Introduction
Summary of the book The Daughters of Kobani by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon. Before we start, let’s delve into a short overview of the book. Imagine standing on a dusty street in a small Syrian city, where everything seems ordinary at first glance: old stone buildings, narrow alleys, and people busy with their lives. But beneath this everyday scene, something huge and terrifying is about to unfold. In the coming chapters, you will discover the story of a group of extraordinary women who refused to accept the world as it was. They came from Kurdish families that had long been denied basic rights. They lived in a country torn apart by war, hatred, and despair. Yet, despite all these hardships, they dared to fight back against one of the most feared terrorist groups on the planet: ISIS. These women were not just warriors. They were dreamers who imagined a future where women stood as equals to men. Their courage and sacrifice shaped a struggle that would change their region’s history and the world’s perception forever.
Chapter 1: Discovering a Nation’s Hidden Struggles: How One Violent Soccer Match Changed Everything.
Long before the rise of terrifying groups like ISIS, the Kurdish people in Syria lived under a heavy blanket of silence and oppression. Many Kurds were denied basic rights, like citizenship or the freedom to speak their own language. In the early 2000s, tensions between Syrian Kurds and the government were simmering beneath the surface. Most people continued with their lives, working their lands, teaching their children, and trying not to draw attention from authorities. Then came a fateful soccer match in Qamishli, a mostly Kurdish town in northeastern Syria. This was supposed to be a festive event: a championship game where local pride and sportsmanship shone bright. But beneath the cheers, taunts, and energy of the crowd, old resentments and hidden anger were about to explode, changing everything for the Kurdish communities that had quietly suffered for decades.
As two rival teams lined up on the field—one representing a Kurdish majority city, the other representing an Arab-majority town—fans chanted and waved flags. The match began like any normal game, with goals, missed shots, and the usual playful insults traded between supporters. But soon, tensions rose. Angry words and hurtful curses flowed out. The laughter died down and was replaced by fury. Suddenly, fists swung and chaos erupted. People rushed onto the field; the stadium turned into a battlefield of angry crowds. It was no longer about sports. It was about identities clashing. The police arrived, and instead of calming the situation, they unleashed bullets on unarmed Kurdish fans. Dozens of people lost their lives, hundreds were injured, and the once peaceful stadium became a memory of blood and sorrow.
This violent event did not remain confined to that single stadium. News spread rapidly through Kurdish neighborhoods and towns, igniting a spark of long-suppressed anger. Young Kurds, who had felt voiceless for years, found themselves unable to remain silent any longer. They painted walls with rebellious slogans, tore down images of the ruling regime, and made their fury known. They demanded dignity, respect, and a place in society. The clashes that followed were intense, but ultimately short-lived. After about two weeks, the government regained control. The rebellion quieted, leaving behind a bitter taste and painful memories for everyone involved. Yet, something important had shifted. The Kurds had shown they would no longer always remain silent. In the future, when the country erupted into civil war, this willingness to stand up would return even stronger.
This tragic soccer match serves as a key turning point in understanding why young Kurds grew bolder. Before this, fear often kept people quiet, and many believed that open defiance against the government was impossible. But the massacre at the stadium taught them that no one else would stand up for their rights if they did not. It was a harsh lesson, paid for in blood. Over time, this event lingered in the minds of young Kurdish men and women. They learned that if they wanted change, they might have to fight for it. This early lesson planted the seeds of resistance and paved the way for a new generation that would one day confront the might of both oppressive regimes and brutal extremist groups like ISIS.
Chapter 2: From Peaceful Protests to Full-Blown War: The Seeds of Conflict in Syria.
In 2011, the Syrian people were experiencing a moment that would change their nation forever. President Bashar al-Assad’s dictatorship had already controlled the country for years. People were fed up with the lack of freedom, the torture of political prisoners, and the crushing weight of fear. Inspired by popular uprisings in other Arab countries, a group of young Syrian schoolboys decided to march peacefully on their school grounds. They wanted to voice their opposition to Assad, hoping that maybe, just maybe, the regime would listen. Instead, the government responded with cruelty beyond measure. The boys were arrested, beaten, electrocuted, and hung upside down. Word of this horrifying abuse spread across Syria, stirring the hearts of families, neighbors, and strangers who could no longer turn a blind eye.
As anger mounted, fathers, friends, and other Syrians organized a peaceful demonstration in the city of Dera’a. Once again, they held out hope that nonviolent resistance could spark change. Once again, the regime showed its true face. Soldiers opened fire on the peaceful protesters, spilling innocent blood on the streets. This was a final straw for many Syrians. Protests erupted across the country, each one met with brutal crackdowns. Soon, what began as peaceful demonstrations turned into a full-blown civil war, dragging the entire nation into chaos. As the conflict expanded, foreign powers saw an opportunity to influence events from the shadows. Countries like Russia, the United States, Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia became involved, turning Syria into a battleground for proxy wars fought with Syrian lives as currency.
In the midst of these violent upheavals, various groups formed militias to defend their families and communities. One such group was the YPG, the People’s Protection Units, made up mainly of Kurdish fighters. Unlike many other factions, the YPG did not fight solely to topple Assad. Their dream was different: they wanted autonomy and freedom for their Kurdish homeland. They refused to join extremist rebels, suspecting that these groups would harm Kurdish communities if they won. At the same time, the YPG saw the rise of a dark force known as ISIS: the Islamic State. ISIS was expanding, seizing cities and towns, and establishing a ruthless rule that crushed anyone who opposed them. The YPG knew that if ISIS spread further, all hopes for Kurdish freedom and equality would be lost.
As weapons thundered and families fled their homes, Syria’s war became more complicated. Entire neighborhoods emptied as millions became refugees. Into this confusion stepped ISIS, taking advantage of the power vacuum. Soon, banners of black cloth rose over once-peaceful towns. The group’s violent vision promised not freedom, but terror. The YPG, drawn into a struggle not just for Kurdish rights but for the very soul of their lands, prepared for a showdown. While other rebels focused on toppling Assad, the YPG concentrated on defending Kurdish-majority areas and stopping ISIS from overrunning them. The stage was set for an epic confrontation between two radically different visions: one that believed in brutality and women’s subjugation, and another that aspired to create a more just world where women stood proudly as equals.
Chapter 3: The Rise of New Ideals: Kurdish Women Embrace Radical Ideas of Freedom.
The roots of Kurdish resistance and pride were nourished by the ideas of a man named Abdullah Öcalan. Although he was Turkish and had formed a political group called the PKK, his writings and philosophies deeply influenced Kurds in Syria. He believed in equality, justice, and especially women’s liberation. This was no small matter in societies where women’s roles were often limited and traditions told them to remain in the shadows. Öcalan’s writings spread quietly at first, passed hand to hand in secret gatherings. For young Kurdish women who had been told what they could and could not do their entire lives, these words felt like sunlight breaking through a dark sky. They began to dream of a world where they could stand shoulder to shoulder with men.
These new ideas slowly took shape, inspiring the formation of the YPG, and soon after, a special unit called the YPJ, the Women’s Protection Units. This separate but equal wing of the militia allowed women to train, fight, and lead. It was a remarkable step forward. Before this, women were often expected to marry young, stay home, and have children. But under the YPJ, they became soldiers, planners, and strategists. They learned to handle rifles, sniper scopes, and radios. They took command of groups of fighters. To many, this seemed like a miracle. Imagine girls who once feared their uncles’ harsh words or arranged marriages now holding their heads high and leading men into battle. This was not just about beating ISIS; it was about proving that women deserved respect and freedom.
However, the women’s movement was not met with cheer everywhere. Some traditionalists disapproved. They thought women should remain obedient daughters or wives, never questioning authority. But as the war intensified, the YPJ’s courage and effectiveness forced people to reconsider. These women were willing to stand against the cruelty of ISIS, risking everything for their families, their communities, and their ideals. Over time, even some who doubted them began to admire their fierce determination. The YPJ was not just winning battles on the ground; they were winning hearts and minds. They showed that when women are given a chance to fight for their dreams, the world can change in surprising ways.
Still, these ideas had to face a terrible test. ISIS had grown into a monstrous force, taking cities and enslaving women. In places like Sinjar, ISIS tore families apart, selling girls as property. This unimaginable cruelty hardened the resolve of the Kurdish women fighters. For them, the conflict was not just about territory or politics. It was about destroying an enemy that turned women into commodities. Their cause became personal, fueled by anger and sorrow. If these women could drive ISIS back, they would prove beyond doubt that the old stories—that women are weak and helpless—were lies. Their victories would show everyone that women could lead armies, topple cruel regimes, and stand proudly on the ruins of tyranny, ready to rebuild a fairer world.
Chapter 4: Inspiring Courage and Defiance: Four Women Who Chose the Path of Battle.
Within this movement, four women stand out as symbols of strength, each with her own story. Azima was bold and outspoken, the type of person who refused to remain silent in the face of injustice. From a young age, she told her family she never wanted to marry. She believed in forging her own destiny. Her childhood friend, Rojda, seemed quieter, more reserved, but no less determined. When Rojda’s conservative uncle demanded that girls stop playing soccer, Rojda calmly but firmly refused. Then there was Nowruz, older than the others, raised by a mother who encouraged her to seek independence and never rely on others for her future. Finally, there was Znarin, who dared to defy her family’s wishes for an arranged marriage. Together, these four women formed a powerful circle of bravery.
When Syria’s civil war erupted, these women saw their chance. Joining the YPJ brought them a sense of purpose. The warzone became their training ground. Instead of shrinking under the weight of danger and fear, they grew taller. Azima became known for her ability to lead fighters fearlessly, while Rojda quietly inspired everyone with her calm strength. Nowruz climbed the ranks, eventually leading large units of men and women. Znarin, once forced to give up on school, now embraced a different kind of education—learning to lead soldiers into complex battles. Each of these women felt that if they could stand strong in war, they could prove, beyond any doubt, that women’s voices and actions were equal in value to men’s.
They carried within them the teachings of Öcalan: that a truly free society must free its women. It was not just talk. They were putting theory into practice on the most dangerous stage imaginable. Surrounded by the brutality of ISIS, where women were degraded and abused, these four women and many others were fighting to create a new example. The YPJ’s presence itself challenged old ideas. Men fought beside them, taking orders from them. This was unheard of in many parts of the region. Yet, as these women proved their skill and bravery time and again, men who once doubted began to respect them. The YPJ became a force that ISIS feared, for ISIS knew that defeat at the hands of women would shatter its twisted beliefs.
In the coming battles, these women would risk everything. They would watch friends fall and see communities destroyed. They would face sleepless nights, fear in their stomachs, and constant danger around every corner. But they would not give up. Their courage was fueled by a belief that a better future for women, for Kurds, and indeed for everyone in their land, was worth fighting for. And soon, they would find unexpected allies from across the ocean. Though powerful nations sometimes enter conflicts for their own reasons, it was the Kurdish women who forced the world to take notice. They proved that even in a region long dominated by men’s decisions, women could stand at the forefront of history, writing a new chapter with their own hands.
Chapter 5: Facing the Darkness: Kobani Under Siege and the Women Who Would Not Break.
The city of Kobani, on Syria’s northern border, became a symbol of hope and resistance. In 2014, ISIS set its sights on Kobani, determined to claim it as a stepping stone to further conquests. The city’s fall seemed inevitable. Surrounded and outnumbered, YPG and YPJ fighters dug in for what many believed was a hopeless defense. Azima, now commanding hundreds of fighters, crouched behind broken walls and dusty streets. Rojda, Znarin, and countless others prepared for a showdown that would define their lives. With each passing day, ISIS advanced, inching closer as buildings crumbled and smoke choked the air. The Kurdish defenders fought not just for Kobani’s buildings, but for the idea that people—and women especially—could stand strong against a force that would enslave and murder them without mercy.
In this desperate battle, Azima proved her mettle. She became known as a skilled sniper, feared by ISIS fighters who taunted her over the radio, promising to behead her if caught. Instead of frightening her, these threats fueled her determination. She fought sleepless, hungry, and wounded. This was the reality of war. Days bled into nights, and the city’s streets ran red with sacrifice. Families that remained in Kobani hid in basements, praying for rescue. Meanwhile, Kurdish fighters dug trenches, laid traps, and planned ambushes, using every bit of knowledge and creativity they had. Yet, despite their best efforts, ISIS kept pushing forward. At one point, ISIS controlled three quarters of the city, and the Kurds knew time was running out.
But fortune began to shift when an unexpected ally decided to intervene. The United States, horrified by ISIS’s actions and feeling the pressure of the global community, decided to help from the skies. They would not send their soldiers on the ground, but they would provide something just as valuable: airstrikes and supplies. Carefully, the Americans communicated with the YPG and YPJ, targeting ISIS positions. The Kurds would give coordinates, and soon U.S. jets roared above, dropping bombs that shook the earth. Little by little, these strikes helped level the playing field. Kobani’s defenders could catch their breath and reorganize. Gradually, the tide of battle turned. The Kurdish fighters, especially the women leading them, proved they were not easy prey.
Finally, after months of brutal street-to-street and house-to-house fighting, ISIS began to retreat. On January 26, 2015, the Kurdish forces declared victory. Kobani was free, though in ruins. For the world, this victory was shocking. The Kurds, especially the women, had managed to hold their ground against one of the most feared armies of modern times. The Americans, initially skeptical, realized they had found reliable and brave partners. The YPG and YPJ earned the world’s respect. This was only the beginning. The battle for Kobani showed that Kurdish women could do more than dream of equality; they could fight for it and win. And now, standing on the rubble of a liberated city, they looked ahead to the next challenge, already forming in the distance.
Chapter 6: Allies from Above: Uniting with Distant Powers as Kobani Fights for Survival.
The victory in Kobani was a turning point. It did more than save one city; it announced to the world that the Kurds were key players in the fight against ISIS. The United States, still wary of another endless war in the Middle East, saw the Kurdish fighters as the perfect partners. They were courageous, organized, and determined. Best of all, they did not seek to topple every regime around them. Instead, they wanted to secure their own regions and ensure their communities could live in peace. Now that the Americans had tasted success through a combination of Kurdish ground forces and U.S. airpower, they were ready to deepen this partnership. This cooperation would soon shape the next phase of the war.
But there was a catch. The U.S. needed not just a Kurdish force, but a coalition that included Arabs as well. The reason was simple: if the alliance only had Kurds, it would be harder to liberate cities that were not majority Kurdish. The Americans wanted a force that represented all people in the region, a rainbow of ethnicities and backgrounds, united in the goal of defeating ISIS. The Kurds understood the logic. They agreed to bring Arab fighters into their ranks, and together, they formed a new military alliance: the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This newly named group was carefully chosen to reflect a broader mission. Now Kurdish women would fight alongside Arab men and women, forging friendships and trust in the heat of battle.
This new alliance did not erase old pain and distrust overnight. Building unity across cultural lines is never easy. But the Kurds had learned from their own struggles that freedom cannot be built on oppression. They were determined to show their Arab allies respect, promising a shared future where everyone’s voice mattered. The Americans, on their part, provided training, intelligence, and crucial air support. This meant the Kurds and their new partners could plan larger operations, strike harder at ISIS, and perhaps even push into ISIS’s strongholds. For women like Rojda, Azima, Nowruz, and Znarin, this cooperation was a chance to prove that their approach—promoting equality and fairness—could form the backbone of a powerful military force that would liberate thousands.
As the SDF began to assemble, many wondered if it would hold. Could these fighters set aside old rivalries and cultural differences long enough to bring down a monstrous enemy? Could the Americans trust a force influenced by Öcalan’s ideas about women’s rights? There were many questions and doubts. But the battlefield would soon provide the answers. With Kobani behind them and the SDF formed, the next targets lay ahead. Cities like Manbij and eventually Raqqa would test the SDF’s unity and skill. For the Kurdish women at the center of this alliance, the partnership offered a bigger stage to showcase their values. Their success in Kobani had been remarkable. Now, they would fight not just for Kurdish women, but for a new kind of Syria altogether.
Chapter 7: From Victory’s Ashes: Rebuilding Strength in Kobani and Forming a New Coalition.
After the dust settled in Kobani, rebuilding was no simple task. The city lay in ruins—bombed-out buildings, shattered windows, charred walls. Families who had fled slowly returned, struggling to find their old homes barely standing. Amid these hardships, the YPJ and YPG fighters, now part of the SDF, tried to help restore order. They guarded the streets, ensured that food deliveries arrived safely, and lent a hand in clearing debris. More importantly, they showed that the spirit of defiance had survived. The women fighters became role models for young girls who saw them walk confidently in uniform, carrying rifles and smiling at the children. Kobani’s rebuilding was not just physical; it was emotional. It meant showing the world that hope could grow in soil watered by sacrifice.
As the city and the fighters recovered, the Americans pressed for even greater cooperation. If the SDF could involve more Arab fighters, they could better challenge ISIS in areas where Kurdish was not the main language. The Kurds understood the need to present a united front. They realized that freedom should not be limited by ethnicity. So they worked closely with Arab communities, convincing them that the SDF would respect their needs, traditions, and hopes. This growing coalition began to create a unique model of cooperation in a region often torn apart by tribal and ethnic rivalries. By doing this, they were not only building a stronger army; they were also planting the seeds for a new social order where different groups could live side by side.
For women like Znarin, this was a chance to prove her leadership skills. She was no longer just a fighter; she commanded her own unit. Her journey from a girl whose education had been cut short to a respected leader of soldiers was a living example of how war, despite its horrors, could reshape roles. Young fighters looked to her for guidance, and she learned to give inspiring speeches, reminding everyone that their struggle was not simply against ISIS, but against the old beliefs that limited what women could achieve. Every successful mission, every liberated village, was another reason to believe that a fairer society could be born from the ashes of conflict.
This newly formed coalition, the SDF, operated under a guiding principle: people deserve to have a say in their own future. It was a simple idea but powerful in a country that had seen decades of dictatorship and violence. With the Americans providing air support and weapons, the SDF began to set its sights on the next big challenge: taking back strategic cities held by ISIS. Success in Kobani had given them confidence. Now, armed with hope, unity, and their radical belief in women’s equality, they would attempt something even bolder. The months ahead would take them into harsh battles, push them across rivers, into booby-trapped neighborhoods, and eventually, right into the heart of the Islamic State’s so-called capital city.
Chapter 8: Crossing Rivers of Fear: The Bold Mission to Liberate Manbij Against All Odds.
It was late at night when Nowruz stood on a hill overlooking the Euphrates River. Down below, small boats swayed in the darkness, carrying SDF fighters who aimed to cross quietly. Their goal lay on the other side: Manbij, a city whose population had suffered under ISIS for two years. This crossing was risky. The moment SDF fighters appeared on the far shore, ISIS could try to pick them off with sniper fire. Yet, this operation was crucial. Manbij was a key transit point for ISIS recruits, a place where foreign fighters flowed in. Taking Manbij would strike a serious blow to ISIS’s supply lines. Nowroz could feel her heart pounding, but she remained calm. She had planned this for weeks alongside American allies who studied satellite maps and enemy positions.
The boats slipped through the darkness. A crackle on Nowruz’s radio confirmed the first group made it across safely. Many more would follow that night. Among the fighters crossing the river was Znarin, now a commander leading 50 soldiers. She remembered her old fears, the family pressures she once faced, and realized how far she had come. Across the river, ISIS awaited them with mines, snipers, and car bombs. Nothing would be easy. Manbij’s streets had been rigged to explode, its buildings booby-trapped to kill anyone daring to free the city. But the SDF had determination and knew that each liberated street would mean hope for civilians trapped under brutal ISIS rule.
As the fight for Manbij wore on, the SDF fighters faced terrible losses. Some of their friends fell to sniper bullets, others were injured by hidden bombs. Yet, under the leadership of fighters like Nowruz and Znarin, they kept pushing forward. They rescued families hiding in homes, guided them to safer areas, and clashed with ISIS fighters who refused to give ground. Slowly, block by block, they advanced. Days stretched into weeks. The SDF received American airstrikes when needed, using them to break ISIS’s strongest defenses. Each step forward was an enormous achievement. Eventually, ISIS realized they could not hold Manbij forever.
By August 2016, the SDF had surrounded Manbij’s center, cornering ISIS. The terrorists tried using human shields—terrified civilians forced to stand between them and the SDF—but this only strengthened the SDF’s resolve. They fought carefully, trying to minimize harm to the innocent. Finally, ISIS agreed to a deal: they would leave the city, taking their families and hostages with them. For the SDF, it felt frustrating to watch some ISIS fighters escape, but it meant saving civilian lives. Manbij was freed. For Znarin, this victory was a personal triumph—she had led her fighters successfully. For the SDF, it was proof that their multi-ethnic, men-and-women-led army could work. And for everyone trapped under ISIS’s cruelty, it was a ray of light in a very dark sky.
Chapter 9: Into the Lion’s Den: The Heart-Wrenching Battles Leading Up To Raqqa’s Fall.
With Manbij liberated, the SDF set its sights on the greatest prize of all: Raqqa, the self-proclaimed capital of ISIS. Raqqa was the heart of the group’s empire, the place where they planned brutal attacks and enforced cruel laws. To reach Raqqa, the SDF first had to capture nearby towns like Tabqa. Tabqa’s dam provided crucial electricity and water. If ISIS held onto it, they could reinforce Raqqa or even cause catastrophic flooding. So the SDF laid siege to Tabqa, fighting fiercely for over a month. Finally, ISIS was forced to retreat, giving the SDF a precious stepping stone. Now, Raqqa lay ahead, and the battle promised to be even more desperate and bloody.
Women like Rojda had grown confident as leaders and fighters. They understood the smell of gunpowder, the flash of tracer bullets, the terrifying roar of suicide car bombs. Still, nothing could fully prepare them for Raqqa’s horrors. The city was filled with traps. ISIS had buried mines everywhere—in roads, walls, and even kitchen kettles. They turned buildings into fortresses. Explosives waited behind everyday objects to kill anyone who ventured inside. As the SDF advanced, they lost brave fighters every day. But they pressed on, knowing that if Raqqa fell, ISIS’s grip on the region would weaken beyond repair. By July 2017, the SDF had taken a quarter of the city. By August, two-thirds. Each victory was bittersweet, paid for in blood and sorrow.
The Americans, now heavily invested, provided crucial airstrikes and tactical support. Yet the SDF faced a determined enemy that refused to surrender. Even as they lost territory, ISIS fighters hid in hospitals, stadiums, and schools, turning civilian structures into death traps. The SDF had to fight inch by inch. Finally, by October, ISIS clung only to a couple of places: the main hospital and the stadium. At this point, tribal elders stepped in. They offered ISIS fighters a deal: leave the city with hostages and families, or face total destruction. Not all ISIS members took this deal, but most did. The SDF and the Americans knew letting them go was not ideal, but it saved countless lives.
By mid-October 2017, Raqqa fell. The black flag of ISIS was lowered, replaced by the yellow flag of the SDF. Fighters like Rojda and Nowruz breathed a sigh of relief. They had done the impossible. They had toppled the capital of one of the world’s most feared terrorist groups. As they walked through Raqqa’s Naim Square—once the site of ISIS’s cruel executions—they replaced fear with hope. But the scars remained. The city was a wreck of collapsed buildings, shattered families, and painful memories. Restoring Raqqa’s soul would be harder than capturing it. Still, for the Kurdish women who had stood tall from Kobani to Raqqa, this victory proved what Öcalan’s writings had hinted all along: a fairer, more equal world could rise from the ashes of conflict.
Chapter 10: The Crushing of the Black Flag: Confronting ISIS’s Capital and Reclaiming Hope.
The fall of Raqqa stunned the world. Few had believed the Kurdish-led forces, especially ones that placed women at their center, could push ISIS back so far. But there it was: the black banners, once a symbol of terror, replaced by flags celebrating diversity and equality. Yet this victory also highlighted certain tensions. Many Americans looked at the flags raised in Raqqa’s square and saw not just Kurdish pride, but also the face of Abdullah Öcalan, a figure considered by Turkey and others to be linked to terrorism. For the SDF fighters, Öcalan was not about terrorism but about a philosophy that helped them achieve women’s liberation. For America, this was a delicate balancing act. Still, the partnership held firm, at least for the moment.
As Raqqa’s dust settled, the SDF and a newly formed political group, the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), considered what lay ahead. They created a constitution for northeastern Syria, a place where women’s rights were guaranteed and discrimination was forbidden. This was a radical step in a region where women had historically been silenced. The document declared that men and women would share power in every town. It saw violence against women as a crime, insisting on punishment for those who tried to control or hurt them. For the women who fought ISIS, this social contract felt like a dream made real. Their rifles had cleared the way, but their ideas would build something more lasting: a society that respected everyone’s dignity.
While ISIS’s physical caliphate crumbled, pockets of resistance remained. The SDF continued to battle these remnants until March 23, 2019, when ISIS lost its last territory. The war was officially over, but peace did not settle easily. Soon, a new threat emerged. Turkey, viewing the YPG (and thus the SDF) as an extension of the PKK—whom it considered terrorists—moved troops into northeastern Syria. Once again, the Kurds found themselves defending their hard-won gains against a more traditional, well-equipped army. The United States, reducing its military presence, provided less direct support. The future felt uncertain. The Kurds had proven they could defeat ISIS with support, but now they faced another foe who did not want them to succeed.
Still, something fundamental had changed. The Kurdish women fighters had shown the entire world what they could achieve. They had confronted the darkest horrors and still stood tall. This was their legacy—no one could ever deny their courage or claim that women belonged only in the home. The world had seen them fight bravely on the front lines, commanding men, making strategic decisions, and refusing to bow. While the struggle for political recognition continued, and while threats from neighbors loomed, a powerful seed had taken root. These women had inspired not just their own people, but countless others who saw their story from afar. Their achievements proved that even in the ugliest of wars, the strength, intelligence, and leadership of women could shine brightly.
Chapter 11: A New Dawn of Rights and Justice: Aftermath, Uncertainty, and Women’s Unending Resolve.
After the war against ISIS ended, northeastern Syria did not turn into paradise overnight. The scars of battle were everywhere. Hospitals, schools, and roads needed rebuilding. Families searched through rubble for lost belongings or news of loved ones. Yet, one thing was clear: the role of women in society had changed forever. People now respected their courage. Rojda’s once disapproving uncle sought her advice. Znarin, who had once feared forced marriage, now commanded respect from the very relatives who once doubted her. These personal transformations rippled through communities. With each day, more women stepped forward, claiming their rights to education, work, and leadership. The sacrifices of the YPJ fighters had not been in vain.
Beyond the personal changes, a new political structure struggled to take shape. The SDC and its constitution, though not officially recognized by any major government, offered a vision that prioritized equality and justice. They believed that women should have a permanent seat at the table, shaping laws and policies. This idea challenged old ways of thinking. Some neighboring countries looked on with suspicion or hostility. Others quietly admired what had been achieved. The Kurdish experiment in northeastern Syria was fragile. Without international recognition, and under constant threat from those who disliked their vision, maintaining stability was tough. Yet, the memory of defeating ISIS gave them confidence. They had achieved the impossible once; perhaps they could do it again, this time building a peaceful future.
For the women who fought, the battles now took different forms. Instead of trading bullets with ISIS, they struggled to ensure that women’s rights were not rolled back. They debated laws, enforced the constitution’s rules, and educated the young. Girls who grew up hearing stories of heroic female fighters knew that their futures could hold more than just marriage and housekeeping. Boys, too, learned that strong leaders could be women, and that respecting them brought strength to the community. This was a quiet revolution happening in classrooms, markets, and town halls across the region. It did not involve artillery fire or jets overhead. Instead, it involved the careful building of a society that valued every human being.
Though the future remains uncertain, the Kurdish women’s struggle shines as a powerful example. They show us that when people believe in something strongly—like equality and justice—they can achieve it, even against overwhelming odds. They prove that warriors can be women, that leaders can be women, that builders of peace can be women. No matter what tomorrow brings, the legacy of the Daughters of Kobani will live on. Their courage continues to echo through the streets of liberated cities, through the halls of newly formed political councils, and in the hearts of young girls who dare to dream bigger dreams. Even if old powers try to take back control, these women have made it clear: they will not be silenced, and their voices will shape the future.
All about the Book
Discover the remarkable journey of women fighters in Syria in ‘The Daughters of Kobani.’ This inspiring narrative showcases resilience, courage, and the fight for freedom, redefining the image of women in warfare and empowerment.
Gayle Tzemach Lemmon is a prominent author and journalist, known for her insightful narratives on women in conflict, bringing powerful stories to light with her impactful writing and in-depth research.
Journalists, Anthropologists, Gender Studies Scholars, Social Activists, Military Strategists
Reading about women’s rights, Studying military history, Following international news, Engaging in activism, Exploring Middle Eastern cultures
Gender equality, Women’s empowerment, War and conflict resolution, Human rights
In the face of adversity, we rise together, proving that even in the darkest moments, hope and strength can shine through.
Malala Yousafzai, Barack Obama, Cher
Nonfiction Book of the Year, Christopher Award, James Madison Award
1. Understand women’s impact in Syrian civil conflict. #2. Learn about Kurdish female fighters’ bravery. #3. Discover the fight against ISIS oppression. #4. Gain insight into Middle East gender dynamics. #5. Explore empowerment through armed self-defense. #6. Recognize women leading in warzones’ transformation. #7. Know YPJ’s role in Kobani’s liberation. #8. Examine Kurdish women’s struggle for equality. #9. Comprehend resilience amidst war-torn conditions. #10. Realize global influence of local female fighters. #11. Appreciate diverse roles women assume in combat. #12. Understand collaboration for gender equality. #13. Investigate socio-political constructs within ISIS conflicts. #14. Acknowledge female leadership in military strategies. #15. Insight into unity across cultural divides. #16. Assess women’s crucial roles in peacebuilding. #17. Explore narratives reshaping traditional gender roles. #18. Grasp women’s sacrifice for community safety. #19. Recognize strategic alliance formations during warfare. #20. Analyze feminist ideologies shaping international movements.
The Daughters of Kobani, Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, Kurdish women’s rights, women in combat, Syria conflict, ISIS fight, YPG and YPJ, feminism and war, Middle East women’s empowerment, gender equality in war, biography of Kurdish women, non-fiction war stories
https://www.amazon.com/Daughters-Kobani-Gayle-Tzemach-Lemmon/dp/0593137088
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