MSDWith the aim of empowering women politically and enhancing their abilities and knowledge of their rights and the importance of their role in the political participation which will have positive effects in the future, several Syrian women discussed the political participation of Syrian women; challenges and obstacles facing them, during a workshop organized by the Women’s Bureau of the Syrian Democratic Council in Aleppo.
Sara Khalil, the administrator of the Women’s Bureau of the Syrian Democratic Council, highlighted at the beginning of the workshop the major obstacles and challenges that face women and hinder their participation in political work.
She emphasized that women’s political participation is crucial as they are more capable to defend their rights and express their issues.
Furthermore, Kifah Muhammad, an activist in the feminist field, stated that the political participation is a fundamental right of women and one of the essential elements of the democratic process.
“Syrian women must have a role in decision-making centers and leadership positions because they are an integral part of society, and their participation is essential.” Regarding the significance of women’s role in the political participation, Zehra Allow, a university student, stated.
On another note, the human rights activist, Salwa Ajaj, pointed out that women’s political participation confirms the legitimacy of the ruling regime and serves as evidence of democracy, promoting concepts of political participation, pluralism, freedom of speech, justice, equality, and democracy.
“The successive Syrian constitutions and electoral laws have not provided the constitutional and legal framework to guarantee an effective political participation of Syrian women, whether in leadership positions in official institutions or in parliamentary participation.” She added.
The Syrian women attending the workshop unanimously agreed on the necessity of ensuring the effective participation of women through the adoption of women’s quota, which would contribute for creating an encouraging atmosphere for women’s political participation and also would achieve the desired equality in representation and involvement the women in political life.
They emphasized the need for the fundamental principles of the constitution to include provisions that guarantee the political representation, freedom of expression, and the influence on various levels of society and politics, ensuring the achievement of equality in rights, freedoms, and duties in both public and private life.
