SORKEL SHEIKHO

QAMISHLO_Women in Kurdistan and the Middle East continue to carve their path toward independence and self-reliance, despite the obstacles and wars that targeted their identity, existence, bodies, and lives. In this context, stories of Kurdish women who open the way for future generations stand out.

Among these stories is the story of Laven Kartal, 18 years old, whose family moved from Kobani city to northern Kurdistan when she was two years old, and who now lives in Malatya. Laven is the eldest daughter of a family comprising three sisters and one brother.

For two years, Laven Kartal has been operating an excavator and digging groundwater wells in the countryside of Malatya, in work that is unusual for a young woman of her age.

Her Father's Companion in Every Moment

Laven Kartal says that she accompanied her father since childhood in his work on the excavator, and also learned from him to drive cars and trucks. "Three years ago, my father lost his life, and then we faced difficulties in life. At that point, I became the eldest here, and therefore I had to continue my father's work and the things I learned from him."

Although she has borne the responsibility of supporting her family since childhood, she has her own dreams, on the path to achieving which she faces many obstacles. About her dreams and the obstacles standing in her way, she says: "I dream of becoming a taekwondo coach. I have been practicing sports here for five years, but because I do not possess a Turkish identity card, I am not entitled to become a taekwondo coach. If my identity card is issued, I will become a sports coach, and this is my biggest dream. My hopes are great."

She added: "After my father's death, I left sports two or three times. But seeing my taekwondo coaches seeing hope inside me was the reason for my return to sports again."

Work Beyond Her Age

Laven Kartal explained that she has been working for two years on digging groundwater wells using the excavator, and she spoke about the practical aspect of her work. "For two years, I have been driving the excavator myself officially and digging water wells. During these two years, I have learned many things, and I have come to know more in this field than my aunt's husband. But before I come to dig the well, I choose the drilling location, and I determine according to the soil layers whether water passes under this land or not. After that, I determine the depth of the well and begin drilling. After finishing drilling, I test the water, and then it becomes clear whether the water type is fresh or salty."

In her message to women, she says: "A woman can do all work if she believes in herself and her strength. Do not say that this work is for men or that it is shameful. I am proud of my work because I am continuing my father's work, and I wish all women would trust in their strength, so that they never need men."