Naghm Jajan

Qamishlo- Women across North and East Syria believe that explicit constitutional provisions are essential to ensure meaningful representation for women and to protect their achievements as an integral part of building a democratic and just Syria. They stress that women’s struggles for free journalism, social justice, and political participation must be translated into constitutional principles that uphold these values and grant them legal legitimacy.

As national discussions continue around Syria’s future and the drafting of a new constitution, women in the region insist that it must be founded on the principles of justice and equality, with clear guarantees for women’s rights and their inclusion in decision-making positions.

“We Demand a Constitution that Guarantees Justice and Equality for All Syrians”
Women in Qamishlo voiced their desire for a decentralized Syria with a new constitution that protects their rights. Sabah Shabo, representative of the Syriac Women’s Union in the Coordination of the Women’s Council of North and East Syria, stated that the proposed constitution fails to secure the rights of the Syriac community. She noted that Syrians had lived for over 53 years under a centralized regime and hoped that, following the fall of the previous Syrian government, a new administration would emerge to protect the rights of all communities and build Syria on the foundations of justice and equality.

“Unfortunately, reality proved otherwise,” she continued, explaining that the rise of the Syrian Interim Government, led by jihadist factions from Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, worsened the situation. The people of North and East Syria were excluded from the national dialogue, and the draft constitution made no mention of the rights of the Syriac people—their language, culture, or history. “It is unacceptable that Syria’s presidency represents only one sect. The constitution must reflect the country’s diversity and ensure justice for all its components.”

Shabo stressed that the proposed constitution also fails to reflect women’s roles or guarantee their rights, pointing out that when the interim government was formed, only one woman was appointed among 23 men—and only as Minister of Labor and Social Affairs. “This is a clear example of the marginalization of women in politics and economics,” she said.

She added that women have been stripped of their basic rights, even as many regions in Syria have witnessed massacres committed by jihadist groups. “Our rights are not limited to biological equality—they include political and economic participation. That’s why it is essential to draft a new constitution that guarantees the rights of all communities and firmly establishes women’s presence, so we can live in peace and stability.”

“Syria’s Reality Still Falls Short of the People’s Aspirations”
Hevin Rashid, a member of the General Council of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), said that the Rojava Revolution was led by women and youth, which gave it both strength and legitimacy. “It’s been about a year since the fall of the former Syrian regime. The Syrian people had hoped for guaranteed rights and genuine change in the country. Yet, the situation continues to deteriorate. Massacres are still being committed daily, and no real dialogue or peace process has emerged. Despite numerous meetings and efforts toward a new, democratic Syria, the reality remains far from the people’s aspirations.”

Rashid noted that women have always played an important role in Syria’s history, but that role has long been underrecognized. “Despite global progress in women’s rights, the Syrian Interim Government continues to ignore them. Women were given only one ministry out of twenty-three—the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.”

She added that women have proven themselves in military, political, and legal fields, and that the experience of the Autonomous Administration has shown their ability to lead in diplomacy, politics, and economics. “We aspire to a new constitution that guarantees the rights of women, youth, and all communities, establishing a democratic, decentralized, and diverse Syria where everyone can live in peace and justice.”

“Crimes Committed in the Name of Religion and the Constitution”
Najoud Faris, a member of the PYD Education Committee in Qamishlo, stated that the Syrian Interim Government fails to recognize the diverse communities of Syria and continues to marginalize women in political and military roles—despite their proven competence.

She added that the government has committed crimes against many women under religious pretexts and has denied equal rights to all communities. “We, the women of North and East Syria, reject this government and demand a free life based on justice and equality for all.”