On April 26, the Joint Platform of Women’s Movements and Organizations launched a campaign in support of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ).
On this occasion, Penaber Afrin, one of the commanders of the Women’s Protection Units, stated that women who were once unable to rise up against the system have today launched a campaign to preserve the legacy of women. She said:
“With the will, memory, and faith of our people, the Women’s Protection Units will carry out an unparalleled struggle. At the same time, they will preserve the path of sacrifices made in Rojava Kurdistan and answer the call of women.”
Penaber Afrin continued her remarks by saying:
“The campaign began with the call of women, and we in the Women’s Protection Units will respond to this call with our entire being until the status of the Women’s Protection Units is officially recognized in Syria and internationally. Through our support for this campaign, we will be able to establish the Women’s Protection Units as a fundamental force within the Syrian army and the Syrian constitution. Our entire struggle will be based on this principle.”
Afrin also drew attention to the struggle of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) against ISIS, which NATO countries failed to defeat, stating:
“The Women’s Protection Units defeated ISIS gangs through their strength, ideas, and philosophy inherited from Leader Apo. If the Women’s Protection Units are not recognized through political and diplomatic means, these weapons will never leave their hands.”
Penaber Afrin concluded her remarks by saying:
“Through the work and efforts we are carrying out today, we are capable of building a democratic Syria in Rojava. And when we speak of a democratic Syria, we mean that it will be built with the Women’s Protection Units and their weapons.”
