Necat Musa is a member of the HPC social defense forces in Qamishlo. The 67-year-old woman believes that all living beings can defend themselves and must use this ability: "Who else should do it if not ourselves?"
The HPC (Social Defense Forces, ku. Hêzên Parastina Civakî) have been an important expression of grassroots democratic self-organization in Rojava and northeastern Syria since 2015. They are the democratic counter-model to state security forces. Necat Musa has been a member of the HPC since its founding and defends her country within this structure. The 67-year-old woman spoke to ANF in Qamishlo about her activities. She says that the ability to defend herself makes her happy and calms her:
"Starting with our homes, we protect our neighborhoods and the land we live on. In Rojava and the other parts of Kurdistan, women have to protect themselves, their families and their land with self-defense methods. We need to educate ourselves on the topic of legitimate self-defense. Here we protect our residences as HPC. We perform all the tasks necessary for this. Who else should do it if not ourselves?"
Self-defense is the basis of all living things, according to Necat Musa. "Even the rose protects itself with its thorns. Every living being defends itself, so our people must also protect themselves. This is true for everyone between the ages of seven and one hundred. Self-defense is more important than water. The land we live on represents our dignity. Its defense is not only the task of the SDF, YPG, YPJ and the guerrillas. We have put our word on the martyrs and injured and have taken on their task. What can happen without the ability to defend has been shown most recently by what happened in Hesekê," said Necat Musa, pointing to the attempted storming of Sina Prison in January in an effort to reorganize ISIS.
"Each of our houses is a garrison and we are all students of Rêber Apo," Necat stated, and appealed to all mothers: "Self-defense starts with our children. Tell them about their country. We protect our children from fire, water, cold and diseases. In the same way, we must protect our country. Defense is more important than water and bread. Teach this first to your children and then to your neighbors and the whole town. As women, we can accomplish anything."
