The last Butterflies

Three butterflies see a fire from afar. The first reaches it and returns, saying it is light. The second comes back, saying it is warm. The third flies closer and dissolves into the flames, never returning. To reach truth, one must sacrifice. For these female Kurdish guerrillas, this parable reflects their struggle. Most are from Kurdish regions of Iran and belong to the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), with the Women’s Protection Forces (HPJ) forming an all-female unit. They describe themselves as the third butterfly — the last butterflies — ready to sacrifice for freedom and Haqiqat — truth. Their role is especially significant as the PKK has formally declared a ceasefire and begun dissolving its armed structures, leaving HPJ as one of the few remaining armed forces committed to the Kurdish struggle. As tensions in the region grow, some fighters remain on standby in hidden border caves while others operate inside Iranian territory. Many took part in the Women, Life, Freedom uprising, and some are battle-hardened veterans from fights against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, including in Rojava. Beyond combat, they dedicate themselves to promoting gender equality, ecological awareness, and the preservation of the Kurdish language, while teaching other women self-protection against oppression and assimilation. For them, every patrol, every training exercise, and every shared moment of solidarity is a step toward a future where their struggle may again be called upon.