Rajaa Hamid Rashid

Iraq – Iraqi women have declared their solidarity with the campaign launched by the Joint Events Platform and women's organizations in Rojava to support the Women's Protection Units (YPJ), within the framework of escalating women's mobilization demanding the guarantee of their participation in the integration process within security and defense institutions, based on the January 29, 2026 agreement signed between the Syrian Democratic Forces (QSD) and the interim Syrian government. They affirmed their support for women's right to participation and decision‑making, and recognition of the role and sacrifices of these units.

Activist Bushra Abu Al‑Iss affirmed her solidarity with the campaign to support the YPJ in Rojava. "Based on the principle of justice and equality, and given the great sacrifices made by the YPJ throughout their struggle, I support women's contribution to the integration of these units, in accordance with the January 2026 agreement, and in an official manner by the interim government."

In the same context, political activist Dina Al‑Tai said: "I speak today as an Iraqi woman, and as a woman who believes that the issues of women in our region are interconnected, and that defending the lives, dignity, and right to protection of women is not a local or passing matter; it is a just human cause."

She declared her solidarity with the campaign supporting the YPJ, and with women's right to be an essential part of any political, security, or defense path concerning the future of Syria and the region.

She pointed out that Syria has experienced one of the harshest experiences in recent years, where women paid a double price in violence, displacement, kidnapping, targeting, and attempts to break their will. She explained that in the face of this reality, women were not only victims but were at the forefront of the defense of life, dignity, and society.

She noted that the YPJ was not just a military formation; it became a symbol of women's will when they decide to protect themselves and their communities, confronting terrorism, extremism, and organized violence. She indicated that these units contributed to protecting civilians, saving women and children, and defending the values of freedom, equality, and justice.

Dina Al‑Tai affirmed that any path of integration or building defense institutions in Syria cannot ignore this role, nor can it treat women's sacrifices as marginal or a detail. "Women's participation and the recognition of their organizations and experiences is not a favor from anyone; it is a right and a necessity to ensure a just and stable peace."

She explained: "We know very well, as women in Iraq and the region, what it means to be pushed to the back rows after being at the forefront of sacrifices. True peace cannot be built by excluding women, ignoring their voices, or erasing their achievements."

She affirmed: "Solidarity with the YPJ is solidarity with women's right to life, protection, participation, and decision‑making. It is solidarity with every woman who resisted violence, refused to surrender, and defended her community and dignity."

She stressed the importance of supporting the campaign demanding recognition of the YPJ and ensuring its participation in any future defense system, while preserving its specificity, role, and history. She called on the interim Syrian government to respond to this demand, concluding her speech by saying: "Freedom for women, peace for peoples, and glory to every woman who defended life in the face of injustice and terrorism."

Supporting the YPJ is a defense of women's right to protection, participation, and decision‑making, and an affirmation that building a just peace cannot be achieved by excluding half of society. Recognizing women's sacrifices is an essential step towards a freer and more just future for all peoples.