Women fighters from the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) celebrated International Women’s Day on 8 March in the Al-Hasakah province of North and East Syria.
International Women’s Day events, demonstrations and protest marches in North and East Syria have been promoted and encouraged in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, also known as Rojava. The Rojava revolution has taken place within the context of the women’s revolution, led by women in the region and through the organisational initiatives of the YPJ.
YPJ’s Kurdish fighters in Al-Hasakah organised a major event that was attended by hundreds of women. A moment of silence was held in remembrance and honour of all those women who have lost their lives in struggles around the world and who also fell in defence of Rojava.
Newroz Ehmed, the YPJ Commander, spoke at the event and praised and honoured all women, especially mothers, fighting in defence of their lands as she celebrated International Women’s Day. “As a result of the efforts and struggles of women, we celebrate this day as International Women’s Day. We are not limiting the struggle of women to the celebrations we organise today, because 8 March has become the symbol of all the values of humanity for women around the world and 8 March is the achievement of all humanity”, she said.
Ehmed also appealed to all women around the world: “We appeal to all women in the region and around the world. We have to unite our power, fight together and support the struggle”, she said.