SDC's dialogue session discusses national constitution, enhances women's role in decision-making

Women's Office of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) held a dialogue session entitled "From Decentralization towards a Comprehensive National Constitution" at the Marbella Hall in Hasaka of Jazira canton.

The session was attended by women's organizations, political and social parties, as well as independent figures.

The session began with holding a minute of silence, followed by opening remarks from Rasha al-Nezzal, the administrator at the SDC's Women's Office, who welcomed the guests.

The dialogue session focused on two main themes; the first addressed decentralization in Syria, its concept, and its impact on the future, and the second discussed the Syrian constitution and the role of components and women within it.

The first axis: decentralization in Syria, its concept, and its impact on the future

The first axis was moderated by Jihan Khedro, the head of the Women's Library at the Syrian Democratic Council, and addressed decentralization and the importance of its implementation in Syria.

She began by stating that "decentralization is based on the distribution of powers between the central government and local administration. In Syria, it constitutes a fundamental tool for rebuilding the state after years of centralized rule, which limited the ability of regions to make their own decisions and contributed to the marginalization of many areas. With the outbreak of the revolution, the failure of centralization to achieve justice and equality among regions became evident."

The importance of implementing decentralization:

In her presentation, Jihan Khedro explained that implementing decentralization is a pivotal step towards restoring social and political balance by granting regions the authority to manage their own affairs according to their specific characteristics without implying fragmentation; rather, strengthening unity through the equitable distribution of resources. It is also essential for addressing the effects of displacement and forced migration, while emphasizing the need to protect women's rights and enhance their role.

The role of women in decentralization:

Jihan explained that Syrian women have proven their active presence politically, socially and humanely during the war, noting that decentralization provides an opportunity to empower women and enhance their participation in decision-making through local councils, giving them a direct influence on their issues and their society. She made clear that social obstacles still limit their role, which requires supportive and guaranteeing policies of their rights.

Decentralization and social rights:

At the conclusion of the axis, Jihan Khedro, the head of the Women’s Office in the Syrian Democratic Council, emphasized that decentralization contributes to strengthening justice and equality, enabling women to access education, health care and economic participation, ensuring a fairer distribution of resources, and involving women in setting development priorities and drafting laws that guarantee their rights.

The second axis: The Syrian constitution and the role of components and women within it:

This axis was moderated by international law researcher Khaled Jabr, who stated, "Since the outbreak of the Syrian revolution in 2011, it has become clear that the previous constitution failed to achieve justice and equality among the components of society and allowed for the marginalization of broad segments of the Syrian population. With the continuation of the crisis, it has become necessary to draft a new constitution that reflects the aspirations of the Syrian people and serves as the foundation for establishing a just and democratic state."

Consideration of establishing the values of equality without discrimination in the new Syrian constitution

Khaled Jabr noted that the new Syrian constitution must be viewed as a social contract that affirms human rights and fundamental freedoms, and establishes the values of equality among citizens without discrimination, including guaranteeing women's rights. It should also be based on the principles of modern democracy and promote political and social pluralism.

Khaled Jabr added, "Decentralization is a crucial element for rebuilding the state, as it contributes to the fair distribution of power between the central government and local administrations, and grants citizens, especially women, greater opportunities to participate in decision-making."

The status of women is one of the most important pillars for building Syria:

The International law researcher Khaled Jabr explained that strengthening the status of women in the constitution represents one of the basic pillars for building the future Syria, and this requires putting in place clear guarantees that ensure their active participation in political life, through their representation in parliament, government and executive positions. It is also necessary to protect their basic rights to education, work, health care and property, and to enact strict laws to combat violence and discrimination against them, while providing mechanisms to protect women in conflict zones from violations and exploitation.

At the conclusion of the axis, the international law researcher Khaled Jabr emphasized that a new constitution cannot be considered truly comprehensive unless women participate in all stages of its drafting. He explained that integrating women into the national dialogue and relevant committees not only increases their representation but also ensures their voices are heard on issues affecting their civil and social rights, thus contributing to the constitution's legitimacy and its ability to meet the needs of all segments of society.

After that, a discussion ensued among the attendees regarding strengthening women's role in decentralization, achieving social justice and equality, addressing the challenges facing Syrian women, and establishing mechanisms to guarantee the protection of women's rights in the future.

The dialogue session concluded with a set of recommendations, the most important of which are:

Emphasizing that decentralization is the cornerstone for building a democratic and just Syria and must guarantee the effective participation of all components, especially women.

Demanding that women be essential partners in the national constitution-drafting process through representation of no less than 50% at all stages of the constitutional process.

The necessity of including gender justice as an explicit constitutional principle, guaranteeing equality of rights and opportunities between men and women, and prohibiting discrimination in all its forms.

Emphasizing that decentralized governance constitutes an important framework for the Syrian components and for empowering women in all fields.

Adopting a feminist vision of governance that integrates societal and humanitarian issues into the core of the state-building process, not merely in formal or representative aspects.

Committing to the implementation of international conventions in the new Syrian constitution, foremost among them the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

Calling upon democratic political forces, civil society organizations, and women's organizations to adopt the outcomes of this session within their agendas and future plans, and to work towards translating them into practical steps.

Continuing dialogue sessions and digital seminars on the true definition of a decentralized system.

J.J

ANHA