Layla Qaraman: Syrian women can lead democratic change in new Syria
Layla Qaraman, the co-chair of the Syrian Democratic Council, called on all Syrian women's organizations, movements, and associations to move beyond differences and build commonalities aimed at empowering women in all fields. This would enable them to play a leadership role in political and social life, overcoming oppression and centralization.
During her participation in the Syrian National Women's Dialogue Forum, organized by the Women's Office of the Syrian Democratic Council and held in Aleppo with the participation of 100 personalities from across Syria, Layla welcomed all attendees.
She noted that this forum is a starting point for defining the priorities for Syrian women's movements in the future.
Layla praised the efforts of all activists in the processes of change, construction, and achieving protection, security, and peace throughout Syria. She stated, "The country is experiencing a humanitarian and political crisis; thus, we need to find a solution to end the entrenched conflicts."
The ongoing crisis stems from Damascus's refusal to change its approach
She remarked that the country is living through an escalating political and humanitarian crisis, as all international and national initiatives have failed to find a unifying path towards a real and comprehensive political solution that can save the country.
Layla considered the direct cause of the continuation of this crisis to be the Syrian government's refusal to change its approach and behavior, alongside the absence of a serious international will capable of imposing serious political solutions that meet the aspirations and objectives of the Syrian people.
She emphasized the need to intensify and support national dialogues that would safeguard the unity of the country and protect its people from the dangerous developments sweeping the region.
"The issue of woman is central and fundamental for us"
Regarding the presence of signs of a political solution in Syria, Layla said they do not see any signs due to the failure to involve women in their real role in political and negotiation dialogues as required.
At the same time, she pointed out that despite the wars and massacres committed against women, women have historically played a significant role in the renaissance of societies, demonstrating their capacity for change by actively participating in various aspects of life and insisting on taking diverse roles.
Layla also discussed the significant transformations of the twentieth century, which witnessed unprecedented struggles by feminist movements demanding equality between men and women and women's rights.
She noted that the escalation of the Syrian women's struggle has turned their issues into central and fundamental concerns, resulting in a qualitative shift in their struggle by elevating demands for gender equality and combating all forms of gender discrimination. This includes the lack of justice in successive Syrian constitutions and women's electoral laws, among other aspects of life.
She emphasized that history testifies to the prominent role of Syrian women in achieving independence: "Syria has never stopped giving birth to great women, who have become monuments praised by history, and Ms. Nazik al-Abd and Sarah Mouayed are perfect examples of that."
The "Revolution" deviated from its democratic path, and women were the most affected
Regarding the peaceful movement that began in Syria in March 2011 before turning into a crisis, Layla noted that women were strongly present in the political and social scene, leading the way and standing at the forefront of popular protests, voicing their demands for change and democratic transformation in the face of marginalization.
She recalled the deviation of the "revolution" from its democratic path and the lack of competent leadership capable of steering the process of change and democratic transformation. This resulted from several reasons, mainly the absence of a clear vision of the Syrian reality and its future prospects, the failure to include women as real partners, and the lack of sound strategies and plans to develop this movement, which transformed it into a complex crisis, bringing suffering and deprivation to the Syrian people.
Layla stated that Syria has become a battleground for foreign interventions, creating fertile ground for the emergence and growth of radical extremist currents that have plunged Syria into a new, bloodier phase of violence against the Syrian people, with its impact falling most heavily on women. "Yet they have shown an indomitable strength, embodying the spirit of the revolution and determination, reflecting hope and faith in the possibility of positive change and the vital role of women in building the future of Syria."
She indicated that this sensitive phase requires the Syrian woman, without a doubt, to have a comprehensive strategy with clear features that embodies the spirit of the era, ensuring the active and responsible participation of various peoples and components in building, protecting, and developing a new democratic system.
Calls to unite efforts to overcome obstacles
Layla also commended the struggle of women in As-Suwayda, stating: "Which has played a role in renewing the approach to peaceful democratic struggle and reviving the spirit in the Syrian democratic scene, making women the prominent actors in the democratic movement to eliminate oppression and centralization."
She pointed out that "women's activities and organizations should work with determination and resilience to overcome the differences that prevent them from coming together and building commonalities aimed at empowering women in all fields, enhancing their awareness of their rights and responsibilities to be effective partners in building and revitalizing Syrian society, and motivating them to play a leadership role in political and social life."
Layla mentioned that the Syrian Democratic Council has placed women at the heart of its priorities through its political document and roadmap, considering women an essential part of the political process as a prerequisite for the success of the negotiation process and change.
In conclusion, Layla Qaraman regarded this forum as a review of women's political roles and performances, and a point of convergence for dialogue and exchanging opinions on national mechanisms and strategies to overcome the challenges and barriers facing Syrian women.
A-H
ANHA
Layla Qaraman: Syrian women can lead democratic change in new Syria
During her participation in the Syrian National Women's Dialogue Forum, organized by the Women's Office of the Syrian Democratic Council and held in Aleppo with the participation of 100 personalities from across Syria, Layla welcomed all attendees.
She noted that this forum is a starting point for defining the priorities for Syrian women's movements in the future.
Layla praised the efforts of all activists in the processes of change, construction, and achieving protection, security, and peace throughout Syria. She stated, "The country is experiencing a humanitarian and political crisis; thus, we need to find a solution to end the entrenched conflicts."
The ongoing crisis stems from Damascus's refusal to change its approach
She remarked that the country is living through an escalating political and humanitarian crisis, as all international and national initiatives have failed to find a unifying path towards a real and comprehensive political solution that can save the country.
Layla considered the direct cause of the continuation of this crisis to be the Syrian government's refusal to change its approach and behavior, alongside the absence of a serious international will capable of imposing serious political solutions that meet the aspirations and objectives of the Syrian people.
She emphasized the need to intensify and support national dialogues that would safeguard the unity of the country and protect its people from the dangerous developments sweeping the region.
"The issue of woman is central and fundamental for us"
Regarding the presence of signs of a political solution in Syria, Layla said they do not see any signs due to the failure to involve women in their real role in political and negotiation dialogues as required.
At the same time, she pointed out that despite the wars and massacres committed against women, women have historically played a significant role in the renaissance of societies, demonstrating their capacity for change by actively participating in various aspects of life and insisting on taking diverse roles.
Layla also discussed the significant transformations of the twentieth century, which witnessed unprecedented struggles by feminist movements demanding equality between men and women and women's rights.
She noted that the escalation of the Syrian women's struggle has turned their issues into central and fundamental concerns, resulting in a qualitative shift in their struggle by elevating demands for gender equality and combating all forms of gender discrimination. This includes the lack of justice in successive Syrian constitutions and women's electoral laws, among other aspects of life.
She emphasized that history testifies to the prominent role of Syrian women in achieving independence: "Syria has never stopped giving birth to great women, who have become monuments praised by history, and Ms. Nazik al-Abd and Sarah Mouayed are perfect examples of that."
The "Revolution" deviated from its democratic path, and women were the most affected
Regarding the peaceful movement that began in Syria in March 2011 before turning into a crisis, Layla noted that women were strongly present in the political and social scene, leading the way and standing at the forefront of popular protests, voicing their demands for change and democratic transformation in the face of marginalization.
She recalled the deviation of the "revolution" from its democratic path and the lack of competent leadership capable of steering the process of change and democratic transformation. This resulted from several reasons, mainly the absence of a clear vision of the Syrian reality and its future prospects, the failure to include women as real partners, and the lack of sound strategies and plans to develop this movement, which transformed it into a complex crisis, bringing suffering and deprivation to the Syrian people.
Layla stated that Syria has become a battleground for foreign interventions, creating fertile ground for the emergence and growth of radical extremist currents that have plunged Syria into a new, bloodier phase of violence against the Syrian people, with its impact falling most heavily on women. "Yet they have shown an indomitable strength, embodying the spirit of the revolution and determination, reflecting hope and faith in the possibility of positive change and the vital role of women in building the future of Syria."
She indicated that this sensitive phase requires the Syrian woman, without a doubt, to have a comprehensive strategy with clear features that embodies the spirit of the era, ensuring the active and responsible participation of various peoples and components in building, protecting, and developing a new democratic system.
Calls to unite efforts to overcome obstacles
Layla also commended the struggle of women in As-Suwayda, stating: "Which has played a role in renewing the approach to peaceful democratic struggle and reviving the spirit in the Syrian democratic scene, making women the prominent actors in the democratic movement to eliminate oppression and centralization."
She pointed out that "women's activities and organizations should work with determination and resilience to overcome the differences that prevent them from coming together and building commonalities aimed at empowering women in all fields, enhancing their awareness of their rights and responsibilities to be effective partners in building and revitalizing Syrian society, and motivating them to play a leadership role in political and social life."
Layla mentioned that the Syrian Democratic Council has placed women at the heart of its priorities through its political document and roadmap, considering women an essential part of the political process as a prerequisite for the success of the negotiation process and change.
In conclusion, Layla Qaraman regarded this forum as a review of women's political roles and performances, and a point of convergence for dialogue and exchanging opinions on national mechanisms and strategies to overcome the challenges and barriers facing Syrian women.
A-H
ANHA
