A Feminist fighting against Daesh
This book a well written and authentic account of the life of Joanna Palini, a Kurdish soldier on the frontline in the fight against Daesh (ISIS). The reading is tough at times, dealing with the gritty nature of the conflict with some very graphic content. The regional politics were an eye opener, revealing how Turkey assisted Daesh, leaving the Kurdish fighters and local populace to suffer great deprivations and losses; in essence supporting a policy of extermination rather than salvation.
Refugees are in the media, some political factions reacting negatively to these people who are desperately fleeing conflict. It was good to learn how Joanna came to Denmark as a Kurdish refugee with her family as a child. As a female she was expected to live by higher standards than her brothers and was beaten many times, the Denmark authorities didn’t give her the support that you would expect because of a fear of intervening in the actions of a different culture. However she fought back against the sexism that she encountered in her family and in Denmark generally. And this part of her nature shows throughout the book, there are times though when she tires and cannot fight any more. In a very honest account, Joanna reveals her weaknesses and naivety at times; providing a stark contrast to her bolder actions. Considering what she experienced in war, I didn’t anticipate how much she suffered under the weight of social media oppression. The keyboard warriors with no insight into her character, bringing her down through their spittle encrusted venom. Although we may be privileged in the west, this underlines an issue we need to address, the impacts of online trolling and hatred can feel as bad as physical abuse.
There are astonishing details on the training camps and how the female YPJ fighters work together and contribute as equals to the male fighters in the conflict. This challenges the view that males should be the ones pulling the trigger, as if only males can protect females, but each can contribute equally in a war zone. The way that the female fighters are taught support each other and have feminist goals is striking, if only this could be rolled out across the globe. The author describes many strong female fighters, commanders and trainers who she came across, so many vivid and impressive personalities. And yet there is sadness in the vast amount who were lost to war.
Overall this book reveals a need for nations to provide more support for refugees, bringing a smoother integration. We could learn from the feminist policies in the YPJ. But most importantly support those who are being oppressed by regimes like Daesh; hoping to prevent the mass exodus of civilians and the horrors of war.
This is a must read book, I have gained insight into a conflict that westerners have been shielded from.
Refugees are in the media, some political factions reacting negatively to these people who are desperately fleeing conflict. It was good to learn how Joanna came to Denmark as a Kurdish refugee with her family as a child. As a female she was expected to live by higher standards than her brothers and was beaten many times, the Denmark authorities didn’t give her the support that you would expect because of a fear of intervening in the actions of a different culture. However she fought back against the sexism that she encountered in her family and in Denmark generally. And this part of her nature shows throughout the book, there are times though when she tires and cannot fight any more. In a very honest account, Joanna reveals her weaknesses and naivety at times; providing a stark contrast to her bolder actions. Considering what she experienced in war, I didn’t anticipate how much she suffered under the weight of social media oppression. The keyboard warriors with no insight into her character, bringing her down through their spittle encrusted venom. Although we may be privileged in the west, this underlines an issue we need to address, the impacts of online trolling and hatred can feel as bad as physical abuse.
There are astonishing details on the training camps and how the female YPJ fighters work together and contribute as equals to the male fighters in the conflict. This challenges the view that males should be the ones pulling the trigger, as if only males can protect females, but each can contribute equally in a war zone. The way that the female fighters are taught support each other and have feminist goals is striking, if only this could be rolled out across the globe. The author describes many strong female fighters, commanders and trainers who she came across, so many vivid and impressive personalities. And yet there is sadness in the vast amount who were lost to war.
Overall this book reveals a need for nations to provide more support for refugees, bringing a smoother integration. We could learn from the feminist policies in the YPJ. But most importantly support those who are being oppressed by regimes like Daesh; hoping to prevent the mass exodus of civilians and the horrors of war.
This is a must read book, I have gained insight into a conflict that westerners have been shielded from.