Fawza Yousef: Peace doesn't begin with threats

The member of the Presidential Committee of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) referred to the current political situation in Syria since the collapse of the Ba’ath regime. She explained that the steps taken by the transitional government were marked by marginalization and denial of Syria’s diverse components, which weakened the project of building an inclusive democratic government.

Her remarks came during her participation in the conference titled “The Women’s Alliance as a Basis for Building Justice and Democracy in a Decentralized Unified Syria”, held today in the city of Hasakah. The event brought together political and legal figures, activists, intellectuals, and Arab tribal leaders from North and East Syria—including Damascus, Aleppo, and coastal areas—alongside participants from Sweida joining via Zoom.

Fawza Yousef highlighted the pivotal role of women in achieving freedom and democracy, warning against the persistence of threatening rhetoric in the Syrian dialogue. She said that “real peace does not begin with threats, and the women’s revolution in North and East Syria is the foundation for achieving freedom.” She also pointed out that the so-called “constitutional declaration” issued by the transitional government in Syria requires amendment to ensure women’s rights and their position in the future government.

She underlined that this conference serves as a platform for unifying women’s ranks and achieving essential demands, most notably, amending the constitutional declaration to include a “women’s constitution” that safeguards women’s rights and ensures their full participation in political life. She honored the martyrs who gave their lives defending women’s rights, stressing that women, through their struggle, established a true revolution for freedom.

Regarding the parliamentary elections planned by the transitional government, Yousef criticized the government’s disregard for women and Syrian communities. She highlighted ongoing violations and killings of women, as well as the targeting of female leaders, politicians, and journalists, in addition to smear campaigns that employ immoral language to intimidate women.

Speaking at the conference, she stressed that ISIS mercenaries failed to break the will of the women of North and East Syria or halt their struggle. She recalled the assassination of Hevrin Khalaf and the attack on Arin Mirkan, yet affirmed that “thousands of women like Hevrins and Arins” continue the struggle with determination. She added: “We do not fear any threat.”

Yousef criticized the contradictory discourse of the transitional government, pointing out that calls for dialogue are accompanied by hate speech on social media, which risks dividing Syria and dragging it into civil war. She reiterated that peace does not begin with threats, but with dialogue.

She also referred to Turkey’s role in Syria, stating that the Turkish occupation continues and that the transitional government has failed to take a clear position. She reminded the audience of recent Turkish threats to launch a military attack on the region, asking: “Where is the solution? Where is the real Syrian-Syrian dialogue if it comes with threats? Peace does not begin with intimidation, but with dialogue and recognition of the rights of all communities.”

Concluding her remarks, Fawza Yousef  reaffirmed that North and East Syria represents a miniature Syria, bringing together all components and communities while protecting itself from terrorism and external threats. She underlined that their true identity lies in brotherhood, democracy, and coexistence, and that women’s rights must be a cornerstone of any future constitution.

She sent greetings and solidarity to the women of Afrin, Serêkaniyê, and Girê Spî, affirming that efforts are ongoing to secure their safe return and liberate those subjected to violations, as part of the broader struggle to protect women’s rights and ensure their full participation in the future of Syria.

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ANHA