Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander, Newroz Ehmed said: "We want to respond to the needs of women and fulfil our duties and responsibilities."

Newroz Ehmed answered ANF's questions about how they leave the year 2022 behind and welcome the new year. We publish the second part of the interview. The first part can be read here.

The YPJ played a leading role in the fight against ISIS and the Turkish state. The Rojava Revolution went down in history as a Women's Revolution. How did your forces make their way in the fight against ISIS and the Turkish state this year?

The YPJ's struggle was, of course, very important and decisive. The resistance and struggle with limited opportunities under difficult conditions and an unstable war and the stance of women in particular, was meaningful leadership for our allies, society and the world. We have seen in the Rojhilatê (Iranian) Kurdistan uprising that protestors were inspired by the YPJ and benefited from its experience. The price paid in Rojavayê Kurdistan and the struggle that was carried out was not for nothing. Despite all the attacks, the voice of women in the region became the voice of the women's revolution, and the world recognized it. The gender equality created in the region, the fact that women changed and transformed their own mentality and  political awareness set an example to the world despite limited opportunities. During this year, we witnessed that the women of the world benefited from the experience in the region. In this context, the request to be in contact with the military forces and social women's power was also conveyed to us. It was not an attack against Kurdish, Arab, Assyrian or Armenian women living in Rojava and Shengal, it was an attack against all women, and it was very important that all women understood the meaning of the attacks. Femicides and sexual insults are now identified as a global problem. As a result, it was instrumental in expanding the struggle. Even if women are still subjected femicides, there is no question of taking a step back or compromising over the struggle. Why should women accept a meaningless life without an identity and land? Today, we witness the problems faced by women in many places. We see how women pay and suffer, especially in places where conflicts are rampant.

OUR RESPONSIBILITY INCREASED

The further strengthening of our struggle resonates around the world. It is nice to see this, but we are aware that our duties, responsibilities and burdens have increased even more. Realizing our increasing influence around the world, the enemy attacks us with more anger and hatred. After seeing that every female comrade who was martyred was embraced by the world, the enemy escalated its attacks. We say that our struggle has inspired the world, but it will be important to see our shortcomings as well.

Institutions and organizations that promote human rights or consider themselves as independent institutions adopt a political attitude. Therefore, there was not any legal approach. Why does the law that applies to everyone not apply to us? Why are the principles of human rights and their legal functioning not valid for our region? When a power station or civilians are targeted in Ukraine, the entire world reacts to it. Why is there no global reaction when revolutionary women who are fighting for their own freedom, civilians and infrastructure are targeted?

Of course, we have waged a struggle against crimes against humanity. A persistent resistance was displayed, and it will continue. Global forces either turn a blind eye or adopt a weak attitude. A stronger struggle needs to be waged against it. It is necessary to carry out comprehensive activities in the international and legal fields. We are aware that we also have duties and responsibilities, our friends abroad also played a major role during this process, but we need worldwide support. I'm sorry to say that we have failed to do so.

Following the Rojava Revolution, your forces started to lead women around the world. What kind of responsibility have you assumed towards women around the world this year?

We wanted to come up with a strong response to the messages that we received. We wanted to respond to the calls of women in Afghanistan. Maybe the conditions are different, but the problems and suffering are the same. We have tried to develop this relationship model in many places. Holding the International Women's Conference was an important step. The groundwork was important for sharing experiences, resolving the problems with a collective mind and discussing the solutions. Yet, it is not enough, mutual relations should be more permanent. When we look at many countries, there is still a very intense crackdown on women, institutions and organizations affiliated with women. Thus, more support should be given, and a stronger struggle is needed. In some places, opportunities are scarce, while in others, opportunities are abundant. We must balance between them and complement each other. The voice of the struggle should be raised in more democratic countries. Considering the conditions of the region and the struggle waged by the YPJ, our opportunities to raise the struggle have increased following the introduction of the right to co-living and the co-presidency system. Of course, this is a great chance. Some regions may not have such opportunities. It is true that high prices have been paid in these regions.

WE WILL CONTINUE OUR LEADING ROLE

A significant achievement was made through the women's struggle. How can we share our achievements? We are working on it. As the YPJ, we want to respond to the needs of women and fulfil our duties and responsibilities. Even if the war and siege in the region prevents us from developing relations abroad, it is important to reach women within the bounds of possibility and we continue our struggle for this, but we are also aware that it needs to be strengthened. For, we have gained a mission to lead the women of the world and we must organize ourselves and fulfil our duties and responsibilities accordingly.

What is your message to women for the year 2023?

We have seen again this year that if women organize themselves and embrace their identity, they will know no obstacles. True, the price is very high. This can be seen among women in Rojhilatê Kurdistan and Iran. Mahsa Amini and many other women were murdered and tortured. There are still women in prisons who resist despite death sentences against them. More, women are deprived of their right to study, work and organize in many places. Women are affected the most by attacks, wars and sanctions. No one fights for our freedom. We have seen and experienced it as a people, women and nation. If you do not fight for your freedom, if we do not organize, the ruling mentality will subject us to destruction, slavery and genocide.

Last year, we witnessed the stance of women who resisted. The struggle of women against this ruling mentality, which has been organizing itself for years despite all difficult conditions, was very meaningful. We should protect our indispensable mentality. The Paris killings last week proved this once again. Therefore, it is necessary to create a self-defence mechanism and develop its organization wherever we live.

WOMEN SHOULD BE UNITED LIKE A FIREBALL

The struggle for 2023 should be increased in line with the experience and values of 2022, a struggle that can promote activities and the cause of the women who were targeted and martyred should be waged so that women are not further massacred. Let the genocidal system know that it cannot easily target women. Women should be united like fireballs, burn, destroy, and should not be given an opportunity for life if their right to life is taken away from them. We firmly believe that the resulting experience will provide new opportunities. We will ensure women's freedom through solidarity, and we will make freedom of women and society possible. We will fulfil our duties and responsibilities in order to do so.