Shengal- Yazidis have been rebuilding their lives after facing massacres, rape, abduction, displacement, and poverty during the attacks of ISIS on Shengal launched on August 3, 2014. Yazidis have worked to build a free life for seven years. They have organized and educated themselves to build their autonomy and self-government.

Sisters won the running race

Yesterday, young women of Shengal participated in a running race held in the Guhbel village of Shengal to support the Freedom and Democracy Party (PADÊ). The women began to run from the center of the village until the municipal building in the village. 15 young women participated in the running race. Two sisters named Ronya Qasim and Ruweyda Wasim came first and second in the race.

“The success of PADÊ is our success”

“We held the running race in order to support PADÊ. I hope everyone will vote for PADÊ (Iraqi general elections to be held on October 10). The success of PADÊ means that the women of Shengal will live in a safer place. So the success of PADÊ is our success,” said Emira, a young woman from Guhbel village.

Speeches by women

At the end of the race, PADÊ Co-chair Zehra Sileman, Yazidi Women's Freedom Movement (TAJÊ) member Zozan Şengali and Yazidi Youth Union member Cihan Şengali made speeches. Zehra Sileman stated that women will be successful with the success of PADÊ, “because PADÊ is against the idea of enslaving women.”In her speech, Zehra Sileman also promised to keep working for the autonomy of Shengal.

They demand support

TAJÊ member Zozan Şengali and Yazidi Youth Union member Cihan Şengali stated in their speeches that the upcoming elections are a good opportunity for Yazidis “As Yazidi community, we should use this opportunity. The people should support PADÊ. Everyone should vote for PADÊ.”