The Women’s Office of the Syrian Opposition Coalition held an event on the occasion of International Women’s Day at the SOC’s office in the town of Azaz in rural Aleppo. The event, which was held under the supervision of the SOC’s Vice-president and Coordinator of the Women’s Office, Ruba Habboush, brought together groupings, institutions and parties concerned with women’s affairs, as well as women active in political life and civil society.
Habboush begun the event by welcoming the participants and congratulating them on International Women’s Day as she lauded the Syrian woman fighting for freedom. She said that Syrian women set a shining example of bravery, determination and commitment over a decade of the revolution during which she faced all forms of oppression and criminality.
Habboush stressed the competence and agency of Syrian women that qualify them to reach decision-making positions, stressing that Syrian women are a symbol of leadership and giving. She stressed the need for stepping up support for Syrian women in the framework of enhancing their capabilities and providing them with opportunities to participate in political institutions, civil society organizations and local administrations.
She also stressed the need for engaging Syrian women in public affairs, give them adequate representation in political entities, empowering them without discrimination or exclusion, supporting their peace building efforts, and strengthening international and local legal procedures to protect them from violence and various violations.
Participants in the event paid tribute to Syrian women in the prisons of the Assad regime, stressing that they would continue to urge the international community to force the Assad regime to disclose their fate, extend a helping hand to survivors, and support women’s organizations working in various regions of Syria, especially in the liberated areas. They also stressed that a free, democratic Syria cannot be built without the active participation of women. (Source: SOC’s Media Department)
