Raqqa hosts women’s forum on eliminating violence against women
RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) organized on Sunday a dialogue forum in the city of Raqqa, northern Syria, to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Jihan Khedro, head of the Women’s Office in the SDC, told North Press that many women attended the forum in person, while others joined remotely via video.
“The convening of this forum at such a critical moment for Syria carries several political and social implications and messages. Today, we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women—not as a mere slogan but by taking a clear and serious stance against all forms of violence faced by women whether political or social.”
Dozens of Syrian women from Damascus and Homs took part in the event.
Khedro explained that the majority of women were unable to reach Raqqa due to the closure of the crossings between areas run by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and those held by the Syrian transitional government.
“The discussions shed light on the systematic political violence practiced against women and there was strong criticism by Syrian women of the performance of the transitional government and the measures it has adopted, which deliberately excluded and marginalized Syrian women,” she said.
The first session of the forum addressed political violence and its impact on the rights of Syrian women. The discussion was led by Dr. Zubaida al-Qablan, representative of the Democratic Civil Current in Damascus.
The second session focused on the role of Syrian women in building a new Syria and was presented by Fahima Youssef, co-chair of the AANES’ Legislative Council in Raqqa.