Syrian women in Aleppo discuss solutions to crisis

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Around 100 women from across Syria convened on Oct. 18-19 in Aleppo for a pivotal forum focused on enhancing women’s roles in addressing the ongoing Syrian crisis.

The event, titled “Unity of Syrian Women: A Key to Resolving the Syrian Crisis and Achieving Peace,” was organized by the Women’s Office of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC).

Attendees included women from governorates such as Suwayda, Homs, Damascus, and regions run by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). The participants represented a diverse array of activists, journalists, human rights defenders, feminist leaders, and civil society and youth movement representatives.

The forum extended its reach internationally through Zoom, with feminist activists joining from Europe and the Arab world. Notably, a live connection was established with al-Karama Square in Suwayda, a southern Syrian city that has been at the center of anti-government protests for over a year.

According to Jihan Khedro, Co-Chair of the Women’s Office of the SDC, discussions were centered on creating strategies to safeguard women’s rights and freedoms.

She highlighted the importance of developing a new legal, social, political, and cultural framework that unifies organizations addressing women’s issues across Syria.

Khedro emphasized that the forum underlined the need for comprehensive female participation in all spheres of life, particularly in political and decision-making roles.

“The focus was on the Syrian national identity and the unity of Syrian women as critical elements in resolving the crisis and achieving lasting peace,” she stated.

Participants also recognized the historical role of women in resisting terrorism and overcoming Syria’s multifaceted challenges, standing alongside men in the fight.

The forum called for the consolidation of feminist efforts to facilitate a democratic transformation in Syria, ensuring that women play a central role in shaping a peaceful future.

“This forum marks a significant step towards increasing women’s participation in decision-making at both local and national levels,” Khedro concluded. 

By Jwan Shekaki