The General Command of the Women's Defense Units (YPJ) made a written statement to mark 8 March, International Women's Day.

The YPJ statement released on Tuesday is as follows:

“In our 10th year, we once again welcome 8 March International Women's Day. We have always stated that we would be a force for women's rights and freedom. On the occasion of 8 March, we reiterate our promise and secure all the values achieved with the blood of martyrs. We commemorate all the women who sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and women's freedom.

The earthquakes that struck North Kurdistan, Turkey and Syria have caused great suffering, which was primarily suffered by mothers, women and children and claimed the lives of countless people, and left thousands of others injured and homeless.  

 Mothers, women and children died, thousands others remain victims, injured and orphans. This year, we welcome 8 March with grief. This earthquake has revealed once again the fact that the system's policies only favour interests and cause pain to grow.

'PEOPLE SHOULD IMPROVE THEIR DEFENSE EVERYWHERE'

The policies of the system turned the days of people and women into darkness, grievance and pain, proving that the system has never been able to protect peoples. If people do not improve their defence organization in all fields, they will always remain under the rubble of the systems. In the century we live in, there have been great wars and destruction. And all this is a consequence of the male-dominated state system.

On the other hand, women have proven that they can successfully fulfil all their duties by reaching a level of consciousness to take responsibility. In particular, the slogan ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadi’ [Woman, Life, Freedom] has brought the women's revolution of the world into view. The continuous popularity of this slogan has raised the belief that women have the power to intervene.

As the YPJ, we share the pain of women, and we declare that we are the defenders of the cause of social justice, democratic politics and freedom. We will stand up for social values and will fight for 'Jin, Jiyan, Azadî' to resonate everywhere.

'WE SALUTE THE FREEDOM GUERRILLAS'

In the meantime, we salute the stance of YJA Star and freedom guerrillas who carry out a unique struggle against chemical weapons attacks of the invading Turkish state in the mountains of Kurdistan. We feel it in our hearts and minds. The pro-woman struggle of the YJA Star guerrillas has been a unique example and source of inspiration.

We celebrate March 8 in the fighting spirit of YJA Star guerrillas and women in Rojhilatê (East) Kurdistan. Women's liberation will become universal under the leadership of Kurdish women. We promise all women that we will protect our historical values and increase the struggle. We will defend our mission and make the women's revolution successful under the motto 'Jin Jiyan Azadi'."