The revolution of July 19 was a historic turning point for strengthening the role and participation of women.

The revolution in Rojava, which began on July 19, 2012, in Kobanê and then spread to large parts of northern and eastern Syria, is regarded as a historic turning point in the collective memory of the people of the region, particularly with regard to the role of women in social life. On this occasion, we pay our respects with deep reverence to all the martyrs of this revolution, especially the women. We bow our heads in memory of those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for freedom and equality. We emphasize that their legacy remains an important point of reference for the coexistence of peoples, women’s freedom, and the pursuit of a democratic society.

The July 19 Revolution not only altered the balance of political power but also led to social change that redefined the role of women in society. The growing presence of women in politics, regional administration, education, civil society, and self-defense is among the most remarkable aspects of this process. The Women’s Defense Units (YPJ) have established themselves not only as a military structure but also as a symbol of women’s self-organization and self-defense.

In light of the ongoing debates about Syria’s future, preserving the achievements women have made to date is of crucial importance. Current developments—such as restrictions on women’s participation in public life, their exclusion from decision-making processes, or the reshaping of social life according to uniform ideals—are unacceptable to us as women.

Any notion that reduces women to certain stereotypes and leaves it to others to decide how they live, how they dress, where they work, whether they are allowed to be politically active, or whether they can have a say in their own future not only jeopardizes women’s freedom but also the freedom of society as a whole.

For in a society where women are excluded from public life, democracy is weakened. In a system where women are excluded from decision-making processes, there is a lack of justice. In a system where women’s work and contributions remain invisible, one cannot speak of equality. And a mindset that allows women to exist only within predetermined boundaries silences society and narrows its future prospects.

Approaches that define women’s freedom exclusively in terms of their bodies seek to render them invisible or to restrict their existence in all areas of life; they do not strengthen social peace but, on the contrary, deepen polarization and inequality. True security is possible only in a system where women can live freely and are represented on an equal basis in education, politics, the economy, and all areas of social life.

On the anniversary of the July 19 Revolution, we reaffirm that protecting the rights and achievements that women have fought for over many years and at great sacrifice is a shared responsibility of all those who wish to build a democratic and diverse Syria. We see no future without the will of women; rather, we recognize it as a fundamental force for building social life—as one of the strongest foundations for the coexistence of peoples, for the equality of all citizens, and for lasting peace.

We pay respectful tribute to all those who have lost their lives for freedom, equality, and a dignified future; and we reaffirm that the protection of women’s achievements is indispensable and essential for human rights, social justice, and a democratic future.

Kongra Star

July 18, 2026