Ilham Ahmed: We support lifting sanctions, but women, peoples must be heard

Ilham Ahmed delivered her speech at the Fourth Women’s Media Union Conference held at the Rojava University hall in Qamishlo, Jazira Canton, in North and East Syria.

She congratulated the participants on the conference and wished success for all women, stating: “Media today, especially women’s role in it, holds great importance. Women’s media has a vital role, both during this revolutionary phase and in the history of the Kurdish people and the Middle East. Women’s struggle and participation in revolutions have been evident throughout human history, as no other force conveyed the voice of truth. If the discussion on women’s rights and roles continues today, one reason is this: the gathering of female journalists here and their decision to transmit the voices of women and oppressed peoples is highly significant. We remember the female martyrs of the struggle and emphasize following their path of truth.”

Ahmed stressed that the issue of women is no longer local or marginal but has reached the global stage. Women have raised their voices amid violent wars and the successive crises of the Middle East. Although they have often been victims of prevailing policies, today's media can serve as a genuine voice for women and a channel to convey their struggles and suffering to the world.

She added: “Syria today represents a central point for untangling the Middle East. For this reason, it has experienced prolonged foreign interventions. However, the problem is not limited to these interventions, recurring crises and ongoing conflicts have also stemmed from within. The core of the Syrian crisis lies in the nature of the authoritarian regime, which has sought to suppress peoples and marginalize women. This structural oppression is the main reason for the escalation of the crisis and has opened the door to foreign interventions.”

Internal dialogue remains fragile

Ahmed referred to the practices of the transitional government in Syria, emphasizing that true change does not occur merely through a change of power but when co-governance is ensured and the rights of women and peoples are protected. This is the only way to build a new Syria.

She stated: “A new authority has emerged, and everyone awaited change. Yet, we are still in a transitional phase under a transitional government, while unrest continues in the coast and Sweida, and forcibly displaced people remain away from their homes. Problems remain unresolved, yet external powers seek a quick and condensed settlement. The Syrian file has been transferred to Washington, where some government leaders have been removed from terrorist lists, and efforts are underway to lift sanctions. We support lifting sanctions, as we all suffer their effects, but this must be accompanied by genuine changes. Internal dialogue remains fragile. Although a parliament has been formed, many regions and Syrian components have not participated, with clear gaps in representation. Therefore, we send messages to both internal and external parties: dialogue must continue, and the constitution should be amended to ensure justice and participation.”

Ahmed added: “The voice of women in Syria is still being suppressed. Listening to it today is of utmost importance. Important steps have been taken in the negotiation process, and dialogue must continue after returning from Washington, based on partnership and justice, not exclusion and neglect.”

She commented on the peace process in Turkey and Northern Kurdistan, noting that the current stage witnesses important moves from the Kurdish side, led by Leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has taken confident steps toward a solution, while the Turkish side remains hesitant, gripped by fear and indecision. She said: “What is it that frightens them? It seems there is interference in the Turkish will, preventing real steps toward peace. We are serious about resolving our issues with Damascus, and Turkey must also take positive steps to address the Kurdish issue and move toward comprehensive democratic transformation.”

Ahmed pointed out: “If peace prevails in Turkey, it will have a significant impact on its role in Syria. Resolving the issue here also requires action there. Recognizing the rights of women and peoples and pursuing democratic transformation does not weaken Turkey or Syria; rather, it strengthens them and grants sustainable stability.”

She affirmed: “As for the threats coming from here and there, which may pave the way for new wars, they serve no one. It has become clear that war does not benefit the peoples, who will no longer be scapegoats. Their will to defend themselves has crystallized, and the state must open up to this will. Ignoring justice leads back to war, but we do not want to talk about war, we want peace to prevail.”

Ahmed continued her speech addressing the siege imposed on the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods: “The roads leading to Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh have been cut off. What is the purpose of this? Who does the Damascus government want to weaken? The siege targets the Syrian people as a whole, not just the Kurds. If they are punishing, they are punishing all Syrians. They announced that all armed forces in Syria fall under the Ministry of Defense, so what is happening is the responsibility of the Ministry. The Baath regime did the same for a long time but did not succeed, and now they will not succeed either. We want to say from this platform that no one can silence us. We have a free media capable of reaching the entire world. We have shortcomings, and we are working to resolve them in these conferences. Our media played an important role during the years of the revolution, with our journalists sacrificing their lives for it. Today, it is crucial that women take on this role. Women must engage more strongly in the current process. We need to strengthen the style and language of the media, its methods, and the ways of conveying the voices of women and peoples.”

A-H 

ANHA