A delegation from Canada, Spain, and Catalonia visited the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ). The envoys discussed with the leaders of the YPJ the struggle of the Women’s Protection Units, the Syrian government’s approach, and the concept of Sharia law against women.

In North and East Syria, women lead society through a national democratic system. The struggle of the women of North and East Syria for an equal and free life has drawn global attention. Many socialists and feminist activists visit the region to learn about this struggle. A delegation from Canada, Spain, and Catalonia recently visited North and East Syria. The delegation included representatives from the Human Rights Protection Secretariat, the official spokesperson for the Women’s Confederation, the Labor and Social Rights Union, a member of parliament from an anti-capitalist organization, and several lawyers, all of whom visited the YPJ.

The delegation was received by the General Commander of the Women’s Protection Units, Sozdar Derik, along with members of the YPJ Military Council, including Destina Halab, the defense official; Israa, a member of the Armenian parliament; and Talin. The delegation inquired about key issues they wished to understand regarding the YPJ and discussed with the YPJ leadership the struggle of women against patriarchal authority.

“Through Struggle, Women Feel Free”

Welcoming the delegation, YPJ General Commander Sozdar Derik stated: “We have communicated with all women and ethnic groups living in the region. As women, in particular, we want to understand the complete structure and make our struggle known because our struggle includes the freedom of every woman and every nation. Women feel their identity as freedom and engage in the struggle for their own liberation.”

“We Will Not Allow Syria to Become Afghanistan”

During the meeting, discussions focused on developments in Syria and the women’s struggle against the concept of Sharia law. Regarding this issue, Sozdar Derik said: “As women, we oppose the concept of nationalism and Sharia law. We do not accept the idea of one nation, one religion, one language, one ideology, or one sect, and we actively resist it. The Ba’athist regime imposed nationalism on the people, and the current government is imposing Sharia law on women. In Afghanistan, Sharia law is being implemented. We will not allow Syria to become Afghanistan. We reject the imposition of Sharia law on women. Sharia is not the concept of a democratic nation that fosters a peaceful and secure life.”

Sozdar Derik concluded her speech by stating: “We will continue our political and military struggle in all fields for a free and equal society. We seek a Syria where all women and communities can live under the most suitable model. We are discussing this, particularly in the context of women’s organization within the new Syrian constitution. The Star Conference and Zenobia are working together on this matter. In the new Syria, we will work to protect our achievements and ensure they become permanent.”