Fawza Yousef: Optimal future for Syria is model of Autonomous Administration

With the participation of numerous activists, intellectuals, and leaders of the women's movement and organizations from North and East Syria, the Women's Consultative Forum is currently taking place in Hasaka, under the title "Let’s Build a Democratic Syria Together."

The forum observed in a moment of silence, followed by several speeches, including one from Rehan Loqo, the spokesperson for the Kongra Star and another by Aven Sued, the Co-chair of the Executive Council of North and East Syria. A speech was also delivered by the member of the joint presidency of the Democratic Union Party.

Yousef remembered all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of women's liberation and the protection of the region, honoring the resistance of the women fighters in the Tishrin Dam and the Qaraqozak Bridge.

Yousef congratulated Syrian women on the fall of the Ba'ath regime, stating, “I congratulate the Syrian women fighters who have been, and continue to be, on the front lines in the battle against oppression and tyranny. They have proven to the world that women are not only partners in the revolution but also its leaders, guiding everyone toward a better future. The liberation of Syria from the grip of the Ba'ath regime marked a pivotal moment in our history, but the struggle continues. The Syrian woman in North and East Syria has always been, and remains, a symbol of resilience and defiance.”

She added, “The experience of Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria represents a unique model in the history of women's struggle. For over 13 years, despite all challenges and obstacles, this experience has successfully achieved a significant awareness leap for women in all areas of life. At a time when voices were rising at the beginning of the Syrian revolution to marginalize women and prevent their participation, the women in Autonomous Administration have proven that they are capable of leadership and taking the initiative.”

Yousef continued, “The institutions of Autonomous Administration, which encompass all components and sects of the Syrian people, have demonstrated that a participatory approach that grants women their right to leadership is the only path to building a just and equal society. Today, women in North and East Syria no longer wait for their rights to be granted; they have become decision-makers.”

She highlighted the resistance of women in North and East Syria, stating, “We cannot ignore what is happening in Damascus, where we see a resurgence of radical male-dominated thinking. The new Syrian regime, instead of learning from the experience of Autonomous Administration, has chosen to exclude women and limit their roles. Women's representation is confined to a single figure, and unfortunately, her initial statements are hostile toward her own gender, claiming that a woman's role is limited to the home and raising children. This regressive mindset is a desperate attempt to return women to a state of servitude and subjugation to male dominance.”

Yousef asserted, “The future of Syria is what women in the North and East of the country are creating. The future of Syria is the model of Autonomous Administration, where women are leaders, educators, fighters, and politicians.”

In conclusion, Fawza Yousef emphasized that “the dream of Syrian women is to build a free, decentralized, democratic, and equal Syria, where women are full partners in all aspects of life. We call on all Syrian women across all regions and sects to stand united to achieve this noble goal and to provide a model for future generations.”

a.k

ANHA