Nawal El Saadawi, an Egyptian feminist writer, activist, physician and psychiatrist, commended the Kurdish women for their important role in the fight against the so called the Islamic State in Kobanê town of West Kurdistan, Rojava.

In a letter praising the struggle of female fighters in the besieged town, El Saadawi said that; “The Kurdish women proved courage and great bravery in achieving victory against the ISIL terrorists in Kobanî, and it is our duty to recognize them. The women fighting in Kobanê are defending the identity and honour of the world's women.”

The Egyptian activist pointed out that the Kurdish women in Rojava, northern Syria, a part of the oriental Islam, were waging an intense fight against ISIS, and that their battle was against the male-dominated patriarchal system and for a free world and democracy.

Also putting emphasis on gender equality, Nawal El Saadawi stated that the Kurdish women in Kobanê have shown the whole world that there is no difference between women and men, and that women can be ahead of men in many areas.

Making a reference to the salafi ideas of ISIS gangs, El Saadawi said; “Gang leaders tell their members that they cannot go to heaven in the event of being killed by a woman. This discourse spreads fear among the gangs.”

Nawal El Saadawi who also laid emphasis on the importance of solidarity with the Kurdish women in their battle continued; “We need to see the power and value of the Kurdish women's struggle. We need to support them actively and avoid a solidarity based on great remarks and statements alone.”

The Egyptian writer underlined that approach towards women in global aspect hasn't undergone significant changes in relation with religions and faiths, adding; “I do not see this culture as belonging to the east or the west, or to Islam and Christianity. The cruelty imposed on women cannot be attributed to Islam. The religions fail to attach value and worth on women whom they regard as slaves.”

In 1972, Nawal El Saadawi published her first work of non-fiction,Women and Sex, which evoked the antagonism of highly placed political and theological authorities, confronting and contextualising various aggressions perpetrated against women's bodies, including female circumcision. Other works include The Hidden Face of Eve, God Dies by the Nile, The Circling Song, Searching, The Fall of the Imam and Woman at Point Zero.

As a consequence of the book as well as her political activities, Saadawi was dismissed from her position at the Ministry of Health. She was imprisoned in September of 1981 and was released later that year.

In 1988, when her life was threatened by Islamist and political persecution, Saadawi was forced to flee Egypt. She moved back to her country in 1996.