Roxan Mohammad, spokesperson for the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), spoke about the dangers posed by the recent attacks in the city of Hasakah. She considered the targeting of women’s symbolism and the denigration of their struggle and sacrifices to be attempts to undermine stability and incite discord among the components of Syrian society, particularly Kurds and Arabs.
Roxan Mohammad stressed that women have demonstrated their ability to bring about positive change through their struggle and their political, social, organisational, and military participation. She noted that the experience of women in Rojava has established their fundamental role in building a society characterised by peace and stability and respect for diversity.
She also explained that attacks on women’s values, existence, and will reflect a mindset seeking to weaken society and dismantle the bonds between peoples. She emphasised that these practices are not coincidental, but rather part of a plan carrying messages that threaten social cohesion, security, and stability.
She further stressed that targeting Kurdish women, their sacrifices, and their standing threatens coexistence among the peoples of the region and opens the door to further tensions and division.
Roxan Mohammad affirmed that recognising women’s existence, identity, and will is an essential condition for any serious path towards democratic change in Syria. She called for respect for the rights of all components of society and for ensuring their political and social participation, free from exclusion and discrimination. She also called for those responsible for the attacks and acts of sabotage to be held accountable, stressing that they must not escape legal accountability. She urged the adoption of serious measures to protect civil peace and prevent the incitement of discord.
She concluded by affirming that women’s struggle will continue and that their sacrifices and struggle entitle them to defend their identity, rights, and position, protect their achievements, and work towards strengthening security, stability, and coexistence within Syrian society.
