ZOUHOUR MECHERGUİ

Tunisia- The Women’s Defense Units (YPJ), formed in northeastern Syria in 2013, is the first women’s defense unit formed in the region and its members have fought ISIS. Women fighters have become the leading military force and their achievements have attacked everyone’s attention. We spoke to Tunisian women about the resistance of the YPJ.

“This model can be practiced in Tunisia”

Speaking about the foundation of the YPJ, Iman Al Sharafi, head of the Tunisian Hun Women’s Association, said, “The model of the YPJ can be also practiced in Tunisia. The YPJ is an active and successful model showing women's resistance and success in the military. The name of the YPJ, particularly its fight against ISIS, has become known in recent years. They joined a big operation called the Operation Wrath of Euphrates. They have rescued thousands of Yazidi women from ISIS. YPJ is the main force for the safety of society and the protection of women.” Expressing her thoughts about forming such units in Tunisia, Iman Al Sharafi said, “The forming of the YPJ is a historic achievement. Women, who have taken up arms to defend their lands, don’t see the reactionary mentality as an obstacle to them.”

“We should talk about the experience of the YPJ”

Jannet Kabessi, the president of the Association Voix d'Ève (AVE), thinks that the experience of the YPJ is “unique” and “pioneering” in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Stating that the YPJ fighters have been frontline of many operations to liberate their region and rescue Yazidi women from ISIS, Jannet Kabessi stated that the YPJ emerged in the midst of a great political conflict and security chaos in the region. “Unfortunately, we do not find enough information about the experience of the Women's Defense Units in the press. We should talk about this successful, exceptional, and unique experience,” she said.

“It becomes hope for us”

“Women of North and East Syria have proven their success in this difficult and extraordinary experience for all ethnic and religious groups,” feminist activist Basma Soussi said that the Kurds have been known for their courage and protection of women for decades. Speaking about the reason why the YPJ hasn’t been known in Tunisia, Basma Soussi said, “The experience of the YPJ should be learned and spread so that it can be a role model for Tunisian women. The YPJ started an intellectual revolution in NE Syria with the participation of women in the military. The YPJ has become a hope for us, for women, and showed us that we can fight for our freedom and the right to a dignified life in a democratic country. Their experience is a unique experience.”