YPJ represents women fighters

When we return to the history of women fighters, particularly after 500 AD, women rose up against oppressors and invaders. Kiwār was among the pioneers, followed by Khurram in her footsteps.

The fighters Kiwār and Khurram demanded freedom in the face of injustice, refusing oppression and inequality. They chose to fight for justice and equality, seeking to end slavery and build a free society.

The Sasanian kings and corrupt religious men exploited society. They imposed slavery and hid behind the sanctity of religion and unquestionable interpretations of the Avesta (the holy book of Zoroastrianism), presenting themselves as representatives of God on earth and dominating society.

A deep knowledge and advanced martial skill were required so that people could hold these kings and clerics accountable, rebuild society, and restore it.

Fighters of Kiwār and Khurram

Between 450 and 500 AD, Kiwār and Khurram led a movement of struggle and resistance in Eastern Kurdistan and Iran against the Sasanian kings and clerics described as deceitful.

Before Khurram took up arms against the Sasanians, she studied history, philosophy, and sociology and conducted research. She received her education in villages before moving to cities.

She initially focused strongly on women’s issues and criticized gender discrimination. Before deciding to revolt, she returned to society and organized women. From Ctesiphon to Gundeshapur, from Ray to Khorasan, she organized fighters in a structured framework.

Khurram’s followers fought bravely against invaders, not fearing death or surrender, preferring sacrifice over captivity. This resistance became a symbol of resilience and dignity.

Women fighters in Africa defending their homeland

In the 19th century, specifically in 1823 in West Africa, the king of the Kingdom of Dahomey established a female military force known as the “Amazons” to protect his kingdom from external attacks.

These fighters had responsibilities in defense, economics, and politics, and they also played an important role in managing tribal and royal affairs.

The forces attacking their kingdom sought to occupy it and, after occupation, controlled everything and sold captured people as slaves in Europe. At that time, the slave trade was widespread, and Africans were sold and transported to Europe.

The women fighters stood against this trade and fought against it. They sacrificed their lives to protect their society and fought against invading tribes and forces.

For this reason, the community greatly respected the Amazons, and they held a prominent position in society. Their resilience in battle was considered a principle of warfare.

Leila Qasim: a fighter for the freedom of Kurdistan

The Kurdish activist Leila Qasim was born in 1952 in the village of Bamli in Khanaqin, South Kurdistan. During her university studies, she became involved in the struggle against the Baath regime in Iraq.

Leila Qasim was arrested in Baghdad and severely tortured, but she did not surrender. Before her execution by hanging, she said:

“Kill me, but know that by killing me, thousands of Kurds will awaken from their deep sleep. I am very happy and proud to sacrifice my life for the freedom of Kurdistan.”

On May 12, 1974, the Iraqi government executed Leila Qasim and four of her comrades in Baghdad.

Therefore, the history of resistance and struggle of women fighters and activists cannot be ignored or denied. It also highlights the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), which fought at the beginning of the Rojava revolution against armed groups, especially ISIS mercenaries, showing resistance, resilience, and carrying out self-sacrificing operations. Women and YPJ fighters aim to preserve this centuries-old culture of resistance and embody it in reality.

ANHA