Leila Qaraman: Women's rights are non-negotiable in new Syria

In an exclusive interview with ANHA agency, Leila Qaraman discussed the general situation in Syria, reviewing the political, military, and social changes that occurred in the country throughout 2025. She also addressed the condition of Syrian women in light of these changes, the challenges they face, and the role they play in the current phase.

Qaraman highlighted that 2025 was filled with crucial moments that needed change to complete the new path aligned with the aspirations of the Syrian people. Among these was the fall of the Baath regime, which brought Syria to the brink of collapse on all levels. She stressed that this achievement was made possible by the sacrifices and efforts of the Syrian people, and described the fall of the Baath as a rebirth for Syrians after years of suffering and challenges.

She further mentioned that Syria entered a new phase after the fall of the Baath, marked by external openness and rapid steps throughout 2025, including diplomatic engagement, lifting of sanctions, and signing deals aimed at improving the economic situation. "Today, Syria is free of any restrictions," she added.

On the internal front, Leila Qaraman referred to the steps taken by the transitional government, such as the so-called "National Dialogue Conference, constitutional declaration, and People's Assembly elections," noting that these were fast and required more time, dialogue, and discussion among Syrians to complete the process.

She also pointed to the negative outcomes seen in the field, including massacres on the Syrian coast, explosions in churches and mosques, and continued attacks on Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya neighborhoods in Aleppo, along with an increase in hate speech and assaults.

Leila Qaraman indicated that the transitional government’s policies reinforce centralization, with a lack of real representation for Syrian components, which undermines the building of trust among Syrians—an essential factor for building the new state. She also criticized the absence of equality and democratic principles, as well as the lack of a clear and transparent mechanism for transitional justice.

She described the March 10th agreement as a lifeline for Syria, preventing a humanitarian disaster and regarded it as a "national and democratic framework" that created a sense of security among Syrians.

However, she stressed that the March 10th agreement should not be confined to a single clause, namely the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces into the Syrian army. "There are other important clauses that need attention, such as ceasefire, equal representation, true participation of all Syrian components, and the return of displaced people to their homes."

Marginalization of Women in Syria Puts Them in a New Phase

On the aspirations of Syrians and Syrian women, Leila Qaraman stated that the steps taken by the transitional government in this regard have been disappointing, as they did not reflect the Syrian people’s will, especially the will of women. She criticized the efforts to limit their role to the home and the attempts to exclude and marginalize them, describing it as a grave injustice that places all Syrian women in a new phase of struggle.

She reiterated that the rights of Syrian women are "non-negotiable in the new Syria" and emphasized the necessity for women to be active partners in building a just, stable, and sustainable Syria. She described Syrian women as "the shield" with "strong immunity," pointing out that despite their great sacrifices and long struggle, their representation remains weak and fragile, which perpetuates discrimination and violence against them.

Qaraman called for a critical review of the transitional government's steps in 2025, especially regarding its treatment of women. She emphasized that women have the capability to lead Syria’s national unity process and correct the political course. The harsh experiences women have faced throughout the war have transformed into a source of strength and determination, enabling them to contribute to the unity of Syrians.

Qaraman urged Syrian women to unite their efforts and visions at the beginning of the new year to ensure their rights are enshrined in the new constitution. She stressed that the presence of women at the heart of the political scene is a national necessity, given the country's collapse in institutions across all levels.

She pointed out that the issue of women's liberation has become a fundamental cause and a global struggle among women around the world. She emphasized the importance of guaranteeing Syrian women's rights constitutionally and warned that any political process that excludes women is doomed to fail.

Qaraman added: "We are working to connect all Syrian women to discuss their core issues, ensure their true representation in various institutions, and continue the women’s dialogue." She highlighted that common intersections make it possible to work collectively to unite efforts and visions.

National Strategy for Empowering Syrian Women

She shed light on their national strategy for empowering Syrian women, saying: "We are working to create female leadership capable of leading the new phase through national programs that will be implemented and special forums held throughout the new year."

Qaraman emphasized that the Syrian Democratic Council is a safe space for women and confirmed that they will work to expand this space through organizing meetings aimed at uniting women's efforts. She added: "We believe in our true and essential role and will continue our struggle to achieve the goals and principles of Syrian women in the new Syria. Our project is one of long-term struggle and resistance."

"Turning Challenges into Real Opportunities for Building"

On what is required from the transitional government in 2026, Leila Qaraman stated that it must correct its path, review its actions toward citizens, and listen to and respond to the demands of Syrians. She also stressed the importance of creating a safe space for protests and expressing opinions, without reinforcing despotism in other ways.

Furthermore, she highlighted the necessity to dismantle hate speech, promote values of love, and implement transitional justice, as it is crucial for holding perpetrators accountable and preventing further violations. This, she said, is vital for building a Syria based on justice, equality, and real steps toward national peace and dignity.

Qaraman emphasized that Syria is now at a crossroads and that turning challenges into real opportunities for rebuilding is essential to avoid further crises or falling into chaos. To achieve this, she urged the transitional government to maintain security and not link every incident to remnants of the old regime to justify security violations.

She stated  that one of the primary responsibilities of the transitional government is to protect citizens and provide a safe space for freedom of expression and the right to protest. She rejected the shedding of Syrian blood and deepening their suffering, emphasizing that opening a dialogue between the government and Syrian citizens is a fundamental step toward rebuilding trust and ending the suffering.

Qaraman said: "The people's satisfaction is crucial, and national consensus will lead us to true partnership and national unity, both in land and people." She continued by stating that Syria needs a democratic transformation to become unified, stable, and democratic, with the participation of all Syrians, including Syrian women.

Qaraman confirmed that decentralization is their primary path, emphasizing that a new Syria deserves decentralization that embraces cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity, offering ample space for women's participation. She stated, "Decentralization is the essential path to building a new, just, capable, strong, and cohesive Syria united by national unity."

Qaraman called on all Syrians and political forces to engage in a national dialogue to discuss the outstanding and essential issues on which the foundation of the new state is built, such as the form of governance and political system. She described it as a national responsibility in the face of this "complex scene."

Qaraman also directed a message to all Syrians with the arrival of 2026, stressing that they are facing significant and complicated challenges that require strong political will from all political, national, and democratic forces. She emphasized the need to open serious discussions on many fundamental issues.

She stressed the importance of Syrians not standing idly by, but rather being resilient and proactive, not waiting but taking initiative, because they have a role in bringing about real change in the new Syria. She underlined the importance of gathering and unifying political forces.

These forces must play an essential role in building Syria's future through forming political alliances capable of bringing about change, which requires uniting the shared vision between political forces both inside and outside Syria, working with a collective spirit.

She added: "The era of exclusion and marginalization has ended today, and we are all responsible for our country, Syria."

Qaraman expressed her solidarity with the protesters demanding their legitimate rights in the political and democratic change process in Syria. She also expressed solidarity with the families of the missing and detainees, and with the families of those who lost their lives during the events. She wished for a speedy recovery for the injured and mercy for the martyrs.

Additionally, Leila Qaraman sent a message of congratulations on the occasion of the arrival of 2026, expressing hope that it would be a year of cohesion, unity, solidarity, recovery, safe return, and the renewed struggle of Syrian women as an integral part of the country's history. She envisioned this year as a turning point in Syria's history, with the participation of all Syrians and Syrians of all backgrounds in building Syria's future.

In conclusion, Qaraman  said, "Happy New Year to you, for your pioneering and distinctive role in conveying the truth inside and outside Syria, wishing all the best, peace, and safety for Syria."

ANHA