Women’s Media Union affirms its support for press freedom and journalists rights

On the occasion of its sixth anniversary—marked today, Sunday, June 28—the Women’s Media Union (YRJ) issued a written statement via its official Facebook page. The statement reviewed the Union’s journey over the past years and emphasized the vital role of women’s media in bolstering women's presence and advocating for their causes across various sectors.

The statement reads as follows:

On the sixth anniversary of the founding of the Women’s Media Union in North and East Syria, we look back with pride on the journey of media work and struggle undertaken by female journalists and media professionals. This journey has been driven by a commitment to defend the truth and a firm belief in the role of women in building a free, professional, and democratic media landscape that reflects society's aspirations for freedom, justice, and equality.

This occasion arrives amidst the mounting challenges facing female journalists in the Middle East. Women working in the media sector continue to confront various forms of restriction and abuse—ranging from direct targeting while covering conflicts to smear campaigns, digital violence, and professional discrimination, alongside constraints on freedom of expression and journalistic work. Through the Union’s monitoring of the situation in the Middle East, it is evident that female journalists in the region—despite these challenges—have proven their ability to break down barriers and convey the voices of their communities and women's issues to local and international public opinion.

In Syria, female journalists have paid a heavy price due to violations and actions committed by various armed factions, the Turkish army, and ISIS. Many have lost their lives during the ongoing conflict, while others have faced arrest, threats, displacement, and direct targeting—operating in one of the most dangerous environments for journalism. Despite this, Syrian women in media have persisted in fulfilling their professional and humanitarian mission, affirming that a free press is a vital tool for defending human rights and uncovering the truth.

In North and East Syria, female journalists and media professionals have set an exemplary standard for responsible media committed to societal and women's issues. They have been at the forefront of those making sacrifices and reporting on political, social, and humanitarian events and transformations, while contributing to a culture of dialogue, pluralism, and coexistence.

The Women's Media Union extends its salute and appreciation to the female journalists who covered the events surrounding the merger process and political understandings following the agreement of January 29th. They demonstrated a high level of professionalism and commitment, reported facts responsibly, and helped present an objective picture of the unfolding transformations, despite difficult working conditions and significant security and professional challenges.

As it marks its founding anniversary, the Women's Media Union in North and East Syria reaffirms its commitment to defend press freedom and the rights of female journalists. It pledges to work towards increasing women's representation in media institutions and fostering a safe, supportive environment that enables them to carry out their professional mission free from threats and discrimination. We also call upon local and international media and human rights organizations to intensify their efforts to protect female journalists, hold the perpetrators of violations against them accountable, and ensure women's right to access media and actively participate in shaping media discourse.

On this occasion, we salute all female journalists and media professionals who have upheld the free word under the most difficult circumstances, as well as all those who believe that free, feminist media is a fundamental pillar for building a democratic society based on justice and equality.

Glory to freedom of expression... and a salute to all female journalists striving for truth and peace.

Sh-S

ANHA