For decades Kurdish women have struggled to challenge the patriarchy that has penetrated across the Kurdistan Region. The latest reports of Yezidi women reportedly having abortions and operations to restore their hymens in an effort to “restore virginity” is another horrific reminder of the lengths women have to endure to reinstate what is often perceived to be their “honor.” Writing about women’s autonomy and personal sovereignty is often met with disdain -- and at times confusion -- within Kurdish circles. The issues that women face in the Kurdistan Region are many, but the narrative remains fixated on gender violence and female genital mutilation. Undoubtedly, these critical issues should be at the center of any discourse on women. But there are other issues, such as women’s access to abortion, lack of easy access to contraception for young women -- particularly those from poorer families -- and in general awareness about women’s personal rights. These are largely left untouched by politicians and women’s rights activists. Britain’s Daily Mail recently reported that Yezidi women are having “secret abortions” after months of being used as sex-slaves by ISIS militants, and having operations to repair their virginity. Understandably, the trauma these women have faced is immense, and abortion seems to be the appropriate decision to make, helping them lessen the trauma of the experience. Nonetheless, the question we have to consider is: why are abortions illegal in the Kurdistan Region to begin with? Surely, women’s rights to abortion should not be hindered. What is perhaps less likely to be discussed is the phenomenon of restoring “virginity” to women. At the risk of sounding insensitive, this is another horrific reminder of the lengths that women have to endure to appease a society obsessed with their bodies, and in particular their virginity. It is not just men who are obsessed with women’s level of chastity; women themselves play a significant role in upholding the status quo. In light of recent events, it just seems cruel for Yezidi women to undergo virginity-restoration operations. It is crucially important for activists to direct the narrative of championing women’s rights in all spheres, even if this is unpalatable to the current societal expectations in Kurdistan Region. No topic should be taboo for discussion. If we act this way we help save countless women from a false sense of guilt, shame and perpetual indignity. Our society has yet to develop a culture where we don’t perceive women as “damaged goods” after a certain ordeal. It seems that Yezidi women are going to these exhaustive and unnecessary lengths in hopes of undoing some of the horrific ordeal they were forced to endure. Although I am unsure of how that culture is going to be generated, talking about guilt-shaming women’s bodies is perhaps a healthy start towards it. Unfortunately, that can only be possible when proponents of women’s rights in the Kurdistan Region begin talking about sensitive issues that would require a “moral stand.” Otherwise, women will continue to succumb to patriarchal standards. Ruwayda Mustafah is a Kurdish activist and PhD student at the University of Kingston. Her research focuses on the socio-political aspects of the Kurdistan region. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rudaw.
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