by Tursunjan, December 22, 2023
Washington, D.C. A new book, “Uyghur Women Activists in the Diaspora: Restorying a Genocide,” amplifies the voices of ten Uyghur women who fled China’s repression and are now using their experiences to advocate for their people. Authored by Susan J. Palmer, Dilmurat Mahmut, Abdulmuqtedir Udun, and others, the book delves into the personal journeys of these women, offering intimate insights into their transformations from witnesses to activists.
Uyghur women have been active role models and changemakers in every aspect of Uyghur life for centuries, enjoying respect and high positions throughout history, from Tumaris to Amannisahan, from Jallat Hinim to Rizwangul, from Nuzugum to Rabiya Kadeer. An article titled “Uyghur Women Are China’s Victims—and Resistance,” published in Foreign Policy in 2021, also highlighted the lives of some Uyghur women activists in the diaspora.
According to the book’s description, drawing on interviews conducted between 2020 and 2021, the book captures the escalating tensions and turning points that shaped the lives of these women in East Turkestan/Xinjiang during the 1970s and 1990s. Each woman faced ethnic discrimination firsthand, prompting her to seek refuge in Western countries before 2005. Now, they stand united in their unwavering commitment to being the voice of their silenced and detained kin back home.
The stories of Uyghur women activists are diverse and impactful, featuring individuals such as Zubayra Shamseden, Rushan Abbas, Rahima Mahmut, Rukiye Turdush, Arzu Gul, Raziya Mahmut, Dilnur Reyhan, Gulcherha Hoja, Zumrat Dawut, and Mihrigul Tursu. Each of these remarkable women has faced unique challenges and played a significant role in advocating for the rights and voices of the Uyghur community. Their narratives reflect resilience, courage, and a commitment to bringing attention to the issues faced by Uyghurs, particularly those silenced or detained in the Uyghur homeland by the CCP.
Rushan Abbas, Founder and Executive Director of Campaign For Uyghurs, said on X, “My heartfelt congratulations to Susan J. Palmer, Dilmurat Mahmut, and Abdulmuqtedir Udun for their publication of the incredible book ‘Uyghur Women Activists in the Diaspora.’ It’s an honor to be featured alongside such inspiring Uyghur activists.”
“Uyghur Women Activists in the Diaspora” goes beyond mere storytelling. It delves into the complex interplay of religion, politics, and psychology that fueled the women’s evolving self-identities and ideologies. Notably, the book sheds light on the emergence of a distinct Uyghur-Muslim feminism within their activism, highlighting the unique challenges and strengths these women bring to the global fight for human rights.
Through their powerful narratives, the book exposes the competing narratives surrounding the dire situation in East Turkestan. By “restorying a genocide,” as the title suggests, these women actively challenge the erasure of their experiences and demand international recognition of the injustices they and their community face.
“Uyghur Women Activists in the Diaspora” serves as a potent testament to the resilience and courage of Uyghur women.
