The Syrian Women’s Authority held a special symposium on Sunday regarding the role of Syrian women in responding to humanitarian crises at the office of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) in the town of Azaz in the Aleppo countryside.
The meeting was attended by the SOC’s President, Hadi Al-Bahra, Vice Presidents Abdel Majeed Barakat and Dima Moussa, members of the political committee, Coordinator of the Syrian Women’s Authority Basma Muhammad, and Jihad Maraie.
Muhammad warmly welcomed the participants and provided a comprehensive overview of the Authority’s ongoing initiatives and forthcoming work agenda. She emphasized the critical need to invigorate the Authority’s efforts, surmount obstacles, and empower women to fully embrace their impactful roles within society. Subsequently, she encouraged an open dialogue on various pertinent issues concerning the involvement of Syrian women and underscored the significance of their political engagement in the current political landscape.
Al-Bahra provided an overview of the political situation in Syria, highlighting the impact of regional crises on the Syrian conflict and humanitarian aid. He emphasized the importance of advancing the educational, economic, and social sectors in liberated areas.
Speaking on the role of women across all domains, Al-Bahra stressed their often-unseen contributions as frontline soldiers in addressing challenges. He underscored the significant sacrifices women have made throughout the Syrian revolution.
Al-Bahra emphasized the necessity for women to actively participate in society, noting the barriers they face in political engagement due to negative perceptions and a historical absence of democratic political culture.
Al-Bahra reiterated the importance of women’s involvement in the working groups coordinated by the political committee, which collaborate with organizations, political parties, and competent figures.
SOC’s Vice President, Dima Moussa, called on the participants to take an active role in society, especially during humanitarian crises, as happened in the devastating earthquake that struck Syria and Türkiye last year. She thanked all the female participants who were paramedics and volunteers in the rescue teams during that major humanitarian disaster.
During the session, several women highlighted the challenges encountered in women’s engagement, both within political spheres and civil society organizations. They also put forward innovative ideas and proposals aimed at improving women’s work opportunities and representation. Among the notable suggestions were the establishment of a dedicated office within the Syrian Women’s Authority for responding to humanitarian crises, devising a mechanism to address issues related to civil registry and paternity determination for children, and organizing a workshop featuring the Minister of Education from the Syrian Interim Government and university presidents to address educational concerns and pursue international recognition for universities in northern Syria.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
