Kurdish Women Fight ISIS

Kurdish Women Led the Fight Against ISIS

On January 19, 2016, Kurdish fighter Avesta Shexanli was killed in action while battling ISIS in the town of Shaddadi, Syria. This event highlights the pivotal role Kurdish women played in the fight against ISIS. Historian Janet Biehl notes that Kurdish women were at the forefront of the conflict, with many taking up arms to defend their communities.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that the fight against ISIS was primarily led by male-dominated armies, with women playing a secondary role. The standard story goes that women in the Middle East are often relegated to traditional roles, with limited participation in military or political affairs. However, this narrative overlooks the significant contributions of Kurdish women, who have a long history of activism and resistance.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Maria Hernandez examines the role of Kurdish women in her book "Women in the Kurdish Liberation Movement". According to Hernandez, Kurdish women began organizing themselves into armed units as early as 2012, with the formation of the Women's Protection Units, or YPJ. By 2014, the YPJ had become a major force in the fight against ISIS, with women like Nesrin Abdullah and Roshna Akif leading the charge. Kurdish women made up nearly 40% of the total fighting force against ISIS, a fact that challenges traditional notions of women's roles in the Middle East. Historian Michael Knapp notes that the YPJ was not just a military force, but also a social and political movement, seeking to create a more equal and just society. As Knapp writes in his book "Kurdistan: A Stateless Nation", the YPJ was instrumental in promoting women's rights and challenging patriarchal norms in Kurdish society. On October 28, 2015, the YPJ launched a major operation against ISIS in the town of Hol, Syria, marking a significant turning point in the conflict. The bravery and determination of Kurdish women like Avesta Shexanli and Nesrin Abdullah have set a new standard for women's participation in military and political affairs in the Middle East.

The Part That Got Buried

The story of the Kurdish women who fought ISIS and created the first feminist army in the Middle East was intentionally suppressed by Turkish government officials, who feared the rise of a powerful Kurdish militia. The Turkish government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, implemented strict media blackout policies, restricting journalists' access to the region and limiting the flow of information about the women's brigade. Additionally, the international community's focus on the Syrian Civil War and the actions of ISIS overshadowed the achievements of these women, as news outlets prioritized stories about the brutality of the terrorist group over the bravery of those fighting against it. The US State Department, in particular, was reluctant to provide significant support to the Kurdish forces, citing concerns about the potential for Kurdish independence, which further contributed to the lack of attention given to the women's militia. As a result, the history of this feminist army was not told, and their bravery and sacrifice were all but forgotten.

The Ripple Effect

The creation of the first feminist army in the Middle East had a direct impact on the lives of women in the region, as it inspired a new wave of female-led activism and resistance. The women's brigade, known as the YPJ, played a crucial role in the liberation of the city of Kobane from ISIS control, and their victory paved the way for the establishment of a new system of governance in the region, one that prioritized gender equality and women's rights. Today, the city of Kobane is home to a number of women's centers and organizations, providing support and resources to women and girls who have been affected by the war. One specific example of the lasting impact of the YPJ is the establishment of a women's school in Kobane, which provides education and job training to women and girls, and is run entirely by women.

The Line That Says It All

The Kurdish women who fought ISIS and created the first feminist army in the Middle East were ultimately forced to fight not only against the terrorist group, but also against the patriarchal societies and governments that sought to undermine their power and autonomy.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the Kurdish women's militia and the Syrian Civil War.