Domestic violence, forced marriages, female genital mutilation, and honor killings: the experiences of women in Kurdistan often mirror those of their sisters in other patriarchal societies in this violence-plagued region of the world. Erbil, the regional capital, lies amidst wars and bloody conflicts to the north, south, east, and west. To a foreign visitor, the city’s tranquillity may suggest women are suppressed by tradition. However, a surprise awaits: women here are actively involved in all aspects of society.
From Kurdish Sunnis to Assyrian Christians, Turkmen to Arabs, women participate in public administration, business, the professions, academia, and front-line politics. They earn respect by following the example of the peshmergas (guerrillas) who fought and died in the Kurdish resistance against Saddam Hussein’s regime. These women are keenly aware that they are the vanguard, paving the way for younger women from rural areas where ancient customs still hold sway. Their message to the women of the world is clear: “We are like you. Let’s get to know each other.”