Since the beginning of March, the regions of North and East Syria have been celebrating International Working Women’s Day with various festivities and ceremonies. In honor of this occasion, the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) organized a grand and spirited military ceremony. The event was attended by YPJ commanders and fighters, as well as representatives from the Armenian Women’s Units, the Khabour Women’s Protection Forces, and the Women’s Internal Security Forces (Asayish). Additionally, representatives from women’s organizations in North and East Syria, including the Yazidi Women’s Union, the Women’s Council of North and East Syria, the Star Congress Organization, the Zenobia Women’s Gathering, and the Autonomous Administration, participated in the celebration, along with numerous other guests.

The March 8 celebration commenced with a passionate military ceremony. YPJ General Commander Rûhalat Afrin delivered a speech in which she congratulated Leader Abdullah Öcalan, freedom fighters, and all female combatants—especially those on the frontlines—on the occasion of International Women’s Day. She also paid tribute to the martyrs of the freedom revolution and all women who have fought for their rights and freedom against oppression and male dominance throughout history, from Clara Zetkin to Sakine Cansız. She affirmed that they would make every day March 8 and that they would continue their struggle at the highest levels, carrying forward the legacy of these heroic women.

YPJ General Commander Rûhalat Afrin praised the remarkable resistance shown by the fighters in Tishrin Dam and Deir Hafir, stating: “We can say that the spirit of March 8 has reached its peak through the culture of resistance in Tishrin Dam. Our people and all women have chosen their path—the strategy of revolutionary people’s war.”

She continued her speech by referring to Abdullah Öcalan’s historic message, saying: “With Leader Öcalan’s message, the spirit of life has returned to women and to the world as a whole. His call for peace and a democratic society has opened the way for all women and people around the world to rally around his vision of freedom, democracy, ecology, and women’s liberation.”

Commander Rûhalat Afrin also addressed the current situation in Syria, stating: “With the collapse of the chauvinist Ba’ath regime, the new Damascus government, with its jihadist and Salafist mindset, seeks to impose its dominance over Syria. For decades, the Ba’ath regime failed to recognize women’s rights and agency. Now, this newly self-proclaimed government, which has declared itself an authority without the will or voice of the people—especially women—seems determined to follow the same path by enforcing gender-based oppression. Of course, there has been a great struggle in the past three months against this mentality in all social, military, and political spheres.”

In conclusion, the General Commander emphasized the spirit of resistance, stating: “As protection and defense forces, we have taken a stand against occupation and male oppression for 13 years. From now on, our stance will remain one of resistance against all forms of oppression and attacks targeting peoples and women.”

After the military ceremony, the celebration continued with great enthusiasm through a rich cultural and folkloric program. The Golden Crescent Art Troupe presented musical performances and traditional dances. The YPJ General Command also received gifts from the Zenobia Women’s Gathering and the Star Congress. The celebration concluded with the slogan: “Jin, Jiyan, Azadi” [Woman, Life, Freedom].