Activists: Women’s rights must be enshrined in Syria’s new constitution

Two Syrian activists affirmed that the upcoming phase in Syria requires consolidating the gains women have achieved over 14 years of struggle within a genuine and effective constitution that explicitly guarantees their rights.

A decentralized Syria: A guarantee for women’s rights and all components

Social and feminist activist Afaf Haski said:
“Building a democratic decentralized Syria constitutes the fundamental guarantee for protecting the rights of women and all components of society.”

She emphasized that women must occupy an advanced position during the transitional phase and that their demands should be clearly included in the new constitution, drawing on the experience women have undergone over the past years in Rojava.

Afaf Haski added that women have made great sacrifices and managed to protect their achievements despite numerous challenges. Therefore, these gains must now be consolidated within a comprehensive legal framework that ensures their continuity in the new Syria.

Women’s identity and constitutional rights

Afaf pointed out that one of the key demands is amending laws that restrict children’s identity to that of the father only, so that the mother’s identity is also legally recognized. She stressed that this step is essential to achieving equality within both the family and society.

She also called for the new constitution to include clear provisions guaranteeing women’s right to work and education without discrimination, as well as their effective participation in political life, with 50% representation in state institutions. She emphasized that explicitly including these rights would protect them from any future erosion.

Afaf Haski noted that the presence of clear constitutional clauses guaranteeing women’s rights would legally protect women and prevent any future infringement on those rights.

A strict law to protect women from violence

She also stressed the importance of incorporating an effective law to combat violence against women, along with an independent judiciary that ensures accountability for perpetrators of violations. She further called for guaranteeing women’s freedom to express themselves and participate without exclusion or marginalization, especially after all that women have contributed during the years of revolution and war.

Displaced women and safe return

In the context of reconstruction, Afaf Haski highlighted the suffering of displaced women from the cities of Serekaniye (Ras al-Ain), Girê Spî (Tal Abyad), Afrin, and Shahba.

She stressed the need to guarantee safe and voluntary return in accordance with international law, under protection that ensures dignity and security, particularly for women who have been subjected to violations.

Afaf explained:
“Our demands include establishing a special law that protects women in conflict zones and guarantees their security within those areas.”

The social and feminist activist concluded by emphasizing that protecting women’s achievements and ensuring their equal participation in decision-making are the foundation for building a safe, democratic, and just Syria for all its sons and daughters.

Responsibility to preserve women’s achievements

For her part, feminist activist Maha Maei said that women played a pivotal role in the July 19th Revolution, known as the Women’s Revolution.

She pointed out that women were able to organize themselves, participate in elections, and activate institutions dedicated to them, which constituted an advanced experience compared with the situation of women in the rest of the country.

Maha stressed that these achievements must be preserved in the coming phase through clear and enforceable constitutional provisions that protect women’s rights to education, work, and political participation.

Continuing the struggle until the goals are achieved

She emphasized that women who confronted terrorism and defended their society cannot return to the margins; rather, they must be key partners in shaping the country’s future.

She concluded that protecting women’s achievements and ensuring their equal participation in decision-making represent the foundation for building a safe, democratic, and just Syria for all its citizens.

ANHA