Kurdish female fighters, particularly the women of the YPJ (Women's Protection Units), have gained international recognition for their bravery and determination in fighting against ISIS and defending their communities in northern Syria. These women are part of a long-standing Kurdish tradition of female fighters, advocating not only for their people but also for gender equality. In addition to the YPJ, Kurdish women have been involved in the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party) in Turkey and other Kurdish militias across Iraq and Iran.

Kurdish female fighters are celebrated not only for their military skills but for their role in challenging traditional gender roles in the Middle East. Many of them view their fight as both a struggle for Kurdish autonomy and women's liberation, promoting values like democracy, equality, and secularism. Their courage has inspired women worldwide and has become a symbol of resistance against oppression and extremism