Call to expand co-presidency system across Syria

The co-presidencies of councils, municipalities, and civil institutions in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods of Aleppo evaluated the co-leadership system, its structure, effectiveness in promoting democracy in the region, and the challenges facing its implementation.

 Amina Bayram, the co-mayor of the People's Municipality in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, emphasized that “the co-leadership system, activated since the launch of the July 19 Revolution in North and East Syria, has proven itself as a successful administrative model.”

She pointed out that this system has confronted the authoritarian mindset that dominated for decades and marginalized women’s roles.

She added: “The co-leadership system succeeded in providing equal opportunities for both genders to participate in managing community affairs at various levels and challenged the exclusionary mentality that stripped women of their right to leadership.”

 Social Challenges and Ongoing Successes

 Bayram acknowledged that applying this system was not easy, especially in a society deeply rooted in backward concepts that reject women’s participation in governance.

However, she stressed that “women’s will, organization, and awareness enabled them to overcome these challenges and achieve the desired progress.”

She added that “the percentage of women’s representation in Syrian state institutions is still low and often merely symbolic, which weakens their real presence and reinforces the continuation of a patriarchal mindset.”

 Return to Natural Roots of Life

 Manaf Jaafar, co-chair of the Yazidi House in Aleppo, stated that “the co-leadership system restores life to its natural roots and reinforces the concept of free living.” He explained that this system has been in place since the establishment of the self-administrations in North and East Syria in 2014, from Afrin to Derik.

He noted that “changing the patriarchal mentality, which has been deeply rooted for thousands of years, is not easy and requires a long-term struggle.”

 System Reflecting New Democratic Awareness

 Jaafar affirmed that women have proven their ability to perform administrative and political duties as competently as men, asserting that the difference between them is purely biological, while capabilities are shaped by socially imposed roles and systems.

“Women’s patience, awareness, and determination in leadership positions have made them a stable and influential element in managing community affairs," he said.

 He also mentioned the admiration of international intellectuals for the model, such as American philosopher Noam Chomsky, who expressed his support for the system during his communication with students from Rojava University.

 Understanding Essence of the System is Key to Success

 Despite the praise, Jaafar warned that “many challenges remain due to a misunderstanding of the essence of this system. Therefore, it is essential to delve into the thought and philosophy of leader Abdullah Ocalan to properly understand and effectively apply co-leadership.”

 Partnership Based on Competence and Awareness

 For her part, Alifa Hassan, co-chair of the Martyr Cengiz Council, confirmed that “the co-leadership system is a successful and advanced experience, with a significant positive impact on society, as it achieves gender justice.”

 She emphasized the importance of selecting the right individuals to take on these responsibilities, clarifying that neither men nor women can manage society alone. Rather, both must complement each other and be given opportunities based on awareness and competence—not on favoritism or token representation.

 Alifa Hassan concluded her remarks by calling on the transitional government in Syria to adopt this system in its institutions, for democratizing society and promoting stability.

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ANHA