Shengal (Sinjar)- Women all over the world are getting ready for the International Women’s Day. NuJINHA spoke to Yazidi women in Shengal about the International Women’s Day. “Before the genocide, we did not know there was such a day for women,” they said.

“We did not know anything about the International Women’s Day before the genocide,” said Sêvê Xwedêda. “But after the genocide, we learned that women had such a day. Before the genocide, we were hungry and thirsty but now we are aware of everything, know everything. After the genocide, Yazidi women began to organize themselves and now they play an important role in their community. Despite everything, Yazidi women have rebuilt their lives.”

 ‘We learned our truth from the thoughts and philosophy of leader Apo’

Sêvê Xwedêda emphasized that they, as Yazidi women, learned their truth from the thoughts and philosophy of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan. “We educated ourselves with his thoughts and philosophy. I call on all Yazidi women to improve and organize themselves so that they can play their role.”

 ‘All women should resist’

Delal Rev wished a happy International Women’s Day to all women and said, “When ISIS attacked us, the YJA-Star guerrillas, who came to Shengal to defend us. Thanks to them, we are now alive and have achieved many gains. They made great efforts for us and paved the way for us. March 8 is a day of uprising for women's freedom. Before the genocide, we did not know there was such a day for women. But since the genocide, since we learned the thoughts and philosophy of leader Apo, we have been aware of how this day is important for women.”

Drawing attention to femicide, Delal Rev called on all Yazidi women to “rise up. I call on them not to accept the authority and oppression of men and get rid of slavery. Women play an important role in all facets of life, including military, politics and economy. All women should resist for their rights.”