‘Ecofeminism for Kurdistan’: Hêlan Çiya Releases New Book
In June 2026, Kurdish writer, independent journalist, and women’s rights activist Hêlan Çiya published her new book, ‘Ecofeminism for Kurdistan’. The book is a bilingual Swedish–Kurdish edition and includes, for the first time, the original text in Badinî Kurdish.
In her new work, Çiya explores the relationship between women, nature, and the power structures that have historically and systematically exploited both, despite their fundamental importance to human existence. Drawing on a Kurdish perspective, she presents ecofeminism as an alternative framework for understanding and addressing the challenges facing women and the environment, highlighting the intersections between feminism and environmentalism.
Ecofeminism for Kurdistan builds on ecofeminist theory, historical narratives, and the lived experiences of Kurdish women. The book examines the interconnected causes and effects of war, displacement, environmental degradation, and patriarchal systems, analysing the way in which these forces shape both society and nature.
Through the lens of ecofeminism, Çiya also highlights the resilience of Kurdish women and their central role in protecting communities and the environment. The book presents ecofeminism as a framework for dignity, justice, and hope.
You can buy ‘Ecofeminism for Kurdistan’ by Hêlan Çiya here.
Hêlan Çiya
Hêlan Çiya is an Iraqi-Kurdish writer, independent journalist, and a women’s rights activist, writing in the fields of ecofeminism and honour culture. She has published her work in both print and online newspapers and magazines, being one of the few independent journalists in the region.
As a result of her professional activities as a female journalist, Çiya faced harassment, intimidation, and threats from various groups and individuals in the community and the region.
Between 2024 and 2025, Çiya was the ICORN resident in Malmö, Sweden, where she continues her work.
