NEWS CENTER - In a statement marking the anniversary of the Rojava Revolution, Kongra Star said: “Protecting the gains is a shared responsibility of everyone who seeks a democratic and pluralistic Syria.”

 

The Kongra Star Coordination issued a statement on the anniversary of the Rojava Revolution, which began in Kobanê on July 19, 2012, and later spread across North and East Syria.  Highlighting the impact of the Rojava Revolution on the peoples of the region and on women, the statement said: “The process that began in Kobanê on July 19, 2012, and later spread to many parts of North and East Syria has been etched into the collective memory as a turning point both for the peoples of the region and for the place of women in society. On this occasion, we remember with respect and gratitude all the martyrs of the revolution who lost their lives; we honor the memory of all those who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom and equality, especially the women pioneers. We emphasize that the legacy they left behind continues to serve as guidance for coexistence among peoples, women’s freedom and the pursuit of a democratic society. 

 

A REVOLUTION THAT REDEFINED WOMEN’S ROLE

 

The July 19 Revolution was not only a development that reshaped the political landscape, but also a social transformation that redefined women’s role in society. One of its significant achievements was the increased visibility of women in politics, local governance, education, social life and self-defense. The Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) emerged not only as a military force, but also as one of the defining symbols  of women’s self-organization and self-defense. 

 

Today, as discussions over Syria’s future continue, protecting the gains women have achieved is of vital importance. However, any attempts to restrict women’s participation in public life, exclude them from decision-making positions, or reshape society according to a monolithic worldview are unacceptable to us as women.

 

Any approach that reduces women to predefined roles and allows others to decide how they should live, how they should dress, where they should work, whether they can take part in politics, or whether  they can have a say over their own future threatens not only women’s freedom, but the freedom of society as a whole.

 

Because democracy is weakened in a society where women are excluded from public life.  Justice remains incomplete in a system where women are excluded from decision-making processes. Equality cannot exist where women’s labor is rendered invisible. And any approach that allows women to exist only within prescribed boundaries ultimately silences society and narrows its future.

 

WOMEN’S FREEDOM AND SECURITY

 

Approaches that define women’s freedom solely through their bodies, seek to render them invisible, or aim to restrict their presence in every aspect of life do not strengthen social peace; on the contrary they deepen polarization and inequality. True security is only possible in a system where women are free to live and can participate equally in education, politics, economy and every aspect of social life. 

 

On the anniversary of the July 19 Revolution, we once again affirm that protecting the rights and gains women have won at great cost over the years is a shared responsibility of everyone who seeks a democratic and pluralistic Syria. 

 

A future that does not ignore women’s will, but recognizes it as a founding force of society is one of the strongest foundations for coexistence among peoples, equal citizenship and lasting peace. 

 

WOMEN’S GAINS

 

We remember with respect all those who gave their lives in the cause of freedom, equality, and a dignified future, and once again reaffirm that protecting the gains women have achieved is indispensable to human rights, social justice and a democratic future.”