Maryam Ibrahim: Women’s role vital for a democratic Syria

Maryam Ibrahim stressed that women are determined to be key partners in shaping Syria’s future as a democratic state, asserting that the absence of women’s representation would lead to the failure of any future political process. 

In an exclusive statement to ANHA agency, Ibrahim said: “The Autonomous Administration built on the principle of women’s active participation, particularly in the political sphere."

She added: “As you have seen, the negotiation delegation formed by the Autonomous Administration included women and men, as well as representatives of all components, in a step to reinforce equality and empower women.”

Ibrahim affirmed that the Autonomous Administration is working to establish a decentralized democratic system that has proven successful in North and East Syria over the past ten years.

This system has restored security and stability, achieved integration among all components, and served as a guarantee for a cohesive society free from sectarianism and discrimination. Addressing the challenges women faced since the early days of liberation from the oppression of the former regime and ISIS mercenaries, Ibrahim emphasized that women overcame these challenges through their determination to prove their presence in all fields.

She noted that patriarchal systems in the region and the world often resist accepting women’s leadership roles. She continued: “Despite this, women succeeded through the co-presidency system in the Autonomous Administration, overcoming negative customs and traditions to prove their ability to face challenges and build a new model.”

Ibrahim highlighted that one of the key issues the Autonomous Administration is addressing in building a new Syria is ensuring the rights of minorities and securing 50% women’s participation in drafting the upcoming constitution, administrative appointments, and leadership positions, as achieved in the Autonomous Administration’s social contract.

She stated: “If women’s rights are not taken into account in the new Syrian constitution, there will be no real results from the revolution the Syrian people launched against injustice and tyranny.” Concluding her remarks, Ibrahim stressed that “the absence of women’s representation in the transitional government’s delegation reflects the persistence of a patriarchal mindset.”

She considered equitable women’s participation in any political or constitutional process as the only guarantee for building a new, democratic Syria free from crises and sectarian conflicts.

a.k

ANHA