Yazidi Women announce program of events to Mark 11th anniversary of genocide

The Yazidi Women's Freedom Movement revealed its program of events to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the genocide perpetrated by ISIS mercenaries against the Yazidi community on August 3, 2014. It emphasized that the struggle is entering a new phase under the slogan "With a call for peace and a democratic society, we will avenge the genocide against Yazidi women."

The movement's statement, read by its spokesperson, Siham Shengali, in the old market of Shengal, Southern Kurdistan, stated that the Yazidi community and Yazidi women have waged tremendous resistance over the past years, relying on the sacrifices of the martyrs who defended their existence and dignity, according to Roj News Agency.

Siham Shengali accused the Iraqi government, the Kurdistan Democratic Party, and the Turkish state of responsibility for the continued genocidal policies against the Yazidis, noting that the fate of thousands of women and children remains unknown to this day.

She emphasized that the genocide has not stopped, but has evolved to take on new physical and cultural forms. She warned of the persistence of the patriarchal system based on oppression through "terrorist" groups such as ISIS, the Taliban, and Jabhet al-Nusra, describing them as tools of a reactionary authority hostile to women's freedom.

Siham Şengali emphasized the need to escalate the women's struggle more than ever, saying, "We must wage a courageous battle for life and dignity, and draw on the visions of Leader Abdullah Ocalan to build a resistant and free society."

Announced Events Program:

July 8: Issuance of a statement entitled "I Want to See Leader Abdullah Ocalan."

July 14: A discussion session on Leader Abdullah Ocalan's message on "Jineoloji" with the participation of women's organizations in Sardasht.

July 20-21: A symposium on the genocide.

July 24: A memorial ceremony for the martyrs of the genocide.

August 3: A mass march organized by the Yazidi Women's Freedom Movement and the Autonomous Administration of Shengal.

ANHA