Thousands of residents from the cities of Qamishlo, Tirbespiye, and Amuda in the Jazira region gathered at the “Martyrs of March 12” Stadium to celebrate April 4; the birthday of Leader Abdullah Ocalan and the anniversary of the founding of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ).
Kongra Star and the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) organized a celebration at the Martyrs of March 12 Stadium in the city of Qamishlo in the Jazira region, on the occasion of April 4the; birthday of Leader Abdullah Ocalan and the anniversary of the founding of the YPJ.
The celebration was held under the slogan: “April 4 is the day of the birth of women’s freedom and democratic society,” with the participation of large crowds from the cities of Qamishlo, Tirbespiye and Amuda.
The venue was decorated with images of Leader Abdullah Ocalan, along with flags of the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), the People’s Protection Units (YPG), the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), Kongra Star, and photos of fallen YPJ fighters. A banner displayed images of female martyrs with the slogan: “YPJ: a history of struggle and a guarantee for the freedom of Syrian women.”
The event began with a moment of silence, followed by a military parade performed by YPJ fighters. Afterwards, YPJ General Command member Nowruz Ahmad delivered a speech, stating: “The birth of Leader Abdullah Ocalan is not just the birth of an individual, but the birth of a people. The leader has presented a solution to the current crisis based on democratic integration, and developed the same approach to resolve the women’s issue. The progress achieved today is primarily due to his efforts, as well as the sacrifices of our struggling people, to whom we are grateful, along with all peoples who stood by us.”
She emphasized that crises in the Middle East and the world have had the greatest impact on women, which led women to organize themselves within YPJ. She added: “Today, women have taken their place in all fields of struggle, and this revolution has become a women’s revolution. However, patriarchal centralized powers seek to push women back. Our message is clear: just as we have led the struggle in all arenas, we will continue this fight.”
Nowruz Ahmad also stressed that achieving a democratic Syria requires the presence of women’s units, noting that women’s self-defense is a legitimate right. She pointed to ongoing meetings aimed at ensuring women’s participation in defense structures, adding that conflicts in the region highlight the necessity of protecting their struggle.
She concluded by affirming that their struggle will continue “to liberate our imprisoned comrades… We renew our commitment to protect our people and honor the promise made to the martyrs, and we will continue our struggle until the end.”
Following her speech, chants were raised, including: “Long live Leader Apo,” “Women, Life, Freedom,” “Martyrs are immortal,” and “Long live the resistance of YPJ.”
A speech was also delivered by Kongra Star Coordination member Jiyan Hamo, who highlighted the significance of April 4, stating: “We congratulate the leader on April 4, which is the birth of the Kurdish people. It is the spirit that has driven the women’s revolution, the Rojava revolution, and the Kurdistan revolution. This spirit has spread worldwide, promoting the philosophy of free life and strengthening freedom everywhere.”
She added: “Today, thanks to this spirit, the leader’s project regarding Kurdish rights across all four parts of Kurdistan has advanced. However, in the face of freedom and democracy, authoritarian mentalities attempt to distort this day and deny the identity of Kurdish people and women. This mindset fuels racism in the Middle East. Therefore, April 4 is a light against darkness, extremism, and racism, and this light will remain shining forever.”
Jiyan Hamo noted ongoing attacks targeting the thought of Leader Abdullah Ocalan, including attempts by some media outlets to obscure his image and ideas.
She added: “No one can obscure the leader’s thought or dim the light of April 4. We reject this approach. It is the same mindset that occupied Afrin and Serekaniye. We will continue our struggle against all those who deny the identity of women and peoples, until a democratic Syria is achieved.”
She affirmed that YPJ represents the defense force of women, stating: “We will resist until YPJ is officially recognized. We congratulate April 4 to all women, mothers of martyrs, and our resilient people.”
The celebration concluded with performances by the “Stêrka Zêrîn” band of the Hilala Zêrîn women’s cultural movement, along with artists Soumaya Mohammed, Kadar Hussein, and Mofida Afrin, as participants joined in traditional dance circles to the music.
