Ilham Ahmed: Women’s rights fundamental to achieving peace in Syria

During the Middle East Peace and Security Forum (MEPS) 2025, the Co-Chair of the Foreign Relations Department of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, Ilham Ahmed, affirmed that the roots of the Syrian crisis stem from a mindset based on power and weapons. This mentality has led to the marginalization of various groups, particularly the Kurds, and discrimination against women. She stressed the necessity of adopting a constitution that guarantees rights and promotes inclusivity, considering that overcoming exclusionary mentalities, artificial borders, and gender discrimination is essential for achieving peace in Syria.

19 November, 2025 13:02

NEWSDESK

Speaking at a panel discussion on Syria and how to secure stability during the MEPS 2025 at the American University of Duhok, Ilham Ahmed stated that the roots of the Syrian crisis are linked to a "power and weapon-based" mentality.

She added that this mindset dominates the Middle East and is behind the exacerbation of multiple issues, most notably the marginalization of the Kurdish people and the denial of their rights, as well as the ongoing discrimination against women.

Ahmed noted that the Syrian crisis cannot be resolved without changing this mentality to one that "accepts the other," emphasizing the need to draft a constitution that guarantees the rights of all groups and establishes an inclusive administration free from exclusion, which inevitably leads to conflict and war.

She further stressed that Syria, after many years of war and crisis, needs every group to place itself in the position of the others in order to understand their needs and move toward mutual understanding.

Ahmed criticized the continued "cultural and political domination" among the groups, noting that the Sykes-Picot Agreement was one of the key outcomes of this mindset, the consequences of which still hinder progress in dialogue within Syria.

She explained that accusations directed at the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria obstruct negotiations with the transitional government and reflect the same mentality that prevents dialogue and acceptance.

Ilham emphasized that achieving peace and stability requires media that supports security and stability, educational curricula based on inclusivity and recognition of all groups, and political empowerment of women, considering their representation a fundamental condition for any peace process.

She also noted that the artificial borders in the region pose an obstacle to communication among peoples, asserting that overcoming them could contribute to broader stability.

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ANHA