The Yazidi Women’s Freedom Movement (TAJÊ) organised a march in the Yazidi town of Shengal (Sinjar) on Wednesday to mark 8 March, International Women’s Day.

Hundreds of Yazidi and Arab women attended the march vowing to “avenge thousands of women abducted by ISIS” during the genocidal onslaught on their hometown in August 2014.

Speaking after the march, TAJÊ Coordination Member Riham Hiço said: “We have been oppressed and subjected to atrocities for the past five years. Yazidi women are known for their resistance throughout history. The Yazidi faith attaches importance to the resistance of women. Dozens of Yazidi women have led this society with great heroic deeds.”

Speaking in the name of young women, Sara Botan said, “We, Yazidi women, welcome 8 March with great anger. We promise to avenge thousands of women who were abducted and fell into the captivity of mercenaries.”