Australian academics, activists declare support for YPJ

Forty-six feminist activists in Australia announced their solidarity with the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) and their support for the demands to recognize the units and respect their right to continue their presence within a new Syria.

In a joint statement, the activists said that, as “socialist feminists in Australia,” they stand in solidarity with the freedom fighters in the YPJ, affirming that these units continue to defend the rights, dignity, and freedoms of women of all ethnicities and religions, rights that were achieved during the Rojava Revolution.

The letter emphasized that women’s participation in all spheres, including community defense, is a right that must be protected, and that recognizing the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) and ensuring their continued presence in a new Syria are essential steps toward building a unified, peaceful, and democratic future for the country.

The list of signatories included the names of 46 Australian activists, academics, and feminists, namely:

Sue Bolton


Lisa Macdonald


Sue Bull


Susan Price


Pip Hinman


Valeria Ledda

Aisha Sultan


Markela Panegyres


Arlo Valmai


Olivia Carney


Nova Sobieralski


Paula Sanchez


Dr Coral Wynter


Robynne Murphy


Merrilyn Treasure


Karen Fletcher


Rachel Evans

Zoe Davison


Janet Parker


Mary Merkenich


Sally Atkinson


Laura Smith


Catherine Brown


Melissa Johns


Carine Visschers


Melanie Pittard 


Alexandra Rosche


Dr Kamala Emanuel


Laurie MacSween


Philippa Skinner


Sonia Qadir


Norrian Rundle


Candice Alisha

Meredith Lawrence

Jessie Rye


Sarah Hathway


Jepke Goudsmit


Juanita Spinelli


Paula Corvalan


Gabrielle McCutcheon


Chloe de Silva


Jacqueline Kriz


Aaisha Slee


Steffi Leedham


Karyn Brown


Zara Lomas


Bernadette Krone