Women Guard Beside Men
These women say being a village guard is not their occupation....but their mission. It’s no longer just men who are protecting villages. Women also play an increasingly vital role in guarding them. The terror threats of the outlawed PKK are very much alive across 22 southeastern provinces of Turkey. Villages can even be more vulnerable. But the women have taken the battle to the militants. hey hope they will play a role in eliminating the PKK one day - so they can raise their children away from the shadow of guns. ut the fight is not just about defending villages. Village guards -both men and women- are known targets of PKK killings and kidnappings. And that’s even during the peace process. Now, the peace process has been shelved and villages in southeastern Turkey have become even more exposed to PKK attacks. They need to be protected and women play an essential role. They stand guard during the day, while men take over the duty at night.
On Guard Day Through the Day
When it’s time to resume their shifts, the female guards keep an eye out on the village in duty stations as high as 400 metres. The women wear their local outfits - but with military caps and jackets over their clothing. And their AK-47 assault rifles are part of their daily apparel. They also go out in the field with soldiers to train or to patrol the area. There have been times when they’ve had to engage in armed conflict with PKK militants while out in the field. During training, women learn how t o use weapons and ways of responding to attacks. The initial training runs for two weeks. Women then take an oath and become village guards. But it doesn’t end there. All village guards, including these women, receive a further week of training every six months at the commands they’re assigned to. It gives them a chance to brush up on their shooting skills and know-how.
Mothers at Home
When night falls, these women return home. Most of them are mothers and have children who need attention. Taking care of the needs at home can be challenging. But these women have to guard their village, as well. But it’s become normal part of their lives - because for them, the threat of terror is real. It’s a difficult job with great risks. But these women say it’s worth it, if it will help bring peace to Turkey.
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