Women in decision making ensure balanced decisions

Zahra al-Ali, co-chair of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) in the city of Hasakah, spoke to Hawar News Agency about the importance of women’s participation in local councils, political parties, and decision-making positions.

Zahra explained that women’s participation in these positions constitutes a fundamental pillar for building a healthy society, stressing that unilateral decisions cannot be balanced in the absence of women’s free will, which has been shaped amid the Rojava Revolution.

Zahra addressed the historical development of women’s role since the outbreak of the revolution, saying: “Women are of great importance, and their presence in society is a fundamental pillar. We are constantly seeking within society ways to build women’s character and empower them in councils, political parties, and local administrations.”

She added: “Since the beginning of the Rojava Revolution, which has become known internationally as the ‘Women’s Revolution,’ women have entered into numerous political negotiations and succeeded in securing their leading position at all levels: political, military, diplomatic, civil, and economic. Today, they have acquired clear strength and importance both within Syria and on the international stage. This strength has been derived from the ideas and philosophy of leader Abdullah Ocalan, who placed the utmost importance on women’s freedom and directed them toward breaking the constraints imposed by reactionary forces.”

She also highlighted women’s active diplomatic presence, citing their substantial and essential participation in the political negotiations that took place between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the transitional government.

Regarding the political challenges facing women, Zahra explained that the path had not been easy, saying: “There are many obstacles facing women, including the one-sided view held by men, as well as certain customs and traditions that restrict their movement in social and political spheres in general. In addition, there is a patriarchal mindset that has always sought to impose its dominance over society and women in particular, after having considered political work for many years to be exclusively the domain of men.”

She continued: “However, through their continuous struggle and persistent efforts, women have succeeded in changing society’s perception and dismantling patriarchal concepts that have been imposed for centuries. They have brought about radical changes through which they have demonstrated their role and pioneering position, contributing to strengthening their presence in various arenas and enabling them to participate in governing the country with greater awareness and a strong will.”

Zahra stressed that what women have achieved today is the result of major sacrifices, pointing to the pioneering role of women martyrs who fought courageously against ISIS mercenaries and demonstrated their strength to the world on the battlefields.

At the conclusion of her remarks, Zahra al-Ali, co-chair of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) in the city of Hasakah, affirmed her vision for the future of the coming sensitive phase, saying: “The next phase, whether militarily, politically, or diplomatically, will be a phase of building a healthy society and a democratic future for all of Syria.”

She explained: “The presence of women in decisions concerning matters of vital importance gives these decisions a balanced and comprehensive character and brings the visions of women and men together.” At the same time, she noted that “the Women’s Protection Units constitute a fundamental pillar in combating the patriarchal mindset, both militarily and intellectually, and in demonstrating the free woman’s identity within the military forces and society alike.”

She concluded by saying: “The absence of women makes decisions one-sided and unbalanced; therefore, their presence is the fundamental condition for the legitimacy and soundness of any decision concerning matters of vital importance.

ANHA