Frashin Mervan

Shingal -Initiated by the Free Yazidi Women’s Movement (TAJÊ) in cooperation with the Union of Young Yazidi Women and the Autonomous Administration in Shingal, a unified awareness campaign titled “Don’t Kill Yourself, Every Suicide Is Genocide” was launched on October 30. The campaign comes in response to the alarming increase in suicide cases in the region.
The initiative seeks to address suicide among women, youth, and men within the community by raising awareness and pursuing realistic solutions. Since its launch, the issue has become a central topic of public discussion- particularly due to the leading role women play in driving the movement.


Yazidis Between Child Marriage, Psychological Collapse, and Suicide

Speaking to our agency, TAJÊ member Walêt Jano explained that the campaign was launched to confront the growing number of suicides within the Yazidi community-especially among women. She stated that the initiative is a well-planned step aimed at strengthening community awareness and developing realistic approaches to limit this alarming phenomenon.
Regarding the main causes behind the rise in suicides, Jano pointed to child marriage, saying: “Children as young as 12 or 13 are still being forced into marriage. They are just kids. Family upbringing plays a crucial role- if parents guide their children, talk to them, and teach them the meaning of real life, it would make a great difference.”
She added that the absence of family dialogue, lack of purpose, and poor awareness all lead young people to make destructive choices- such as early marriage, which often ends in failure and may ultimately drive them to suicide.
Jano also stressed that the prevailing state mentality prevents women from progressing, describing it as a form of psychological and gendered warfare:
“During the genocide, we witnessed countless tragedies—our mothers, daughters, and sons were killed, yet no one heard our voices. The Iraqi state and others have long carried out repressive policies against us, particularly targeting young women.”
She continued, “If my daughter wants to go out, work, or drive a car, she’s forbidden to do so under baseless excuses. This mentality restricts women and blocks their development. Why is our voice not heard? Why are so many limitations imposed on women?”
According to her, this systematic repression is the root cause behind the growing suicide rates among Yazidis, noting that women want to be independent and shape their own futures, but the state does not allow it. This psychological war, she said, has become one of the main triggers of mental breakdown and suicide among women.


“Protecting Ourselves and Our Land Against the Mentality of Oppression”
Walêt Jano emphasized the importance of community solidarity in confronting suicide:
“It is essential, especially for young women, to learn how to protect themselves. In the past, we didn’t know how to defend ourselves—that’s why genocide happened. But today, we are facing the mentality that pushes people toward suicide, and we refuse to surrender to it.”
She added, “My message is for women, youth, and men alike: just as we hold hands and dance at weddings, let’s hold hands to dance for a free life. Through the campaign ‘Don’t Kill Yourself, Every Suicide Is Genocide,’ we aim to stop this phenomenon and protect our lives and our land from ongoing threats.”
“We must all rise, unite, and strengthen our bond so that genocide never happens again—so that our mothers and sisters are never sold again. As long as we live, we will continue walking in the footsteps of those who were displaced and enslaved. The state has done nothing for us, nor does it intend to. Therefore, every Yazidi must rise, support one another, and protect themselves and their community.”


“Government Mentality Prevents Women from Building a Dignified Life”
Walêt Jano made a heartfelt appeal to women and youth through the campaign slogan “Don’t Kill Yourself—Every Suicide Is a Continuation of Genocide.” She urged them to protect themselves and their homeland, and to confront the mindset that leads to despair and self-destruction:
“My message, especially to women and youth, is not to be deceived by the government mentality that spreads frustration and hinders progress. We must not allow it to fuel suicide within our community. Every young man and woman should stand up, protect themselves, refuse to surrender, and join the self-defense forces—such as Asayish, the Shingal Resistance Units, and the Women’s Units of Shingal- because these institutions are extensions of our collective strength.”
She continued, “In areas where suicide occurs, we must confront the emotions that have been buried for years and remember our mothers and sisters who were sold in other countries. Our youth must reflect on these truths, empower themselves, and never forget the horrors of the 2014 genocide, despite the ruling mentality’s attempts to erase it.”
Walêt Jano concluded: “The enemy never stops trying to crush us psychologically, especially young women, preventing them from living with dignity. Therefore, we must all unite, stand against suicide, and build a future worthy of us- one free from genocide and oppression.”