Success of any political process in Syria depends on genuine participation of Women

Speaking from the Zenobia Women’s Gathering Council in Tabqa, Syrian women leaders highlighted the crucial role women must play in leading the country and in drafting a new constitution that ensures the rights of all Syrian components, particularly women.

Maryam Othman, the member of the coordination committee of the Zenobia Women’s Gathering, reflected on the periods preceding the fall of the Baath regime under Bashar al-Assad on December 8, the occupation of ISIS, and the Turkish state's attacks on the region. She said, “Before the liberation of the region from ISIS mercenaries, the women endured severe hardships restrictions on freedoms, exclusion from public life, and violations of our rights, not to mention the horrific crimes of murder, flogging, sexual violence, and abduction committed against us."

 Maryam highlighted the determination and resilience of women in achieving significant milestones.

 "Through the leadership of the Women’s Protection Units, we managed to defeat ISIS mercenaries. This alone underscores the importance of strengthening the presence of Syrian women in every aspect of life to drive progress and achieve accomplishments."

 The Zenobia Women’s Gathering underscored the necessity of women's participation in drafting Syria’s new constitution and in the national process of resolving the crisis. They asserted that any political process excluding women is destined to fail.

 Maryam reiterated the importance of Syrians deciding the future of a new democratic, pluralistic, and decentralized Syria—a dream long held by the people who have fought tirelessly for it. She also called for the formation of committees to hold accountable all those who committed crimes against society and women.

 Kawthar Al-Ahmad, another member of the Zenobia Women’s Gathering in Tabqa, emphasized the need for implementing all laws and charters related to human rights. This includes adherence to international laws protecting women’s rights, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). She pointed out that the transitional Syrian government’s commitment to these laws, policies, and development plans is a fundamental step toward achieving justice and equality.

 Shahd Al-Ali, the member of the Gathering, described the right to self-determination as the cornerstone of any democratic society. This right reflects the Syrian people’s desire to reclaim their national identity and establish a state based on justice and equality.

“Syrians, including women, must play an active role in decision-making without external pressure or interference. This strengthens their sense of belonging and participation," Shahd Al-Ali said.

 Shahd Al-Ali further stressed the critical role of women in drafting the new constitution, adding, "Women must not be marginalized again as they were under the previous regime. It is imperative to enact changes that align with the interests of society and women through a constitution shaped by all components of society, particularly  the women.”