Gender Equality
Kurds are some of the strongest supporters of gender equality in the Middle East, unified with Americans through this progressive thinking.
Key Facts
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Throughout various Kurdish regions—especially in northern Syria (Rojava) and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq—women hold prominent roles in politics, military, and civil administration.
Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) in Rojava consist of female Kurdish commanders like Nesrin Abdullah, who have led pivotal campaigns against ISIS, gaining international attention for courage and strategy.
The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria hosts a “co-chair” system legally requiring that every leadership position be shared by a man and a woman.
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Nesrin Abdullah, YPJ commander
Berivan Khalid, co-chair of the Executive Council
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has mandated and enforces laws against domestic violence, and for women’s rights.
​Kurds continue to advocate for criminalizing forced marriage or honor killings, otherwise common practices in the Middle East to this day.​
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The Iraqi region of the Kurdish government is establishing new institutional bodies to address women’s issues and support gender equality in policy-making. They have expanded women’s access to justice by establishing domestic violence courts in all three Kurdish governorates.
These progressive Kurdish values and dedication to improvement make the Kurds the best allies for the U.S. in the Middle East. Together, we can bring change to the region and create a better future for women and minorities.