In the war against the Islamic State, the only movement combating the jihadists with any effectiveness on the ground is the Kurdish resistance army. This movement is made up of both men and women fighters, forcing back the jihadists and reclaiming the land village by village. Through joining the resistance, Viyan and many other young women find freedom not only to fight, but to learn to read, write and lead. It is for this reason that many girls join the resistance, shaking off patriarchal constraints and futures already set out for them by their families. In their various roles within the resistance, these women have power and authority, even causing jihadi males to flee at their chants for fear of being killed a woman. We see the importance of the women and of the Kurdish resistance in the fight against ISIS, whilst exploring the contradictions of this Kurdish society that is modern and brave, but at the same time, conservative.
