Born: 1891 (Sulaymaniyah)
Died: 1953
Biography:
Hapsa Khan, Kurdish feminist and nationalist leader, made lasting contributions to the advancement of women’s education and rights in Iraq. Born in 1891 in Sulaymaniyah to an influential Kurdish family, Hapsa emerged as a prominent figure in the fight for gender equality and Kurdish self-determination.
From an early age, Hapsa displayed a strong sense of determination and a fervent desire to challenge the status quo. In 1926, she played a pivotal role in establishing the first school for girls in Sulaymaniyah, known as Silêmanî. Undeterred by the prevailing social norms, Hapsa embarked on a mission to enroll as many girls as possible, even personally visiting homes to convince parents to prioritize their daughters’ education. Her efforts marked a significant step forward in expanding educational opportunities for Kurdish women.
Hapsa’s tireless advocacy for women’s rights extended beyond educational reforms. She founded the Kurdish Women’s Association, an organization dedicated to empowering Kurdish women and championing their political and social participation. With a strong conviction that women’s empowerment was essential for the overall progress of society, Hapsa tirelessly worked to empower Kurdish women, equipping them with the necessary tools to be active agents of change.
Notably, Hapsa’s influence extended beyond the Kurdish community. Lotte Errell, a German photographer who met Hapsa Khan, described her as a remarkable woman whose mere presence commanded respect, even from her husband. Such descriptions attest to Hapsa’s exceptional leadership qualities and her ability to challenge the traditional gender dynamics of her time.
Hapsa’s commitment to the Kurdish cause was exemplified through her marriage to Sheikh Qadir Hafid, a prominent Kurdish leader and the brother of Mahmud Barzanji, a key figure in the resistance against British occupation. Together, they played crucial roles in the struggle for Kurdish independence. Hapsa provided financial support to the resistance, mobilized individuals to join the cause, and organized protests in Sulaymaniyah. Her unwavering dedication to Kurdish rights earned her recognition as a valuable asset to the movement.
In 1930, Hapsa boldly penned a letter to the League of Nations, advocating for the recognition of Kurdish rights and the establishment of a Kurdish state. Her courageous stance added momentum to the growing calls for self-determination and drew international attention to the plight of the Kurdish people.
When Qazi Muhammad declared the Republic of Mahabad in 1946, Hapsa staunchly supported the decision to assert Kurdish independence. Her unwavering commitment to the Kurdish cause was deeply rooted in her belief in the inherent rights of Kurdish people to determine their own destiny.
After her passing in 1953, Hapsa Khan’s legacy continued to inspire generations of Kurdish women. Her former residence was transformed into a school, symbolizing her indelible mark on the pursuit of education and gender equality. Her relentless advocacy for women’s rights and her unyielding dedication to the Kurdish cause established her as a trailblazer in both women’s history and Kurdish history.