EVÎN ZENDA    

Bagdad- The International Iraqi Women’s Conference on the Genocide of Women (Yazidi Women) was held with the motto, “With the feminist free will, we challenge the Shengal genocide” in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. Many women from Germany, Russia, Lebanon, Iraq and Kurdistan Region attended the conference organized in partnership with the Yazidi Free Women's Movement (TAJÊ). Fayiza Xelab Omer, a member of the Kurdistan National Congress, was one of the attendees. NuJINHA spoke to her about the conference.

“Women are the most affected by the genocide”

Speaking about the genocide committed against the Yazidi community, particularly Yazidi women, Fayiza Xelab Omer said, “Before speaking about the genocide committed against Yazidi women, we should know that the genocide against women did not start with the 74th edict (or genocides). In the past, many genocides were committed against women and continue to be committed. The conference being held today reveals that Yazidi women have been subjected to many unjust practices such as physical and psychological violence. In the past, women could not do anything alone, but today we see independent and stronger women.”

“Yazidi women organize themselves after genocidal attacks”

Noting that the resisting women were subjected to oppression, Fayiza Xelab Omer drew attention to the attacks of ISIS against Yazidis, particularly Yazidi women. “The fighters of the PKK came and protected the Yazidis people from the atrocity of ISIS. Before the attacks of ISIS, Yazidi people did not know many people because the Yazidi community was a closed community to protect themselves from all kinds of attacks. After the Yazidi people got to know themselves and their power, Yazidi women began to improve themselves. I am not a Yazidi woman but I really want to do something to support Yazidi women,” she told NuJINHA.

“The philosophy of leader Apo has empowered women”

Pointing to the philosophy of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, she said, “The philosophy of leader Apo has enabled women to have the power and will to stand on their own feet. It has empowered women. Women are always targeted by the enemy because they are the architects of life. The ideas of leader Apo have enabled women to improve themselves and to stand on their own feet.”

“As women, we try to produce solutions”

Speaking about the effects of the 74th edict on Yazidi people, especially on Yazidi women, she said, “During the conference, we discussed the positive and negative effects of the genocide on Yazidi women. As women, we try to produce solutions. When we build our unity, we will be able to make our voices heard not only in Iraq but also all around the world. Actually, women make great efforts to improve themselves; however, they face challenges.”