Sema
On Sunday, April 13, 2025, President Masoud Barzani affirmed that the role of Kurdish women has never been less than that of men.
The Kurdistan Women’s Conference kicked off this morning in Erbil, attended by President Masoud Barzani and Masrour Barzani, Vice President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party.
In his speech, President Barzani stated:“I would like to point out that the role of Kurdish women has never been less than that of men—if not greater. They played a very important role during both the September and Gulan revolutions, particularly the Gulan Revolution.”
He added:“In addition to caring for their children, Kurdish women also prepared food for the Peshmerga forces and played a significant role in combat. I’m pleased to see many women today in universities, institutes, and other fields, playing vital roles. Kurdish women must be empowered and given their rightful place in all areas.”
President Barzani praised the conference slogan, “With our abilities, we build the future”, and added, “We stand with you.”
He went on to say:“The first woman ever executed in Iraq was a Kurdish girl. Leyla Qasim became a symbol of resistance, struggle, and defiance. She was asked to write a letter to President Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr to request a pardon. Her response was: ‘I will ask forgiveness from my people, not from you.’”
He continued:
“There are many examples of Kurdish women’s courage. In fact, these heroic Peshmerga fighters were raised by lionhearted women. Now, you have a great and sacred responsibility—to educate the new generation.”
Full Text of the Speech:
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Dear ladies and esteemed guests,
I am very happy to be with you today at this first-of-its-kind conference. I hope the outcomes meet the expectations we all share, that this becomes a starting point for the future, and that the conference achieves success.
I may repeat myself, but it’s important to say again: the role of women in Kurdistan has never been less than that of men—sometimes it has been even greater. During the September and Gulan revolutions, and the war against ISIS, women played notable roles.
Especially during the Gulan Revolution—whether as mothers, teachers, or farmers—before dawn, women would often hide their children in caves out of fear of aerial bombings. Many times, mothers were martyred along with their children. It was also the responsibility of Kurdish women to prepare food for the Peshmerga. Fighters at the frontlines had peace of mind knowing their mothers, wives, or sisters were caring for their children and preparing their meals.
Whatever we say about Kurdish women will never be enough. There are many examples, such as the mothers Amina, Halima, and Aisha. During the fight against ISIS, our daughters showed incredible bravery—often facing the enemy themselves.
I am very pleased to see so many women playing leading roles in universities, institutes, and other important areas. Kurdish women must have active roles in all sectors.
Your slogan is powerful: “With our abilities, we build the future.” I say to you: “With your abilities, you build the future—and we are behind you.”
The first woman executed in Iraq was a young Kurdish woman—Leyla Qasim. She became a symbol of struggle and resistance. They told her: “Write a letter to Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr and ask for a pardon—he will forgive you because you’re a woman.” She answered: “You are not worthy of me asking you for forgiveness. I ask forgiveness from my nation.”
There are many such examples. These heroic Peshmerga fighters were raised by brave women.
Now you have a great and sacred duty: to educate the new generation. Unfortunately, Kurdistan’s enemies have tried hard to mislead our youth. A person without loyalty to their land and nation is lost. This cultural war is more dangerous than tanks, warplanes, even chemical weapons and the Anfal campaign.
When someone grows up without attachment to their land, where can they go? A person without a homeland is adrift, without value or respect. And land without people is meaningless. Land and people are deeply connected.
I ask you to play your role in all fields—but especially in this one. Engage with your communities to raise awareness among mothers about the dangers we face. Fortunately, the situation has improved. We are happy to see growing national awareness, both in Europe and within Kurdistan. This is a good sign, and we hope it continues and grows stronger.
The rights and dignity of women are sacred to us. Over 120 years ago, Sheikh Abdul-Salam Barzani, and after him Sheikh Ahmed, laid the foundations for women’s rights and protection. This was one of the reasons for Barzan’s advancement. While in some places, forced marriage is still practiced—and this is an appalling crime—marriage should be by mutual consent.
We are proud that women were given their role and recognition in Barzan more than 120 years ago. Their importance and place in society were firmly established.
Tomorrow marks the anniversary of the Anfal campaign, when hundreds—if not thousands—of mothers were exterminated along with their children. We salute the souls of all martyrs, especially the women and children buried in mass graves.
What matters most is to continue the struggle. We must not give up. All doors must be opened for women to play their role. I am confident in your capabilities.
Once again, I say: live out your slogan—we are with you with all our means.
I wish success to the conference.
May you always be well.