Qamishlo hosts first Syriac Women conference

The city of Qamishlo witnessed the launch of the first "Syriac Women's" conference today, with over 550 Syriac, Chaldean, and Assyrian women from Syria and the diaspora participating, aiming to empower women and enhance their cultural and societal presence.

The conference was held simultaneously in Bochum, Germany, and Ankawa in Southern Kurdistan, adding an international dimension that unified the Syriac women’s voice across geographies.

Organized by several women’s unions and organizations, including the Beth Nahrain Women’s Union in Europe and the Syriac Women’s Union in Syria, the conference carried a striking slogan: “No equality without justice, and no justice without women,” emphasizing the centrality of justice in women’s empowerment.

The event featured opening speeches, contributions from representatives of political and religious institutions, and analytical sessions discussing issues of identity, culture, struggle, and empowerment.

Activists from Lebanon and Turkey participated, alongside a notable presence of women from the diaspora in Europe and North America, in a scene that reinforced the unity of Syriac women’s concerns and aspirations worldwide.

Key outcomes of the conference included:

- The announcement of the establishment of the "Global Athto Suryoto Coalition" to unify efforts within the homeland and diaspora. 

- The launch of an international campaign to defend women in conflict zones, including documentation and accountability efforts. 

- Calls to enhance women’s participation in political, religious, and societal decision-making and to reject patriarchal domination. 

- Emphasis on the importance of preserving the mother tongue and culture, and economic empowerment through training and rehabilitation centers. 

- Condemnation of the "white war" against women in the diaspora and calls for recognition of their role in security and defense.

The conference concluded with a statement affirming that Syriac women are not subordinates but pillars of survival and struggle, and partners in shaping the future.

According to the organizers, the conference marks a starting point for a collective liberation project that places women in their rightful role: decision-makers.

 a.k

ANHA