Syriac Women’s Union changes name to Syriac Women’s Foundation

The sixth congress of the Syriac Women’s Union was held in Qamishlo today to discuss the situation of women and the challenges they face, as well as to assess the union’s work over the past period and develop a new vision for women’s activism suited to the current stage. The congress also saw the organization change its name from the Syriac Women’s Union to the Syriac Women’s Foundation.

Following speeches delivered during the congress, including remarks by Syriac Women’s Union President Georgette Barsoumo, and discussions held during the event, the sixth congress concluded with a final statement, which read: “Amid the pivotal stage Syria is going through, with changes and challenges affecting the future of people, the homeland and identity, the sixth congress of the Syriac Women’s Union in Syria was held on August 28, 2026, under the slogan ‘Hand in Hand, We Build People and the Homeland,’ with the participation of 255 union members and a number of women’s and community figures and activists.

“The congress served as an opportunity to assess the institution’s work over the past period, examine the situation of women and the challenges they face, and develop a new vision for women’s work suited to the current stage.

“The congress affirms that women are not merely recipients of decisions but partners in making them, and that building a just, democratic and pluralistic Syria cannot be achieved without women’s full and active participation.

“It also expresses its pride in the role of Syriac women in preserving the language, identity and culture, strengthening family and social cohesion, and confronting the circumstances of war and displacement. It stresses the need for this role to move toward leadership and participation in shaping the future.

“Accordingly, the sixth congress declares the following:

1. Strengthening women’s participation in political, social and cultural life, decision-making positions and state institutions, ensuring full equality, and combating all forms of discrimination, violence and fanaticism.

2. Working toward legislation that guarantees women’s rights, safeguards their dignity and independence, and strengthens their presence in state institutions and decision-making positions.

3. Affirming that the new Syria should be based on citizenship, justice, equality, respect for cultural and religious diversity, and the rights of all its communities.

4. Affirming the right of Syriac women to fair and effective representation in state institutions and decision-making positions, and ensuring their participation in shaping the future of the new Syria in a manner consistent with their role and standing in society.

5. Defending the national, cultural and linguistic existence and rights of the Syriac people, and strengthening the role of women in preserving the Syriac language as the primary language carrying the historical and cultural heritage of the Syrian geography.

6. Empowering women economically through training, supporting projects and providing employment opportunities, while focusing on women affected by war, displacement and forced displacement.

7. Preparing young female leaders capable of assuming responsibility and participating in public life, documenting the role and experiences of Syriac women, and preserving their collective memory for future generations.

8. Strengthening cooperation with women’s, civil and cultural institutions inside and outside Syria, and expanding the foundation’s presence in national and international forums to advocate for women’s issues and human rights.

9. Confronting hate speech, discrimination and incitement, promoting a culture of dialogue, peace and coexistence, and strengthening the conditions necessary for the survival of our people and their connection to their land and identity.

10. Developing the foundation’s institutional work, activating its branches, and turning the congress’s recommendations into an actionable work plan and practical programs that can be implemented and monitored.

“The congress affirms that these outcomes represent a collective commitment to launching a new phase of work based on organization, initiative and partnership, and turning proposals into tangible achievements.

“We believe that building the homeland begins with building the individual, and that building the individual cannot be complete without a free, conscious woman capable of participating in decision-making.

“From here, we renew our commitment to working for a Syriac woman who is attached to her identity, language and culture, open to her society, and capable of shaping her own future and that of her homeland.”

ANHA