Calls for Syrian women to unite their efforts to secure their constitutional rights

The voices of women demanding their rights and playing an active part in determining the future of Syria are growing stronger. In this regard, a number of activists and officials from women’s and civil organizations in the city of al-Darbasiyah have been speaking to our organization.

Zubaida Hussein, an official in the Women’s Council of the Democratic Islamic Conference, confirmed that the role of women in the new Syria is still very small, as women remain marginalized and excluded

She added that any new constitution for the country must guarantee women their rightful role and meaningful participation in various political and social fields, stressing that women are capable of bringing about change under all circumstances.

Zubaida called for expanding the struggle to secure and defend women's rights, saying: "The interim government is pursuing policies that exclude women from decision-making positions. Therefore, it is essential that we remain vigilant in this regard and unite our ranks to defend our rights, our identity, and assert our presence in all fields of work."

She explained that women in North and East Syria, and Kurdish women in particular, continue to wage an ongoing struggle to affirm their existence and identity, emphasizing that the coming phase must bring genuine change that guarantees women their rightful place in all spheres.

For her part, Zaini Ali, a member of the al-Darbasiyah City Council, pointed out that the July 19th Revolution, which began in Rojava and North and East Syria, marked a pivotal turning point in the lives of women, as women emerged as one of the revolution’s main pillars.

She added that women played a prominent role in fighting ISIS/Daesh mercenaries and proved their ability to succeed and contribute in the military, political, and social spheres, stressing that women are no longer confined to a single role but have become active partners in all aspects of life.

Zaini Ali warned that violence against women continues and that genuine guarantees for women’s rights remain absent in Syria even after the fall of the Ba'ath regime. She called on women to unite and resist all attempts to exclude them from the country’s political landscape, and to work toward building a democratic Syria that guarantees their rights and ensures their full participation.

In turn, Fatima Kalash, an administrator in Kongra Star in the city of al-Darbasiyah, affirmed that the July 19th Revolution, whose 14th anniversary falls this month, marked a significant historical milestone for women, during which they demonstrated their ability to resist and persevere in both the political and military arenas.

She added that the recent developments in Syria have revealed continued attempts to marginalize women and keep them away from positions of influence, noting that women across Syria continue to demand their rights and equality after many years of struggle to reach their current position.

She stressed that women are the foundation of society and a central pillar in its development, emphasizing the necessity of women's unity and collective action to confront the mentality of exclusion. She also explained that, thanks to emancipatory thought and their continuous struggle, women have become more aware of their rights and more capable of playing their true role in society.

Fatima concluded by highlighting the importance of the continued existence of the Women's Protection Units (YPJ), stressing that these units play a pivotal role in protecting women, in addition to their role in fighting ISIS/Daesh mercenaries. She emphasized that building a truly democratic Syria will not be possible without women's participation and the full guarantee of their rights in both the constitution and society.

ANHA