Zainab Issa 

Qamishlo_Amid ongoing discussions about Syria’s future and the structure of its military and political institutions, women’s participation in defense emerges as one of the most sensitive and important issues. As efforts continue to draft a new constitution that guarantees the rights of all components, the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) find themselves at the heart of this debate, as a force that played a pivotal role in protecting society during years of war.

Over the past fourteen years, the YPJ has established itself as both a military and social force that redefined women’s role in defense and resistance in North and East Syria. Despite agreements aimed at integrating institutions between the interim government and Rojava regions, official recognition of these units was not included in military integration clauses. YPJ leadership views this as a disregard for years of struggle and sacrifice. For them, recognition is no longer merely organizational—it is essential to protect women’s achievements and ensure their continued role in building a democratic Syria that does justice to all its components.

During the Women’s Conference to Guarantee Women’s Rights in the New Syrian Constitution, held on Tuesday, March 17, YPJ representatives stressed that their struggle will not stop, and that official recognition is necessary to safeguard the gains of the women’s revolution and solidify women’s presence in military institutions.

 

“We Were on the Frontlines for 14 Years”

At the conference, our agency obtained a statement from YPJ spokesperson Roxan Mohammed, who said that the presence of the Women’s Protection Units within the Syrian army “is extremely important,” adding that “even if this is not approved, our struggle and efforts will grow stronger and will continue.”

She emphasized that “leaders of the revolution were martyred in defense of the gains of the women’s revolution,” and added:
“We attended the women’s conference to ensure women’s rights in the Syrian constitution. The main topics discussed were how to protect women’s rights, as women have achieved many accomplishments over 14 years of continuous struggle across all levels.”

She continued:
“Women led a revolution that has become a model for the entire world. Many of its leaders were martyred to guarantee women’s rights and existence. Tremendous efforts and sacrifices were made to protect these gains, and today we are discussing how to secure women’s rights moving forward.”

“When We Say Women’s Protection Units, We Mean Protection”

She stressed that the presence of the YPJ in the Syrian army is crucial:
“As Women’s Protection Units, we ask what the future will look like. Since the beginning of the Rojava revolution, YPJ has played a vital role across ideological, organizational, military, and professional levels, protecting women’s identity and existence within the military sphere. This has also contributed to protecting the Syrian Democratic Forces and the People’s Protection Units.”

 

“YPJ Will Secure Its Place in the Syrian Constitution”

Roxan Mohammed believes that the existence of the YPJ represents the existence of society itself, and that the units will continue their struggle for a free and democratic Syria with broad support:

“We will continue this struggle until the end, even if methods and tools change. The Women’s Protection Units must become a protective force for all Syrian women, as we still witness massacres, kidnappings, and displacement. Every woman who seeks to secure her life, rights, and identity must have a strong voice in the Syrian constitution.”

She concluded her statement by saying:
“As an organization, our participation in the army will bring fundamental changes and guide Syria toward democracy. To achieve this, every woman must defend the existence of the Women’s Protection Units by all means. We believe our people support us, and we move forward on this path. Our existence is the existence of society, and the existence of society is our existence. Together, we will lead this struggle toward a free and democratic Syria.”