Hesekê – The conference titled ‘Women’s Unity, the Basis for Building Justice and Democracy in a United and Decentralized Syria’ held in Hesekê demonstrated the united will of Syrian women against the anti-women mentality of the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. The participants called for intensifying the struggle to ensure women’s fair representation in politics and the constitutional guarantee of their rights.

Around 600 delegates from different faiths and communities participated in the conference held under the slogan ‘Women’s Unity, the Basis for Building Justice and Democracy in a United and Decentralized Syria.’ The event was organized under the leadership of Kongra Star and the Zenubya Women’s Community.

The Conference is an Answer

Speaking to our agency during the break of the conference, Êzidî House Co-Chair Leyla Ibrahim said, “This conference shows that women are the true driving force of society and serves as a response to those who think we can achieve nothing.”

Leyla Ibrahim emphasized that every meeting bringing together the will of women has an impact on the political arena and stressed that the struggle must be intensified. She stated that despite the violations, injustices, and denial of identity Êzidîs have been subjected to, they were able to represent themselves at this conference.

The Elections in Syria are Illegitimate

Salifa Şêx Davud, a member of the Kongra Star Committee for Diplomatic Relations, also drew attention to the importance of the conference, saying: “This conference brought together all Syrian women from different groups and religious backgrounds such as Armenians, Syriacs, Druze, Alevis, Kurds, Êzidîs, Circassians, and Arabs.”

Referring to the planned elections in Syria, Salifa Şêx Davud stated that the elections are not legitimate and emphasized that a clear and determined stance is being taken against them. She said:

“The women’s quota does not exceed 20 percent. This situation is in no way acceptable, especially considering the pioneering experiences in North and East Syria, which are based on at least 50 percent representation of women. Any electoral process must encompass all components of society, guaranteeing everyone’s rights without exclusion or marginalization. This conference expresses the stance of all Syrian women against the interim administration and represents a collective voice demanding a radical review of government policies and laws, which in their current form or dominant mentality are no longer acceptable,” she said.