Speaking to SBS Kurdish regarding International Women's Day, Ashti Ibrahim-Afendi recalls the struggles of her personal experiences for making the decision of becoming one of the very few women freedom-fighters in the early 1980.
"This wasn't an easy decision, it was certainly easier for a man to involve in politics, become a Peshmerga, and choose the mountains, especially in Kurdish society, it was a difficult step for me" the Kurdish writer admits.
However, the difficulties did not get in the way of her choosing that path, as her decision was based on her true believes and it a matter of principle.
However, to live through and being amidst a struggle that you believed in, and have chosen a path that is in line with my ideals, for me personally it was a highly positive experience.
Ms Ibrahim-Afendi does not think that women's role in the Kurdish armed-struggle was given the value it deserved at the time, despite the fact that she was successful in her role.
The former Peshmerga says that in the 1980s, and among the Kurdish freedom-fighters in South Kurdistan (Iraq) the number of women fighters were very small. "When I joined together with a friend of mine, Xecê, there were only two other females previously, who worked in radio, it was harder for women to be directly involve as Peshmergas," Ms Ibrahim-Afendi recalls.
Ashti Ibrahim-Afendi was a member the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, led by the late Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani. Talabani later became the first Kurdish president of Iraq, after the fall of the Baathist regime in Iraq in 2003 and the subsequent fall of the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
According to the Kurdish writer, Kurdish women had much greater role in Kurdish armed-struggle in the other parts of Kurdistan. Particularly with the Komala Party of East Kurdistan (Iranian opposition), "women truly had a major role and they participated in large numbers, and were actively involved as Peshmerga in Eastern Kurdistan."
Throughout history Kurdish women have been able to prove themselves as leaders and well regarded personalities in Kurdish society. Ms Ibrahim-Afendi believes that a supportive environment in which a woman is raised in is extremely important for individual development.
However she says, "that the freedom of any woman, first and foremost, starts within herself and in her mind. Once you decide in your head that you're no different than a man, and you're able to use all your powers equally...that is the most important step."
Having supportive males around, would of course have a huge impact on how a woman can achieve her goals, Ashti tells SBS Kurdish. "Even without any support from males within one's family, you can continue, but it would be more difficult, and you would face daily obstacles. That sort of support is especially important for a Kurdish woman, whom traditionally, are expected to become dependent on a male partner from a young age. Therefore it is very important that 'he' helps or at least respects your work."
Regarding the role of Kurdish female fighters in the recent years, and in the fight against IS or Daesh, Ms Ibrahim-Afendi believes that Kurdish women proved that 'she' can be equal to men in her role of defending her land.
What is important is men have often believed that being a Peshmerga or being in politics, as well as loving your people and land is only a male responsibility, which is untrue, women too have those feelings. Hence women's participation [in the armed struggle and politics] comes very natural, and she has the ability as well as the will. Therefore the role of the Kurdish female fighters in Rojava or Bakûr [north Kurdistan-Turkey] can never be forgotten or denied
Regarding Kurdish women in diaspora, the former Peshmerga admits that starting a new life in a new country can be very challenging for most women as well as men.
"Australia is full of opportunities that one can utilise, be it study opportunities, or job opportunities, as well as self-development. The befits will depend how a woman wants to take advantage of these. Some are able to have a positive outcome, but this is more difficult for those who have settled here at an older age, as most of us have been forced to leave our homelands, and our loved ones."
She says most Kurdish women have benefited from the freedom and the opportunities that Australia has to offer.
This interview was conducted in 2018, to listen to it in Kurdish click below:
