Self-defense and establishing a democratic society

Self-defense and establishing a democratic society are two essential pillars for ensuring stability and freedom. Only together, we will be able to create a secure, just, and dignified future for every member of society. But what exactly does self-defense mean? And how does it relate to establishing a democratic society? What role do women play in this? Women from Kongra Star, the Women Protection Units YPJ and the Beth Nahrin's Women's Protection Forces discuss these important topics.

Full Video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/q-ob8joomA8

YPJ spokesperson Ruksen Mohammed emphasizes the thread of ISIS reestablishing itself through sleeper cells.The absence of a democratic framework in Syria,also caused by the interim government as it is opposing inclusive governance,is in favor of ISIS.

https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/ypj-spokeswoman-isis-revival-poses-major-threat-to-syria-37492

"The suffering caused by ISIS was a deep wound and a stain on humanity, yet this adversity became a flame of resistance that strengthened women's resolve for freedom."
YPJ commander Samira al-Ahmed from Raqqa

https://hawarnews.com/en/ypj-fighters-stress-construction-of-just-and-free-future

9th anniversary of the IS attack on Kobane

11 years ago, on September 15, 2014, ISIS attempted to invade Kobane with brutal force and a suffocating siege, but the will to resist embodied by the fighters of YPJ/ YPG turned the city into a global symbol of steadfastness and resistance. Today, we remember that heroic epic and affirm that the resistance that began in Kobane continues until terrorism is eliminated and freedom and peace are achieved for the peoples.

Art and culture are a inherent part of the struggle: YPJ took part in the Festival "Şehîd Ronahî Bawer".

Damascus Government's Armed Groups Commit Massacre Against Civilians in Deir Hafer Countryside

On Saturday evening, pro-Turkey factions affiliated with the Damascus government carried out a massacre against civilians in the village of Umm Tina, located in the Deir Hafer countryside east of Aleppo. The attack began with drone strikes, followed by heavy artillery shelling at approximately 7:00 p.m., deliberately targeting civilian homes.
As a result of these barbaric attacks, seven civilians were martyred including two children and four others were wounded.
The martyrs are:
Amina Muhammad al-Azzawi (75 years old)
Fatima Hayya Ubaid (65 years old)
Amina Muhammad al-Hamza (22 years old)
Aisha Hamza Ubaid (18 years old)
Hamza Ubaid al-Razzaq (4 years old)
Abdul Ghani Rahman al-Ubaid (1 year old)
Rahaf Hussein al-Azzawi (23 years old)
The wounded are:
Jumaa Hamoud al-Muhaisen (60 years old)
Maryam Hamoud al-Muhaisen (55 years old)
Halima Mahmoud al-Muhaisen (65 years old)
Amina Hamoud al-Amoura (20 years old)

We strongly condemn this heinous crime, which reflects the systematic policy pursued by these factions for years to deliberately target innocent civilians. We reaffirm that the absence of accountability has only emboldened the perpetrators to repeat such grave violations.

SDF Media Center
September 20, 2025

https://sdf-press.com/en/?p=19295

"The Julani government acts with the intention of destroying women . Women must fight for their rights themselves and not wait for the Julani government to grant them. [...] We as women will be able to change this mentality with our consciousness, our diversity, our rich methods, our strength and our knowledge. We must organise not only in North and East Syria, but in all cities in Syria where women live. The only way to destroy the patriarchal mentality is through the organisation of women."
YPJ Commander Sarya Efrîn