"we aim to document violations, support women's rights"

The head of the Free Women of Bashan Movement, lawyer Hanan Hassan Sharaf al-Din, spoke to ANHA agency about the reasons for establishing the movement, its main objectives, and its role in serving Syrian women.

She indicated that the movement is "a women's movement, the voice of free women, and an umbrella for feminist struggle that seeks to achieve justice, equality, and the protection of dignity."

Hanan added: "Believing that women are capable of creating change and of playing an active role in protecting rights and defending freedom, any woman or young woman, without any restrictions, can believe in the movement's goals and principles, provided that she has reached the age of majority and is capable of defending her rights."

Regarding the movement's plans, she said, "We plan to disseminate the movement's ideology and objectives to the widest possible audience, both within and outside Jabal Bashan, and to expand support for women, especially those who have been abducted. We also aim to build partnerships with humanitarian organizations. Furthermore, we are working to develop and raise awareness of women's rights within the community through seminars and lectures, and by launching women's projects to promote women's independence and ensure their active participation in civic life."

The lawyer stated that the movement was founded "under harsh conditions and amidst widespread violations in Jabal Bashan, coupled with the absence of an organized women's body to advocate for women with a unified voice." She emphasized "the urgent need for a movement that unites women, documents violations, and empowers them to lead and actively participate in society."

As for the movement's relationships with other women's organizations, the head of the movement explained that it "will cooperate with all human rights and humanitarian organizations in a way that serves the cause of women and those who have been abducted. It will coordinate and exchange expertise where objectives align, while maintaining the movement's independence and free decision-making, remaining free from any external influence or agendas."

She added that the movement "supports Druze, Alawite, Kurdish, and Christian women on all levels."

She pointed out that the movement's internal regulations define "its identity and govern its administrative and humanitarian work. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure organized work, protect members' rights, prevent chaos and individual interpretations, unify the vision and shared goals, create a legal framework to which disputes can be referred, and enhance credibility with the community and humanitarian organizations."

As for the benefit to members, it lies in "giving women a real opportunity to be part of an active women's force that defends dignity and rights, receives psychological and social support, and enjoys a space to influence and create change, including amending laws that are unjust to women."

She described Kurdish women as "a living example of an active woman who has proven her presence and her political, military, and legal role in defending Kurdish women."

In conclusion, lawyer Hanan Sharaf al-Din affirmed that "the Free Women of Bashan Movement is an independent socio-political movement that supports women and every political movement that serves the interests of the Bashan Mountains and the public interest."

On Saturday (November 22), in Swedia, the establishment of a new women’s organization called “Harair Bashan Movement” was announced during a founding meeting held at the Rayat Beit Al Fan Forum opposite the Roman Amphitheater in the city of Swedia.

ANHA