Ilham Ahmed: All efforts aim to enhance women's empowerment, representation

The symposium "Geopolitics of Kurdistan and the Status of Women" began its work today in Sulaimaniyah, in Southern Kurdistan, in which women, activists, and politicians from all four sectors of Kurdistan are participating.

In her video message to the participants of the symposium, the Co-Chair of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Autonomous Administration, Ilham Ahmed, pointed out that the process of integration started with the intention to secure the rights of the Kurds and women in the Syrian constitution.

“However, this process is still going on, and for now, there are only some disputes over the integration of women, specifically the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ). Women are not involved in decision-making mechanisms, which shows that women are used as instruments instead of recognizing their will as something independent and allowing them to participate in strategic decision-making processes.”

Ilham Ahmed mentioned the strategy of the Syrian Interim Government and referred to a patriarchal mentality, adding, “All our actions are aimed at the ability of women to represent themselves in their territories and to be able, specifically in military terms, to protect themselves and their community.”

Moreover, she emphasized the necessity of unity, stating, “The thing that we need now is to unite internally and build our society. Women can organize themselves within this context and fulfill their tasks. The Kurds are the key dynamic of the democratization process in Syria, and women have such a potential of organization to help achieve national unity.”

In closing, Ilham Ahmed stated, “We face great dangers, and these can only be overcome through unity, guaranteeing our rights, and enshrining them in the constitution.”

ANHA