April 4 is the birthday of Abdullah Ocalan and 11 years ago, on the same day YPJ, the women’s defense units, were established. YPJ are an autonomous organization focused on defending women and society in a military, intellectual, ethical, political and social way. They have transformed women’s perception by empowering them with self-defense in an organized manner. This transformation has not only been observed among YPJ members and in northern and eastern Syrian society, but has also inspired women across the globe.

The existence of the YPJ would not be possible if not for the ideas and practices of Abdullah Ocalan, the leader of the Kurdish people, of the oppressed peoples, and the leader of democratic confederalism. Ocalan not only laid down the theoretical groundwork highlighting the significance of women’s organization, particularly in self-defense, but also put into practice a method aimed at freeing society and individuals from the trappings of capitalism in favor of a democratic, ecological system rooted in women’s freedom. Thanks to Ocalan’s vital role in the intellectual, ethical, and political revolution, of which the YPJ plays a crucial part, the women’s defense units were established 11 years ago on Abdullah Ocalan’s birthday. Ocalan’s birthday is the birthday of all those who uphold the values of equality and freedom, those who fight for humanity. Happy birthday to all!