Syrian Women’s Council reaffirms commitment to building a new Syria on anniversary

The Syrian Women’s Council organized two separate events on the occasion of its 8th anniversary, held in the city of Qamishlo in al-Jazira region, and in the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood of Aleppo, under the slogan: “Women’s Council: A Living Memory and a Visionary Future for Building a New Syria.”

The Qamishli event took place at Al-Burj Hall, with the presence of representatives from the Helal Zirin Women’s Culture Movement from Qamishlo and Raqqa, various women’s organizations and movements, civil society institutions, and the Democratic Autonomous Administration of Jazira, in addition to women from diverse backgrounds and council members.

The ceremony opened with a moment of silence, followed by a speech from Suhair Al-Sanouh, an administrative member of the council, who affirmed Syrian women’s determination to continue their struggle despite challenges, stressing their central role in decision-making and shaping the future of a free Syria.

Chinese researcher Yushan Kuang from the Graduate School of Social Sciences also delivered a speech congratulating the council on its anniversary, praising its role in raising women’s voices from all backgrounds, and highlighting the importance of women’s participation in building a new Syria based on freedom and dignity.

The event included reading congratulatory telegrams from women across the Middle East and the world, expressing their support for the council as a unifying voice for Syrian women and a defender of their rights.

The program featured a variety of poetic and artistic performances: poet Ayaat Shibli recited a poem celebrating women’s struggle, while writer Bashira Darwish performed a Kurdish poem commemorating the spirit of the young Kurdish woman, Jina Amini, who was killed by Iran’s so-called “Morality Police” in mid-September 2022.

Artistic groups representing various Syrian communities also performed. The “Helen Joudi” troupe from Raqqa presented traditional folk-inspired performances, the Syriac group “Orila” showcased elegant dances reflecting the rich Syriac culture, and the Armenian troupe “Artsakh” performed dances expressing the depth and authenticity of Armenian heritage.

In Aleppo, the event was held at al-Jazira Hall in Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood, attended by council members, representatives of political parties, civil institutions from within Aleppo, as well as independent figures from Idlib, Jarablus, and occupied Afrin.

The ceremony began with a moment of silence, followed by a speech from Rivan Horo, an administrative member of the Syrian Women’s Council, who highlighted the council’s distinctive role in the national women’s movement, uniting women’s efforts under one banner defending rights and opening broad horizons for women in various fields.

Kolan Suleiman, a member of the Council’s Coordination Committee, emphasized that the establishment of a dedicated Syrian Women’s Council embodied the collective spirit of women and carried a clear message that they are capable of shaping life, and that their voices must be central in decision-making, politics, society, and peacebuilding.

She added that women bear the responsibility of being a driving force in sustainable peacebuilding through reconciliation and the reconstruction of the social fabric torn apart by war.

Khadeeja Shaqroor, the council’s representative in Idlib, congratulated all women struggling to defend their rights and improve their destinies on the occasion of the council’s anniversary.

The event concluded with artistic and cultural performances by members of the Helal Zirin Movement, including traditional dabke dance sessions to music, reflecting solidarity and cohesion among women.

It is noteworthy that the Syrian Women’s Council was established in 2017 in Manbij with the participation of over 224 women from various Syrian cities and communities, forming a unified platform for women to confront war and displacement, promote civil peace, and enhance political participation. Over the past eight years, the council has continued its struggle to achieve peace, defend women’s rights, and highlight their role as essential partners in building Syria’s future.

ANHA

Aleppo

Qamishli