Afaq Al-Mar’a Magazine launches new issue on democratic integration

Today, Afaq Al-Mar’a releases its 18th issue under the title “Democratic Integration,” coinciding with a new phase of editorial and structural changes aimed at broadening its mission and providing content more closely connected to the realities of women in Syria.

The new changes affect the magazine’s structure, including the number of pages, publishing policy, and the nature of topics to be covered in future issues, in line with the social and political transformations experienced by Syrian women.

The latest issue features a special dossier on “Women’s Rights in Syria and Their Role in the Current Phase,” particularly following the introduction of the concept of “Democratic Integration” after the call issued by Abdullah Öcalan on February 27, 2025. The issue also discusses several questions related to this concept, including mechanisms for integration among revolutionary forces in the region, the position of women and society within this project, and its compatibility with the existing state structure.

Editor-in-Chief Dilan Othman stated that the changes stem from the current phase’s need for “social empowerment of women that goes beyond abstract political discourse.” She emphasized the importance of women leading the process of building an integrated society and reshaping the social structure after decades of constitutional and legal marginalization.

Dilan noted that throughout its journey, the magazine has served as a bridge between women in the region and women across the Arab world, bringing together contributors from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, including Arab, Kurdish, Turkmen, Armenian, and Circassian women, giving it a unique place in women’s journalism.

She added that the new modifications include reducing the magazine’s size from 132 pages to 64 pages, with a stronger focus on concentrated intellectual and written content, while shifting from a politically focused magazine to a socio-cultural and intellectual publication.

On the new issue, Dilan explained that women play a central role in its themes, with articles and reports focusing on participation mechanisms and promoting the idea of women being at the forefront of community building.

Development of Writing Across the Magazine’s Issues

Magazine editor Samia Al-Kurdi said that Afaq Al-Mar’a seeks through its themes to highlight women’s achievements and aspirations. She noted that women’s writing has evolved with successive issues and that the magazine has successfully conveyed the experiences of women in North and East Syria to the world.

Samia pointed out that many women have contacted the magazine to learn about experiences of awareness and organization in North and East Syria and to understand ways of obtaining their rights. She added that the magazine also publishes its content through social media platforms to reach women who do not have access to the printed edition.

She concluded by saying: “Our society today needs strong, ambitious, and resilient women, and this is what we strive to promote through every issue we address.”

Afaq Al-Mar’a magazine was founded on January 1, 2023. Its first issue was published on May 20 of the same year, while printing and distribution began on June 20, 2023. The magazine is published every two months in Arabic and is also available online.

The magazine was initially launched as an intellectual, political, and cultural platform before undergoing a series of changes that transformed it into a socio-cultural and intellectual magazine with a feminist orientation. Throughout its journey, it has provided a platform for women’s voices from across the Middle East and sought to serve as a bridge connecting them.

Writers from Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, and other Arab countries regularly contribute to the magazine, focusing on local issues while highlighting women’s experiences in North and East Syria.

Those interested in reading the magazine’s issues, including the latest edition, can access details through the magazine’s official website: afaqalmaeraa.com

ANHA