Syrian Women's Council: guaranteeing women's rights begins with fair constitution

Hiyam Khalil, an administrator in the Syrian Women's Council, stressed that achieving equality in rights and duties, namely equal citizenship before the law without any form of discrimination is the foundation for building a just society that ensures women's active participation across all sectors.

Speaking to ANHA's agency about Syrian women's rights and the necessity of safeguarding them constitutionally, Khalil stated that equality includes equal employment opportunities and enabling women to participate fully and effectively in political, economic, and social life. It also entails empowering women and removing all restrictions that hinder their development, ensuring genuine rather than symbolic participation in building society.

She added: "Among women's rights is the right to hold public positions and undertake public responsibilities on an equal footing with men, in addition to guaranteeing their right to social protection."

Khalil explained that the new constitution, which is expected to be drafted, has the potential to bring about real change in the lives of Syrian women if its principles are translated into regulatory laws that align with existing legislation, particularly personal status laws. She also emphasized the need for independent oversight institutions capable of challenging social norms and inherited traditions that hinder women's progress.

She warned of the consequences of excluding women from state-building processes, saying: "If the new constitution, once drafted, remains merely written text on paper and is not translated into a tangible and practical reality, women will not be able to participate effectively at the political, economic, and civil levels."

The Syrian Women's Council administrator also highlighted the most significant gaps and issues related to women's rights, foremost among them justice and legal protection, as well as the legal definition and prosecution of crimes such as rape and murder. She further pointed to legislative discrimination in wages and property ownership, along with personal status laws that deprive women of many rights related to marriage, divorce, and guardianship.

She noted that addressing these issues requires legislative pressure to enact implementing laws, promote women's economic empowerment, and repeal discriminatory legislation. In addition, she called for awareness campaigns to monitor violations and challenge prevailing stereotypes about women in society.

Khalil stressed the importance of criminalizing violence against women and holding perpetrators accountable. She also advocated for the preparation of reports and statistics documenting violations and presenting them to local and international forums. Furthermore, she emphasized strengthening institutional oversight through the establishment of equal opportunity committees to ensure the implementation of the principles of equality and justice.

ANHA