MSDThis year, International Women’s Day (8 March) comes at a time when Syrian women continue their long struggle for freedom, dignity, and justice. More than fourteen years have passed since the beginning of the popular movement that spread across different parts of Syria. This movement marked the start of an important and historic phase in the Syrian people’s pursuit of change and their aspiration to build a just and inclusive state. Throughout this period, Syrian women have played a central role and have been present at different stages of this movement alongside the broader Syrian society.
From the earliest moments, Syrian women were at the forefront of this movement. They contributed actively to community, political, and humanitarian efforts. They stood with their communities in the face of authoritarianism, violence, and the conflicts that have deeply affected Syria. Syrian women were not only witnesses to these events. They were active participants and leaders in many initiatives. They helped organize community and humanitarian responses and played a significant role in preserving social cohesion despite the many challenges faced by Syrian society.
During the years of the Syrian revolution, Syrian women were subjected to widespread violations, including arbitrary detention, abduction, and enforced disappearance. Many also faced different forms of violence and abuse that targeted their dignity and fundamental rights in many parts of Syria. Despite these circumstances, Syrian women remained resilient and continued to uphold their role in defending the values of freedom, justice, and equality.
Following the fall of the Assad regime, it was expected that Syrian women would assume a meaningful and essential role in the new political phase, in recognition of the sacrifices they made during the years of the Syrian revolution. However, many of the political steps that followed have shown a clear marginalization of Syrian women and their exclusion from decision-making positions. In several political frameworks, women’s representation has remained limited and does not reflect their role or their sacrifices.
The Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) firmly rejects any form of symbolic or superficial participation of women. We stress that the meaningful and equal participation of women is a fundamental requirement for any political process that aims to build a democratic, pluralistic, and decentralized Syria.
More than a year after the fall of the former regime, all political and national forces today carry a historic responsibility. They must ensure that women are present as equal partners in shaping the future of the country. This includes their participation in peace processes, reconstruction efforts, and in shaping the policies that will define the new Syria. At the same time, women themselves also have a responsibility to continue their struggle and to strengthen cooperation among women’s movements in order to enhance their position and advance their legitimate rights.
On this occasion, the SDC affirms that building a democratic, pluralistic, and decentralized Syria cannot be achieved without the active and meaningful participation of women in decision-making positions at all levels, both political and administrative. Empowering women is not a symbolic demand; rather, it is a fundamental requirement for ensuring a stable and democratic future for Syria.
We also stress the importance of clearly and explicitly guaranteeing women’s rights in any future Syrian constitution. This must ensure full equality between women and men in rights and responsibilities. It must also guarantee women’s fair participation in political, economic, and social life. In addition, it should establish legal safeguards that protect women from all forms of discrimination and violence.
On International Women’s Day, we extend our respect and appreciation to all Syrian women who continue their struggle across different regions of the country. We also pay tribute to all those who have faced repression, detention, displacement, and violence, yet have remained committed to the vision of a free, democratic, pluralistic, and decentralized Syria built on justice and equality.
The future of Syria cannot be achieved without women. Lasting peace and stability require full recognition of their leadership and the assurance of their meaningful participation in building the state and society.
Glory to the struggle of Syrian women.
Freedom for all detainees.
Justice for Syria and its people.
Syrian Democratic Council
March 8, 2026
