Syrian women call for accountability and representation

On Friday, August 8, the Conference for Unity of Components of North and East Syria was held in Hasaka under the slogan, “Together for diversity that strengthens our unity and partnership that builds our future.” Over 400 representatives from the Democratic Autonomous Administration, civil and military institutions, and various communities in the region attended, with a significant and notable presence of women from different groups. 

The conference was held at a critical national moment, driven by a shared responsibility for the country’s present and future. Representatives from diverse communities, including Kurds, Arabs, Syriac Assyrians, Turkmens, Armenians, Circassians, and others, came together to express their commitment to a unified, democratic national path based on diversity, partnership, and equal citizenship.

In this context, ANHA Agency spoke with participants in the conference. Mazkin Zeidan, co-chair of the Democratic Change Party, highlighted the role of women in fostering unity, saying, “After the revolution in North and East Syria, women have taken on a fundamental and leading role in uniting communities. This is evident in the strong presence of Kurdish women in the Kurdish Unity Conference and the significant representation of women in the Conference for Unity of Components.”

 Mazkin Zeidan noted that women from all components of North and East Syria have proven themselves through their work in the civilian and military institutions of the Democratic Autonomous Administration. She added, “The Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) have stood alongside the People’s Protection Units and the Syrian Democratic Forces in political and military battles.”

She further highlighted that women from all components of the region made up 50% of the participants in the Conference for Unity of Components.

On her part, Khoud Al-Issa, spokesperson for the Zenobia Women’s Gathering, said, “We, as women from the Arab component, participated in the Conference for Unity of Components of North and East Syria, and we observed that women’s representation was equal to 50% of the participants. This conference reflects the will of the components in North and East Syria, and Syria as a whole, as one people standing against any attempts to create discord or division.”

 Khoud Al-Issa clarified that, as Syrian components living in North and East Syria, through this conference, “we send a message to the interim government and all Syrians that we are one people against any attempts to spark division or strife.”

 She added, “Many parties try to undermine the Syrian people through discord, and we say our people are aware, and this awareness must grow stronger against the war they want to impose on us.”

She continued, “We, the women of North and East Syria, after liberation from ISIS mercenaries, have achieved gains for women’s rights. Women’s participation in the military forces of the Democratic Autonomous Administration has reached 50%, through which they have proven their will and identity.”

 Khoud Al-Issa pointed out that through the conference, they demanded women’s representation in drafting the Syrian constitution and its provisions, as they believe in women’s rights within a pluralistic, decentralized Syria based on justice and equality among all components. Regarding the key issues raised from a women’s perspective at the Conference for Unity of Components.

 Khoud Al-Issa stated, “During this conference, we had many interventions. We strongly criticized the attacks on our people in the coastal areas and Suwayda, particularly the killing, abduction, and sexual assault of women.”

Khoud Al-Issa rejected violence against Syrian women, stating, “Through the conference, we demanded the formation of specialized committees with women’s participation to document crimes committed against women and hold perpetrators accountable. On this basis, we participated to send specific messages from the women of North and East Syria, who live in a society that believes in equality and women’s representation in all aspects of life.”

In turn, lawyer Roshan Sheikho said, “Women are an inseparable part of the national fabric. Their role is not limited to mere presence; rather, women in North and East Syria, from all components and backgrounds, are actively involved in decision-making and are advocates for peace in a society governed by justice and equality.”

Lawyer Roshan Sheikho thanked the preparatory committees for the Conference for Unity of Components of North and East Syria for organizing this event, which brought together all components, backgrounds, and religions of the region. She noted that it sent a clear message that they stand united as one.

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ANHA