Book launch: Gendered Experiences of Genocide: Anfal Survivors in Kurdistan- Iraq
Posted on 15. Apr, 2011 by KSSO in News
Book launch and seminar: Gendered Experiences of Genocide: Anfal Survivors in Kurdistan- Iraq
Please come and join us in the celebration of 4 years of Dr Choman Hardi’s hard work.
Speaker: Dr Choman Hardi
Date/time: 23rd April 2011 @ 6 p.m.
Venue: Rivercourt Methodist Church, Kings Street Hammersmith W6 9JT, Tel: 02087411348, Nearest Station: Ravenscourt Park
Organised by KSSO and Kurdish Association
A summary of the book will be presented and then copies of the book will be available for signing.
This book examines Kurdish women’s experience of destruction, gassing, forced displacement, the disappearance of loved ones, and incarceration during the Anfal campaign. It explores the survival strategies of these women in the aftermath of genocide. By bringing together and highlighting women’s own testimonies, Choman Hardi reconstructs the
Anfal narrative in contrast to the current prevailing one which is highly politicised, simplified, and nationalistic. It also addresses women’s silences about sexual abuse and rape in a patriarchal society which holds them responsible for having been a victim of sexual violence.
Reviews of the book:
‘Gendered Experiences of Genocide is a valuable resource and a compelling account of Saddam Hussein’s war against the Kurds. Dr Hardi’s thorough study illuminates this under-researched subject with clarity and restraint, and her command of the facts and analysis of survivors’ narratives make for gripping reading. It is a must read for anyone interested in gender and genocide.’ Dr. Myrna Goldenberg, Independent Scholar on Gender and the Holocaust
‘Abandoned by the outside world and the international community, these women’s memories are a shuddering cry of desolation. This is a book about murder, suffering, and the illegal and terrible acts of those who had the power to decide the fate of so many. We who listen to and read these stories not only have much to learn from them; we must also strive to ensure that their urgent present day needs are met.’ Prof. Selma Leydesdorff, University of Amsterdam, Writer on the voices of the women of Srebrenica
