Interview with Emîne Osê from Kongra Star: “YPJ must be part of the army, and women must take part in decision-making mechanisms”

The following interview was conducted and published by Ajansa Nûçeyan a Firatê on 10th of March 2026

Emîne Osê, spokesperson for the Foreign Relations Committee of the Kurdish women’s movement Kongra Star, called for women to be included in all central decision-making processes in Syria. Speaking to ANF, Osê stated that the recently launched campaign “We Are All YPJ,” initiated by women’s organizations, is an expression of women’s desire to participate effectively in all areas of life in Syria’s future.

“More than its military aspect, the process we seek is the protection of existing achievements and ensuring that women can take part in decision-making mechanisms. This campaign is not only for Kurdish women, but for all Syrian women. If Syria’s future is to be determined, women must participate strongly in this power and be able to create fundamental change. This fundamental force will also guarantee women’s rights,” Osê stated.

14 years of achievements

Emîne Osê stated that women have achieved significant gains in political, administrative, and military fields over the last 14 years, saying, “The conditions under which the YPJ was established were not easy. The 14 years of experience and professionalism built through this force will construct political achievements and create change in our society. A woman taking part in the army is a measure of saying, ‘I am a partner, I am a force, I exist.’ Women must take part in decision-making centers and in Syria’s future.”

Osê stated that discussions inside and outside Syria are based on how the YPJ will be defined within the Syrian army while preserving its autonomous structure, and stressed that laws and constitutional regulations concerning women must be established. Emphasizing that women must have a permanent place in all state institutions, she called for the creation of laws recognizing women’s will.

‘Acceptance of the YPJ is the first step’

Emîne Osê stated, “The acceptance of the YPJ within the army is the first step toward Syria moving toward pluralism, equality, democracy, and genuine partnership.”

Noting that the non-recognition of the YPJ would lead to major dangers, Osê continued: “The YPJ is a social force and it possesses discipline. This force will guarantee all other achievements. There are still problems with regard to integration. The main issue is a matter of mentality. We evaluate integration on the basis of partnership and mutual respect, whereas the other side sees it as surrender. What Kurdish society does not accept is returning to the old situation after so much struggle and sacrifice. Therefore, the issues of language, identity, and history cannot be ignored. International law does not allow this either. The Kurdish people must protect their identity, existence, and achievements.”

The Campaign “We are all YPJ! Self-defense is a natural right” was launched by a Joint Platform for Women’s Movements and Organisations of Rojava and Syria, including Kongra Star. Information about the campaign and material about the gains and struggles of the YPJ can be found here on the Kongra Star – Website as well as on the Website of the Women Defend Rojava Campaign.