YPJ fighter Amargî Cudî, one of the fighters taking part in the combing operation in Deir ez-Zor, said:
“As Women’s Protection Units, we are not here to protect a language or a culture only, but to defend the identity of all nations.”
A woman gains her identity—embodied in freedom and will—through her hard work and continuous struggle. Especially in the Middle East, led by Kurdish women, there is an ongoing effort to protect and nurture their independent identity. This struggle is also the result of a broader battle for freedom that has become the cause of all humanity. The Women’s Protection Units are developing and educating themselves based on this historical legacy. They seek to reclaim and define the identity of the free woman in the face of the patriarchal system. Among these fighters is Amargî Cudî,, who shares her perspective on the YPJ’s participation and the purpose of their struggle.
From the Clutches of Genocide Toward a Free Identity
Fighter Amargî Cudî, expressed her emotions toward the YPJ by saying:
“I grew up in the heart of the revolution. Hearing the name ‘Women’s Protection Units’ always stirred deep feelings within me. I was always proud of this name; it gave me strength and determination. I longed to be one of them—because the YPJ never stopped or backed down from their struggle despite all the hardships and challenges. That’s why the name YPJ has become a symbol of the strength and presence of the free woman’s identity.”
Amargî, explained her sense of belonging within the YPJ and said:
“The Women’s Protection Units are the cradle of the women’s revolution in Kurdistan. Kurdish women have struggled for many years to reclaim their free identity in the face of genocide. That makes the role of the YPJ deeply significant and meaningful. Kurdish women are leaders of revolution and change. As a Kurdish woman, I found my place within the YPJ, and to protect my identity as a Kurdish woman, I joined its ranks.”
“We Create the Consciousness and Mindset of a Free Human Being”
Amargî continued discussing the YPJ’s goals and struggles, saying:
“As Women’s Protection Units, we are not defending a single language or culture—we are defending the national identities of Kurds, Syriacs, Yazidis, Arabs, and others. All nations and peoples can find their place within our philosophy, because we are building the consciousness and mindset of a free human being. As women, we are in the process of discovering how to live—and how to fight against the most violent aspects of patriarchal thinking. That’s why we work to understand ourselves, understand that mindset, and analyze it to see how we can truly live.”
Fighter Amargî Cudî,concluded her statement by saying:
“As a fighter in the Women’s Protection Units, I will struggle to my last breath against the dominant, repressive male mentality, and against the state system based on occupation and plunder. With the spirit of Sarîa, Avashin, Ronahî, and Britan, we will strengthen our struggle and grow our revolution. At the same time, women across the world need identity and a struggle of their own. Through our struggle, we build ourselves and live with our free identity.”
Media Center of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ)
22.05.2025
