First women's conference of TEV-DEM kicks off

This morning, the first conference of the Movement for a Democratic Society was launched at the level of North and East Syria under the slogan "An organized woman is a guarantee for building a democratic society," with the participation of 375 delegates. It is being held at the Serdem Hall in the city of Hasaka, in the Jazira Canton of North and East Syria.

The conference was attended by members of institutions affiliated with the Autonomous Administration, the Zenobia Women's Gathering, and Kongra Star.

The event began with a minute of silence, followed by a speech by Ramziya Mohammed, the co-chair of the Movement for a Democratic Society, in which she emphasized the importance of holding the conference. She began her speech by saluting all the struggling women who gave their lives for the revolution.

She also praised the resistance of the fighters in the Tishrin Dam battle, saying, "The efforts made by women in the revolution can turn into a historical legacy."

Ramziya Mohammed called on all women to continue the path initiated by Leader Abdullah Ocalan, stating: "The point at which Leader Abdullah Ocalan began must be continued, and we must uphold the slogan of peace. Women in North and East Syria should transfer their experiences to all regions of the Middle East."

Then, Foza Youssef, a member of the Co-Chairs of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), gave a speech in which she highlighted the challenges faced by women and condemned the crimes committed against them, stressing that such violations must not be met with silence.

Foza Youssef also condemned the decision of the Damascus authorities to appoint mercenary Hatem Abu Shuqra, who was responsible for the assassination of Hevrin Khalaf, Secretary-General of the Future Syria Party, as the leader of the 86th Division. She said, "The case of Hevrin Khalaf is our cause, and we will continue to escalate our struggle until the perpetrators are brought to justice."

She also addressed the situation in North and East Syria, highlighting the importance of maintaining security and the role of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), Internal Security Forces – Women, and the Community Protection Forces – Women in combating discrimination against women.

In conclusion, Foza Youssef stressed the need for serious steps in this direction, affirming that the progress of the movement depends on the unity of women’s forces and their joint efforts toward victory.

"The legacy of women’s struggle continues, and the Rojava revolution was led by them"

For her part, Bêrîvan Khalid, a member of the Women’s Coordination in Kongra Star, emphasized the central role women play in the Movement for a Democratic Society, congratulating all the martyrs on the holding of the conference. She said: "Today we honor the legacy of women’s ongoing struggle. Women were at the forefront of the Rojava Revolution and continue to play a leading role."

She added: "We have reached this stage thanks to the philosophy of ‘Women, Life, Freedom.’ Women have proven their effective presence in various institutions and fields and continue their work with determination and a firm will."

She pointed out that "The current stage Syria and the Middle East are going through requires greater cohesion," affirming: "We are confident in our ability to achieve victory. As for the authorities in Damascus, which still cling to their authoritarian and sexist mentality, they will achieve nothing."

A speech was also delivered by Jawaher Othman, a member of the Women’s Council of the Council of Martyrs' Families, who stated that women possess the capacity to change all prevailing patriarchal mentalities and that what has been achieved so far is the result of their determination and strong will.

She said: "We have proven to the world that we are powerful, and thanks to the determination of women, victory will become a tangible reality."

The conference continues with the reading of the internal regulations and is scheduled to conclude with elections for the presidency and members of the Women’s Council.

A-H

ANHA