Syrian MP’s remarks on female teachers spark controversy

The remarks by Syrian People’s Assembly member Mohammed Ibrahim al-Zoubi regarding the higher proportion of female teachers compared with male teachers have sparked widespread controversy among women and the public. Critics said that linking women’s presence in the education sector to a decline in school authority or an impact on students’ personalities raises questions about perceptions of women’s role in educational institutions and society.

Al-Zoubi made the remarks during a hearing session with Education Minister Mohammed Abdulrahman Turko, criticizing the higher proportion of female teachers compared with male teachers. He said the larger presence of women in schools negatively affects students’ personalities and diminishes the authority of schools.

The remarks sparked widespread reactions, particularly among women, amid concerns that such views could deepen the gap between women and men and pave the way for additional restrictions on women’s participation in education and the workforce. Critics also warned that they could reinforce stereotypes that diminish the role and professional standing of female teachers.

The remarks have become a topic of discussion among social media users, who expressed varying positions and widespread criticism of al-Zoubi’s statements. One female user wrote on Facebook, “The person who raised and brought you up was not a man,” highlighting women’s role in upbringing and child-rearing. Another commenter asked, “What does a strong personality have to do with men?”

Another user cited the education system in Belgium, saying, “Most of the education sector in Belgium is made up of women, and things are going well. What matters is educational competence; everything else is shaped by parents at home.”

Critics of the remarks argue that the high proportion of women in the teaching profession should not be viewed as a problem in itself, particularly since male and female teachers are subject to the same professional and educational standards. They said the performance of educational institutions should be assessed based on the quality of education, discipline and the school environment, rather than the gender of their employees.

The controversy comes amid a notable decline in women’s presence in several government institutions and decision-making positions, according to data circulating on women’s representation in public institutions. This is also reflected in the People’s Assembly, where women hold 21 of 210 seats, highlighting their limited representation in the legislative body compared with their presence in society and the workforce. Only one woman holds a ministerial position among the 23 ministries in the transitional government.

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ANHA