Syrian journalist: Women’s participation key to Syria’s constitutional legitimacy

As debate intensifies over the future of Syria’s constitutional process, calls are growing to rebuild the constitutional framework on more just and inclusive foundations, particularly regarding women’s rights and their role in political life. Rights advocates and media voices stress that any constitution lacking genuine legitimacy and meaningful participation of women will fall short of achieving real democratic transformation.

Amid criticism of the current transitional phase, the need for a new foundational path is emerging—one that reflects the will of Syrian men and women, establishes genuine transitional justice, and ensures that violations are not repeated. It is also emphasized that the absence of sufficient legal and institutional guarantees could entrench discrimination and undermine trust in any future political process.

“Real, not symbolic equality”

In this context, Syrian journalist Farah Al-Aqil stressed the necessity of enshrining real equality between men and women within a constitution that enjoys genuine legitimacy. She added: “It must be drafted with explicit guarantees against discrimination and ensure women’s participation in political decision-making. This is linked to a constitutional framework not subject to a transitional authority that overrides the text, as any guarantees in such a context would remain merely formal.”

“Justice without exception”

On the judiciary and transitional justice, Al-Aqil emphasized the need to ensure clear independence of the judicial system, stressing the importance of establishing an independent transitional justice body with powers of investigation and referral. She also called for the creation of specialized judicial chambers to address war crimes and gender-based violence, contributing to accountability and justice.

She further highlighted the necessity of affirming that sexual violence crimes should not be subject to statutes of limitations nor included in any form of amnesty. She stressed the importance of providing effective legal protection, as well as psychological and legal support for survivors and witnesses, ensuring their rights are safeguarded and their trust in the justice process is strengthened.

End of the “grey phase”

Al-Aqil believes that priority should be given to ending the current transitional phase, noting that it lacks legitimacy and exceeds the constitutional declaration. She called for opening a new founding process based on the free will of Syrians.

She added: “Achieving comprehensive justice is the essential gateway to any discussion of equality; rights cannot be built in its absence.”

Representation, not marginalization

She also noted that meaningful women’s participation requires forming an elected founding body representing Syrians, with guaranteed female representation of no less than 40–50% in the drafting committee. This includes publishing draft constitutions for public debate and organizing hearings both inside the country and in the diaspora, while ensuring legal protection for participants to guarantee meaningful—not symbolic—engagement.

Warning for the future

In conclusion, Syrian Druze journalist Farah Al-Aqil warned that the absence of clear guarantees for women’s rights could exclude half of society from political life and produce a constitution lacking legitimacy.

ANHA