RONIDA HAJI

Al-Hasakah_In the city of Tabqa, whose liberation in 2017 by the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Women’s Protection Units marked a turning point in the region’s history, a profound transformation began in the life of young Beritan Zenar.

The women’s force that emerged as a new social, political,and military actor after the defeat of ISIS was not merely a military formation but a project to transformation began in the life of young Beritan Zenar.

The women's force that emerged as a new social, political, and military actor after the defeat of ISIS was not merely a military formation but a project to transform consciousness and redefine women's role within society.

These units had a significant impact on Beritan Zenar (a nom de guerre), who comes from an Arab family in Tabqa. The women's force that was building life, spreading awareness, and enhancing confidence within society increasingly captured her attention. She observed that the presence of the Women's Protection Units had brought about significant changes in societal consciousness and in various spheres of life.

The YPJ has come to represent the presence of all women—not only Kurds and Arabs, but women of different nationalities, religions, and beliefs from around the world—who have found in it a path and a space to seek themselves and achieve their aspirations.

Breaking the Restrictions Imposed on Women

Over time, the questions and challenges occupying Beritan Zenar's mind grew, and she found in the Women's Protection Units the path she was seeking. She therefore joined the ranks of the YPJ in 2021, becoming one of the women who defied the social restrictions based on gender discrimination in her city.

She received multiple intellectual and military trainings, and the deeper she understood the nature of the prevailing patriarchal system, the more her rejection of injustice and discrimination grew. Her primary goal was to contribute to changing the reality and destiny of women, starting from her local community.

She Did Not Abandon Combat Despite Her Serious Injury

Beritan Zenar says she has witnessed significant transformations in her personality and life since joining the units. She participated directly in the confrontations that erupted on January 13, 2026, against the interim government and the jihadists of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham. She affirms that she saw these groups as a direct threat to women's existence and rights, and therefore held fast to her combat positions.

During the battles in the Sarrin area, she sustained a serious injury to her leg as a result of an attack attributed to mercenary reconnaissance aircraft. Despite her injury, she tried to remain in her position and not withdraw from the front, but the severity of the wound forced her comrades to transport her to the hospital for treatment.

The Presence of the YPJ Has Brought About Social Change

Beritan Zenar explained that the liberation of Tabqa by the Syrian Democratic Forces, the Women's Protection Units, and the People's Protection Units led to tangible changes in concepts, customs, and traditions within Arab society. "The presence of women in the military field was not merely participation in combat, but also a means of raising awareness in society and opening new horizons for women. We can say that the liberation of Tabqa was not only liberation from ISIS, but also an important step toward educating and empowering women within Arab society."

From Self-Confidence to Joining the Ranks of the YPJ

She affirmed that the impact left by the Women's Protection Units fighters on her was the main reason she chose this path. "The YPJ is a path through which a woman can discover herself and find answers to her personal and existential questions. Despite the attacks and smear campaigns targeting the Women's Protection Units, these attempts have not succeeded in breaking women's will. Today, the YPJ has become a model and an identity that inspires women in various places."

"Leader Öcalan's Philosophy Is a Return to Societal Values"

Beritan Zenar noted that many women, after the liberation of areas such as Tabqa, Raqqa, and Deir ez-Zor, came to know the thought and philosophy of leader Abdullah Öcalan and became involved in community activity and revolutionary movement. "Leader Öcalan's philosophy emerged from the reality of society and its moral values. Given the crises and conflicts the world faces today, his ideas are seen as a path for society to return to its foundations and authentic values."

Continuing the Path of Resistance

Beritan Zenar spoke about the importance of continuing the path of resistance. "In 2025, when the Tishrin Dam was attacked, society, led by women and with the spirit of a revolutionary people, embodied a living model of resilience. I strongly wanted to be part of that resistance, but my various responsibilities and tasks prevented me from doing so."

She explained: "I participated in a number of operations, but my direct participation in combat came during the recent attacks, when Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and its affiliated factions launched attacks on our areas. I always thought about how to defend and protect our society, and how I could, with my weapon, stand against the adversaries."

She added: "For us, we cannot abandon our defensive positions. That is why, when I was injured in Sarrin, I did not want to leave my position, but my comrades had to take me to the hospital due to the severity of the injury. We drew the meaning of resilience and resistance from the martyrs who preceded us; they were for us a model to emulate in steadfastness and sacrifice."

A Call for Official Recognition of the Women's Protection Units

Beritan Zenar noted that official recognition of the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) represents not only the demand of the fighters but also the demand of a broad segment of women.

She says: "As a women's force, we do not accept that our history be stolen again, or that the achievements made through women's efforts and sacrifices become merely part of power and influence projects. The Women's Protection Units have a long history of resistance and known sacrifices. In every liberated area, there are stories of struggle and dedication of fighters who left their mark on history. In Kobani, names like Arin Mirkan emerged; in Afrin, Barin Kobani and Avista Khabur; in Sheikh Maqsoud, Martyr Deniz; in addition to thousands of women who became witnesses to women's strength and will, shaping the features of an entire phase of struggle and resilience."