Women call for strong constitutional guarantees for rights in Syria

As discussions intensify over Syria’s future and the drafting of a new constitution for the country, women are calling for women’s rights to be explicitly and clearly included in the constitution, in a way that guarantees equality, justice, and participation in decision-making and state-building.

Speaking to ANHA agency on this issue, several women from Garkê Legê said the citizen Hedya Khalaf stated:

“We demand that women’s rights be enshrined in the new Syrian constitution, because Syrian women have been part of the struggle for defending society and have made great sacrifices for freedom and democracy. Women were not absent from events; they participated in various fields and offered martyrs, fighters, and activists. Therefore, they have the right to be partners in shaping Syria’s future.”

She added:

“We want a constitution that guarantees our rights, preserves our achievements, and ensures our participation in all state institutions. Building a democratic state cannot be achieved without guaranteeing our rights and active participation in decision-making.”

For her part, citizen Hanaa Khalaf noted that Syrian women from all components—Kurds, Arabs, and Syriacs—have proven their presence and ability to assume responsibilities in various fields in recent years. She added that they have contributed to building and protecting society and achieved many accomplishments despite the challenges they faced.

She also pointed out that female fighters in the Women’s Protection Units have made great sacrifices in defense of land and people, stressing that the new Syrian constitution must include clear articles guaranteeing women’s rights, preserving their achievements, and ensuring their effective and equal participation in political and social life.

Citizen Berivan Tahlou, in turn, highlighted the suffering of Syrian women, saying:

“For decades, we faced marginalization and exclusion in many areas, but we were able to break those constraints and prove our position through work, struggle, and active participation in society.”

She added that women have achieved important accomplishments and proven their ability to lead and take responsibility in political, social, and military fields. She stressed that the experiences witnessed in the region in recent years have confirmed that women are capable of working alongside men in building and developing society, and that their participation has become a fundamental necessity in any project seeking justice and democracy.

The three speakers concluded by emphasizing that enshrining women’s rights in the new Syrian constitution is a crucial step toward building a just and democratic society based on equality and partnership among all components of society. They stressed that women will remain key partners in building and shaping Syria’s future.

ANHA