Women of Komala

Kurdistan has a storied and turbulent past, marked by a relentless struggle forself-determinationand survival. Kurdish women have been at the forefront of this struggle: their lives are a testament to resilience in the face of relentless adversity, as they navigate the complexities of revolution and the quest forfreedom andequality. This groundbreaking book is the first comprehensive study of leftist women guerrillas in Iranian Kurdistan, predating the emergence of women fighters in Rojava bymore than three decades.Focusing on Komala (1979-1991), a radical Kurdish-Iranian organisationpioneeringthe inclusion ofwomen as combatants,Women of Komalaexamines the lives and political participation of marginalised women. Drawing on extensive interviews with former members, the book analyses subjects rarely addressed within Kurdish politicalparties, including familial, social, and organisational obstacles; gendered organisational dynamics; patriarchy; the issue of children; and the sexual division of roles within families andthe party. This rich account situates Komala within the political context of the 1979 Revolutionand its aftermath, shedding light on the importance of critical reflectionon gender relations during this pivotal periodin the history ofKurdistan andIran.