On April 13, 2025, President Masoud Barzani attended the First Kurdistan Women’s Conference in Erbil, a landmark event that brought together hundreds of women from across the Kurdistan Region and abroad. The two-day conference was the first of its kind in the region, focused exclusively on recognizing and advancing the role of women in Kurdish society.
In his opening remarks, President Barzani expressed pride in participating, stating, “I am happy to be here with you today in the first conference of this kind. I hope its outcomes meet our expectations and become a foundation for future progress.” The event’s theme centered around women’s rights, their historic sacrifices, and their potential to shape the region’s future.
Barzani emphasized that women have played an indispensable role in every stage of the Kurdish struggle. He cited examples from the September and Gulan revolutions, the fight against ISIS, and the Anfal campaign, where women were not only victims but also fighters, caretakers, and leaders. He stated, “The role of Kurdish women has never been less than that of men—if not greater at times.”
One of the most powerful moments in Barzani’s speech was his tribute to the late Leyla Qasim, a Kurdish woman executed in 1974 for her political activism. He recalled how Leyla refused to write a letter requesting forgiveness from the Ba’athist regime, telling them, “You think I’m less because I am a woman? I will not ask for forgiveness from you. I ask forgiveness from my people.” Barzani called her a symbol of resistance, sacrifice, and courage for all generations.
Throughout the speech, Barzani reinforced that women’s participation should extend to all fields, from politics to education, agriculture, and defense. He said it is essential that society recognizes the capacity of women as decision-makers and leaders, not just supporters. “It brings me great joy to see so many Kurdish women active in universities, institutions, and public life,” he said, adding that their presence is a sign of progress and resilience.
Barzani also touched on the generational responsibility women hold as educators and mothers. He noted that the Peshmerga soldiers who bravely fought on the frontlines often drew strength from the women in their lives. “The bread of the Peshmerga was provided by Kurdish women,” he said. “They were teachers, mothers, and caretakers who raised generations of fighters.”
The president did not shy away from addressing the painful memories of the Anfal genocide, during which thousands of Kurdish women and children were buried alive or killed by Saddam Hussein’s forces. He recalled, “We saw graves where a mother had died holding her child.” His words served as a reminder of the enduring suffering of Kurdish women and the importance of honoring their sacrifices through action.
In closing, President Barzani encouraged women to remain at the forefront of national development, urging them to claim their place in society with confidence and determination. “Do not wait for opportunities—create them. You are capable of building the future with your strength. And we stand behind you with all our support,” he declared.
The First Kurdistan Women’s Conference marked a significant step toward gender equality and empowerment in the Kurdistan Region. It not only honored the legacy of past generations of Kurdish women but also called on the current and future ones to lead in shaping a just, strong, and inclusive society.
