Imagine a life under the repressive and extreme violence of ISIS. Where being a woman is viewed as an object to be used, sold, raped, abused, forced into unwanted marriages, and murdered. Well thankfully there are women like Asia Ramazan, who are willing to speak up, take us arms with the military and fight back.
“Asia Ramazan Antar was killed fighting IS militants. She was, according to Western media, a poster-girl for her people, admired as much for her striking good looks as her military prowess. But for her fellow fighters, Asia Ramazan Antar’s portrayal in the press and social media came as both a surprise and disappointment. The 19-year-old, from the Syrian Kurdish city of Qamishli, was killed by Islamic State (IS) militants in northern Syria last month.”
“The Kurdish Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), to which Asia Ramazan Antar belonged, say their philosophy is simplicity and modesty. No-one is judged based on his or her appearance, shape or size. Individuals, they say, make personal sacrifices for the collective good. Last year, despite resistance from conservative religious groups, female fighters pushed Syrian Kurdistan to pass progressive laws that make violence against women, forced marriage and polygamy illegal. An all-women police unit was created to implement the law.”
Asia was fighting on the front lines, she was a team leader, qualified machine gunner and serving along side other soldiers. She lost several family members. She was not just brave to speak up about women’s rights but she died for it. As for comments on her and other soldiers looking like a Hollywood beauty?
“They have nothing in common with them. They prefer to die rather than live under one of the most anti-women groups in the world.”
Is this the definition of a Hollywood star or the definition the sacrifice of a soldier who fights for freedom? We honour our Veterans and these women are equally valuable for the safety of women living under the threat of ISIS.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37337908