Yazidi Women Clear Landmines to Rebuild Sinjar
CISR
This headline is brought to you by the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery (CISR) which works to support resilience and recovery in global communities affected by war and conflict.
(New Arab) Ten years after the Islamic State (IS) group's genocidal assault on the Yazidis in Sinjar, Iraq, Yazidi women like Holya, Berivan, and Fahima are actively rebuilding their community. These survivors, who endured immense trauma, now work as deminers for the British charity Mines Advisory Group (MAG). Their efforts to clear landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) left behind by IS are vital for making Sinjar safe again.
Despite the significant progress made by MAG, including clearing 24 square kilometers of contaminated land, challenges remain. Many Yazidis still live in displacement camps, infrastructure is devastated, and justice for survivors is lacking. The women take immense pride in their work, which symbolizes their resilience and defiance against IS. Their contributions have also shifted traditional gender roles, showcasing their ability to take on various responsibilities within their community.
