SÎLVA AL-ÎBRAHÎM

 Manbij- Despite the ongoing Turkish attacks, local elections are scheduled to be held in North and East Syria on August 8, 2024. The Zenubya Women’s Community in Manbij has been organizing a 3-day workshop for female co-mayoral candidates and female council candidates.

‘We learn many things’

“We have already started our election campaign,” said Ittimath Al-Taan, co-mayoral candidate in the town of Tal Hawzan. “We have organized festivals and meetings and visited communes to hear what our people demand. Now, we have been attending the workshop organized by the Zenubya Women’s Community. We learn many things about our duties and responsibilities. We will work hard to succeed despite the challenges.”

‘Women become more self-aware’

Rula Ahmed Dallo, who runs for council in the town of Abu Qalqal, told us that they were preparing for the elections with a strong will and determination despite the ongoing Turkish attacks on their region. Speaking about the workshop, she said, “Women attending the workshop learn how municipalities work and become more self-aware about their history and many other issues. The Zenubya Women’s Community is an umbrella organization for all women.”

‘Women are confident they will win a victory’

 “We have held this workshop for female candidates running for the local elections,” said Ruwayda Hunaidal, Spokesperson of the Zenubya Women’s Community in Manbij. “We give information about the co-presidency system, the charter of the Zenubya Women’s Community and women’s rights. The aim of the workshop is to strengthen women. The workshop is important for the female candidates for effective and efficient management of cities and towns. Thanks to the ideology of leader Abdullah Öcalan, women have a strong will. Women are confident they will win a victory in the local elections.”