European Parliamentarians, Journalists Visit  Council of Zenobia Women’s Gathering

The visiting delegation was received by representatives of the Zenobia Women’s Gathering. During the meeting, the spokesperson for the Gathering, Khoud Al-Issa, provided an overview of its mission and activities, stating: "The Gathering is a feminist institution committed to advancing women's freedom and organizing them within a framework that prioritizes women’s issues. Women have suffered under both the regime and ISIS, enduring marginalization and oppression. However, with the establishment of the Gathering, women have reclaimed a significant position in society."

Al-Issa added:"In 2011, we, as women, participated in the revolution against Assad's regime. The revolution brought us hope and revitalized our spirit, but it soon deviated from its objectives with the rise of armed factions, culminating in the oppression of ISIS. Women endured profound suffering under ISIS, facing systemic marginalization, displacement, stoning, enslavement, and even being sold. Those were the darkest days for women under ISIS's terrorist control, where women were stripped of all rights, confined to their homes, and silenced.

 "Hope was revived with the resistance of Kobani, where women fought valiantly against ISIS, defeating them in the city despite intense bombardment. The intervention of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the International Coalition was instrumental in liberating these areas. With the advance of these forces, supported by the Women's Protection Units (YPJ), liberation became a reality."

 The visiting delegation posed several questions, including inquiries about the situation in Manbij following its occupation by Turkish-backed mercenaries. The Gathering underscored the dire conditions in the city, marked by looting, exploitation, and sexual violence against women. They noted that Manbij was where the Zenobia Women’s Assembly initially formed, setting up peacebuilding centers and economic committees, establishing itself as a pioneering entity within society.

 On the topic of Syria’s new constitution, Al-Issa emphasized the pivotal role of women in shaping a new societal order, calling for the unequivocal recognition of women’s rights. She stressed the necessity of women playing a leading role in the Syrian national dialogue, ensuring their integration into the political process for a renewed and inclusive Syria.

 The meeting concluded with the delegation of parliamentarians and journalists collectively chanting the slogan: "Women, Life, Freedom."

a.k

ANHA