DELAL REMEZAN

Hasakah- The peaceful protests erupted in the Druze majority city of Sweida over the high inflation rate and deteriorating economic situation in Syria on August 17, 2023 continue. The protesters demand the change of the Syrian government, a political solution to the Syrian crisis and the release of political prisoners.

 In an interview with NuJINHA, Aziza Hasso, manager of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) Women’s Office in Hasakah, evaluated the peaceful protests in Sweida and women’s participation in the protests. “The people of Sweida have been holding peaceful protests for eight months. The protests erupted due to the deterioration of the political and economic situation, the rampant corruption and the failure of the government in meeting the demands of the people,” Aziza Hasso said.

 ‘Sweida rises up against injustice and tyranny’

The people of Sweida always rise up against injustice and tranny, Aziza Hasso added. “They rose up against the French and those who aimed to divide the country. During the recent peaceful protests, the people demand a change and an end to marginalization in economy and politics. Women’s participation in the ongoing protests is remarkable.  One of the most important reasons for the protests that erupted in Sweida is the foreign intervention in the country's affairs. During the protests, people chant slogans supporting the system built by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).”

‘They have been a role model’

Women of Sweida participate in the peaceful protests by chanting the “Jin, Jiyan, Azadi” slogan, Aziza Hasso emphasized. “The gains and efforts of women in North and East Syria have become a role model not only in Syria but also all over the world. The system based on democracy is not a separatist system but it is a system based on fraternity and it guarantees the right of self-determination. We support all people demanding democracy, fraternity and their rights. Despite the attacks of the Turkish state and sovereign powers, we have a system based on freedom, equality and democracy in North and East Syria.”

Call on women

Aziza Hasso believes that the system in North and East Syria is the best solution to the Syrian crisis. “One of the most important gains achieved since the beginning of the Syrian crisis is the system built by the AANES. We call on the women of Sweida to grow their struggle so that they can secure their rights. Women should organize and struggle more so that they will have the strength and will to build a democratic Syria.”