“We are all YPJ” has gone global – review of Global Action Day on 31st of May

Organisations and individuals from around 30 regions of the world took part in the global day of action! We received around 60 videos in different ways and means expressing solidarity with the YPJ. From Kurdistan to Abya Yalla and Europe, from Asia to Australia and the USA. So, on that day, people from all over the world came together and found ways to express, symbolise and artistically portray their solidarity.

Various public discussions, educational workshops and film-screenings were held – about the history and meaning of YPJ, about the current political situation in Rojava and Syria. But also about the meaning of self-defense for the women’s and feminist struggle. Women also tought each other techniques of feminist self-defense in the course of the campaign. Others gathered in demonstrations in the cities or displayed huge YPJ-flags in parks, mountains, houses or even in harbour-waters. Many beautiful solidarity-pictures or videos were captured and sent to us.

Ronahî Hesen from Kongra Star Diplomacy evaluated in an Interview with  Ajansa Nûçeyan a Hawar: “The campaign has transformed from grassroots activities into a women’s and people’s movement that has spread to the Middle East, Europe and other parts of Kurdistan. From the very beginning of the campaign’s announcement, marches were held, statements were issued, and cultural and artistic activities were organised. Portraits of YPJ fighters were also hung. Panels and workshops were held on topics such as the role and autonomy of the YPJ, and the fundamental legal principles related to it. From the outset of the campaign, the level of popular support for the YPJ became apparent.”

Ronahî furthermore said that “this support and ownership from all over the world puts pressure on the government to accept the YPJ’s status in the constitution.” But the campaign is still continuing with various activities, because until now the YPJ is not accepted by the Syrian transitional government. In Rojava, many activities are already planned and will take place in the course of the month. We also know of activities planned in other regions of the world. If we can assist to set up an event, please contact us and we can provide you with information material of ideas for action.

We will keep up the pressure! We are all YPJ!