Co-Presidency strengthens women's role in governance

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, marked annually on March 8, Mîzgîn Hasan spoke to ANHA Agency, stressing the profound significance of this day for women. She described it as a day of struggle against exploitation, oppression, and patriarchal mindsets that have subjugated women for millennia.

 Hassan noted that, under the Women's Revolution in North and East Syria, women have reached advanced levels of participation. She urged women to safeguard their achievements and to celebrate March 8 with enthusiasm. "Women must assert their will on this day," she stated. "In Syria, women are going through a turbulent phase, facing exclusion and marginalization. Therefore, they must take a stand against this reality."

 The Co-Presidency System: A Milestone for Women's Representation

 Hassan identified the co-presidency system as one of the most impactful achievements for women, ensuring their strong representation in administrative, political, diplomatic, and cultural spheres. Through the Women's Revolution, women have reached a level where they can establish their own institutions and debate an independent governance model. Women in North and East Syria have organized themselves through various bodies, such as the Women's Justice Council, the Women’s Council of North and East Syria, the Syrian Women’s Council, and the Women's Coordination Body. At the broader governance level, they have structured themselves within committees and councils. "Step by step, women will be able to build their own confederal system," she affirmed.

 Referring to the social contract currently in effect in North and East Syria, Hassan pointed out its numerous provisions concerning women. In addition to the co-presidency system, women hold 50% of governance representation. "A women-centric governance model is taking shape, where women organize within institutions, coordination bodies, and councils. All women's affairs and activities are discussed within this framework, and the final decision rests with this system," she explained. She further noted that the social contract guarantees women’s rights, classifying crimes against women—especially so-called 'honor crimes'—as criminal offenses.

 "Co-Presidency Brings Democracy"

 Elaborating on the significance of the co-presidency model, Hassan stated that it fosters deliberation and inclusive decision-making. "Women are the foundation of justice and equality. When decisions are made with women's perspectives taken into account, we can say with great confidence that they are far more likely to be just and balanced."

 "Autonomous Administration: A Solution-Oriented Model"

 Hassan described the Autonomous Administration as a novel governance model that prioritizes women's and people's rights, presenting itself as the optimal solution to Syria’s current challenges. "From an administrative perspective, the Autonomous Administration represents the most viable path for Syria, and it will serve as a solution for women as well."

 "Women Must Engage in Syria's New Phase"

 Hassan concluded by emphasizing that unless the rights of Syria's diverse communities and women are recognized, the current regime in Damascus will not succeed. She recalled women's historical struggles under the Ba'athist regime and their continued resistance against violence from both the Syrian regime and extremist groups such as ISIS.

 "Women have fought for years. Now, they must be part of the new phase in Syria and take their rightful place by all means necessary," she asserted.

a.k

ANHA