Attempts by the Iraqi government to disarm the Êzidî community and its defense forces are increasing the threats against Shengal. Êzidî women who were killed, kidnapped and sold in slave markets during the genocide attacks carried out by Islamic State (ISIS) in 2014 are strengthening their self-defense and organization in order not to experience the same things again.

 

Women who come together under the leadership of women’s councils, communes and civil organizations are both organizing events within the scope of International Women’s Day on 8 March and expanding their solidarity networks against possible attacks and threats. Women holding meetings in neighborhoods and villages discuss the historical meaning of 8 March and the importance of women’s struggle, while also maintaining vigilance against potential security risks that may arise in the region.

 

Women, who play an important role in social life, are preparing for this year’s 8 March as part of both the struggle and the reconstruction process. ANF spoke with Suham Shengalî, spokesperson for the Foreign Relations Committee of the Êzidî Free Women’s Movement (TAJÊ).

 

‘THE GENOCIDE OF 2014 IS BEING ATTEMPTED TO BE COMPLETED’

 

Drawing attention to the threats over Shengal, Suham Shengalî said that what ISIS left unfinished is now being completed by Turkey. “During the current period there are great pressures on Shengal. Especially with the war that began in Syria and is gradually expanding, many plans and projects are being put into operation. Shengal is one of the important parts of the plans being made regarding Iraq. For this reason, the Turkish state in particular, as well as other states, have calculations regarding this region. Plans are being made especially over Iraqi territory. One of the most strategic and important places within Iraqi territory is Shengal. Therefore there are many threats against Shengal.

 

The aim of these threats is once again to destroy the Êzidî society through genocides and massacres. The power that threatens the Êzidî community the most is the Turkish state. The heirs of the Ottomans have carried out dozens of attacks against this community and implemented genocides. Today they want to eliminate the Êzidî community with the same mindset and objective. They want to complete the genocide that the ISIS gangs left unfinished. At that time forces were also sent against the Êzidî society and attacks were carried out. However, their plans did not reach their goals,” she said.

 

‘SHENGAL IS THE FOUNDATION OF KURDISH CULTURE’

 

Pointing out that Êzidî women established their own organization and took the lead in defense after the genocide, Suham Shengalî said: “For this reason, the threats against Shengal today should not be underestimated. The threats against Shengal are not only against the Êzidî community. Shengal is an important place for the four parts of Kurdistan. Abdullah Öcalan has also defined the Êzidîs as the ancestors of the Kurds. The fact that such an ancient and historical society faces the danger of annihilation creates a great danger for this culture. Because this society is the foundation of Kurdish culture.”

 

She added: “Therefore every threat against Shengal must be seen as a threat against all of Kurdistan. March 8 is an important day and a day of struggle. Especially after the genocide, the consciousness that developed among Êzidî women created a major change in society. It developed society and directed it toward organization. Women took the lead in all fields. Today they are also resisting the existing dangers with different methods of struggle. In the face of a possible attack they aim to defend their lands and their society.”

 

‘DEFENSE UNDER WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP’

 

Underlining that Êzidî women achieved gains through great experience after the genocide, Suham Shengalî said: “After the attacks in 2014 the Êzidî society organized itself and gained important experiences and achievements. The struggle waged by Êzidî women continues today. This struggle is also a struggle of consciousness. This consciousness continues its existence today in a different form. After the liberation of Shengal, society organizes itself and defends itself under the leadership of women. This is very meaningful for the Êzidî society. Now, just like in 2014, they aim to empty Shengal of the Êzidîs and carry out a new genocide.”

 

Drawing attention to the fact that women will defend Shengal to the end in the face of possible attacks, Suham Shengalî stressed: “We also say this to all freedom-loving societies: today Shengal needs support. Everyone should support the Êzidî society according to their means. Our aim and demand is that Shengal should now have a status and be able to live its culture with dignity. Defending Shengal means defending the whole country. Therefore the success of Shengal will be the success of all of us.”

 

She concluded: “In the environment of a Third World War there is also a war being waged against women. The forces that want to prevail in this war have the mentality of ISIS. When we look at Syria we see that ISIS officials are influential in power, and there is a similar situation in Iran. For this reason, wherever we are, we must support one another and organize ourselves in line with the ideas of Rêber Apo (Leader Abdullah Öcalan).”

 

MA / Zeynep Durgut