Kongra Star Statement for the 13th anniversary of the Women Revolution

On July 19, 2012 our people rose up with the resolution to determine their own destiny and began a process of radical social transformation. Today, we celebrate the thirteenth anniversary of this revolution.

The process that began with the establishment of people’s assemblies in Kobane evolved into a construction based on the principles of social freedom and equality and spread throughout North and East Syria. The Rojava revolution developed through collective work and the will of the people, without relying on external intervention. The aim of these steps was not just to change a form of government, but also a shift in the whole of life.

Women were the leading force of this process. Women took the initiative in all areas, created their own organizations, participated in decision-making mechanisms, and developed their own self-defense. As Kongra Star, we expanded the line of women’s freedom that flourished with the revolution and brought it to the present day. This struggle, which was initiated by Kurdish women, has now become a great hope for Arab, Assyrian, Armenian, Druze, Alevis, Yazidis, and Muslim women. It is based on the belief that women can lead peace in the 21st century and make their mark on change and transformation. We see the achievement of freedom for all women, regardless of their identity, faith, or culture, as our fundamental goal.

Today, in Syria, structures that seek to suppress women’s voices are being revived. Those who promote centralization, defend the Sharia with religious fundamentalism, and reproduce sexism are posing a threat on the idea of a common life between peoples. This approach, which, under the name of a new constitution and a transitional process, denies women’s will in the dialogues, represents not a solution but a deeper crisis.

The social contract of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria is based on the equal participation of diverse peoples and beliefs. The place of women in the co-chair system, their self-organization in the defense sector, and the model of communal life present in all aspects of society are clear signs of this contract. The Rojava revolution has been able to survive thanks to this agreement, shaped by the labor of women.

It is possible to build a new Syria around the principles of recognizing the will of the people, guaranteeing the decision-making power of women, and allowing all segments of society to live together.

While the Kurdish people and the peoples of North and East Syria are eagerly awaiting the celebration of the anniversary of the July 19 revolution, peoples of different beliefs in Syria are today being massacred by extremist forces and their collaborators. Massacres are being committed against our Alawite and Druze people, and their forests are being burned. The killing, kidnapping, rape, and sale of women are being carried out as a great shame in the eyes of the whole world. Recently, these extremist forces have carried out brutal attacks on our people of Sweida. The same scenario that took place on the coast is taking place today in Sweida among the Druze people. We have seen in this war and crisis how women can be a force for solving the problems of their society, showing resistance to the brutality that is taking place. Women are raising their hopes and faith, raising their voices for a tomorrow’s democratic, decentralized Syria, and protecting women’s rights. Druze women and Alawite women today trust the struggle of Kurdish women and its democratic administration. For this reason, as Kongra Star, we affirm that the voice of women raised in the regions of Syria will not go unanswered, and the hand raised will not remain in the air.

We, as Kongra Star, believe that with our solidarity and alliances, we will become a dynamic force for change and transformation in Syria. The process that is being experienced today requires all women living in Syria to strengthen our defense and organizational mechanisms in the days ahead. As Kurds and communities of North and East Syria, we stand by our YPJ and SDF defense forces. For this, every woman needs to strengthen her natural ability for defense in this process. This is a duty on all of us, and our victory will be shared. No matter the cost, it will ultimately be a victory for the people fighting for freedom and democracy.

Today, we reiterate our promise to all women, martyrs, people, and comrades who made the Rojava Revolution possible. With the determination to continue our struggle without interruption, we will continue to protect the light of freedom that is flourishing in these lands.

Jin, Jiyan, Azadî

Women, Live, Freedom

Kongra Star
18-7-2025