strategies for its further development. Many of the activists are women. They teach or study at the Women’s College of Art and Culture in Heseke, or, like the women of ‘Sine Jin’, are actively involved in film production, working as directors, writing screenplays, acting and composing music. They are involved in developing a film culture in Rojava that, in contrast to the globally patriarchal film industry, is in alignment with the values of free women and stands for democracy, diversity and truth. And they want to produce films that centre on women’s stories and address the issues faced by women.

With this, we send revolutionary greetings from Rojava

New Women Defend Rojava Artikel online:
On the Way to a New Cinema

🌺 From 24th until 26th of July the first Conference of Rojava's Filmmakers took place in Qamişlo.

🌺 Read in our new Artikel what is the state of cinema in Rojava, what was discussed and which future plans where decided upon.

🌺 Get to know the perspectives and dreams of the female filmmakers Nadya Derwiş and Şerda Osman.

🌺 Read the full article: https://womendefendrojava.net/en/2026/07/31/first-conference-of-rojavas-filmmakers/