Women condemn Syria’s draft constitution: Exclusion is unacceptable

 Women affiliated with civil institutions in the countryside of Deir ez-Zor, located in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, criticized the constitutional declaration, stating that it reproduces exclusionary and marginalizing policies. They particularly objected to the limited representation of women, reduced to a single seat, describing it as “a consolidation of oppression.”

 Manal Al-Ahmad, the Co-chair of the Services Office in eastern Deir ez-Zor, stated, “A constitution that grants women only symbolic presence is one that enshrines injustice and fails to reflect the reality of Syrian women—who have been and continue to be partners in struggle, from revolution to the reconstruction of society. Excluding them from shaping the future simply means reproducing past crises.”

 She added, “Syrian women have proven their capability in achieving success across various fields—political, economic, and social. Ignoring this role is an insult to their dignity and a waste of the potential of society as a whole.”

Manal demanded genuine and effective representation of women in all institutions, asserting, “This is not a favor to be granted, but a natural right for those who stood firm in the face of war and destruction. A new Syria cannot be built without women's voices and active involvement.”

 Kalthoum Al-Amin, the member of the Women's Committee in eastern Deir ez-Zor, echoed these sentiments, stating that forming a government that excludes women continues a legacy of marginalization. She added, “Such an approach contradicts the principles of justice and equality, and reflects a clear refusal by the Damascus authorities to acknowledge women’s political and social roles.”

 She emphasized that the constitutional declaration fails to provide any form of fair representation, instead reinforcing exclusionary practices, describing this trajectory as one destined for failure.

 Souad Al-Saleh, the  member of the Archives Office in Deir ez-Zor, remarked that Syrian women have never been mere witnesses to history, but rather its makers. She said, “From liberation struggles to political participation, women have always been at the forefront. We reject any attempt to marginalize or undermine their role.”

 Jenan Al-Ahmad, the member of the Economic Office in eastern Deir ez-Zor, emphasized that excluding women is not simply a matter of absence, but a deliberate policy. “What is happening is an intentional erasure of pluralism and a silencing of any dissenting voices—just as diversity in Syria is being targeted,” she said.

 Jenan concluded by calling on both local and international communities to support women and pressure relevant committees involved in building Syria to ensure fair representation. She stressed the importance of unity among women in confronting all deliberate efforts to marginalize and exclude them.

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ANHA