Sorkol Sheikho

Tel Tamr – The constitution drafted by the Syrian Interim Government was met with discontent by women in Rojava, as it does not guarantee women’s rights and ignores the achievements of the July 19 Revolution in Rojava and the democratic system established in the region over the past 14 years.

Women in the city of Tel Tamr, in al-Jazira Canton, have called for a new constitution. As Zeinab Eyo stated, “A constitution cannot be democratic if it lacks laws and guarantees for women’s rights.” She emphasized that free societies safeguard the rights of the people on the basis of women’s freedom, and without it, “society and the system remain weak.”

She added, “We call on the relevant parties to include a specific law for women in the Syrian constitution so that women can play an active role in the society in which they live.” She stressed that without a law protecting women, a free and democratic society cannot be built—“whether in Syria or in any other country. If a democratic constitution does not protect the rights of all members of society, then no individual will be able to fulfill their duties fully.”

She further affirmed that “Syrian women need freedom of thought,” and that the new system in Syria must learn from the country’s past events and not deprive Syrian women of their rights again, recalling that “women did not enjoy rights in Syrian society under the previous regime. Today, we demand a law that protects women’s existence and identity.”

The continued violation of women’s rights under previous systems until today, Zeinab Eyo explained, confirms “the need for a law that grants women their rights, so that half of society can be independent and empowered to participate in decision-making. For a democratic and free Syria, the constitution must guarantee the rights of all peoples.”

Hedla Abdul Wahab echoed these remarks, highlighting the work of the Women’s House (Mala Jin) and the Family Law, as well as the achievements of the women’s revolution in Rojava. She stated that those who claim society rejects this approach are mistaken, noting that “many have admired the positive work carried out by the Women’s House.”

Regarding the impact of this system on social life and women’s presence, she said, “The developments achieved by the women’s revolution and the women’s movement in the region have been widely appreciated. From 2012 until 2026, all cases were resolved.”

Hedla Abdul Wahab questioned the role of the Interim Government when women were leading the revolution in North and East Syria, asking: “Where was this government when we saved thousands of women from killing and protected families from massacres? The Women’s House is the best example of the success of the women’s revolution.”

She explained, “We were resolving family disputes when women were here and men were absent. This is a success that cannot be ignored, because every woman working in the Women’s House acts as a lawyer and a public prosecutor.”

She stressed that the Interim Government must “recognize the Women’s House and the Family Law and guarantee them in the constitution,” adding that Syria today needs Women’s Houses in all cities. “Only women truly understand women’s issues and listen to them until the end. Any constitution that does not include women’s rights and their law will not align with women’s interests.”

She further emphasized that “a Women’s House should be established in Damascus today to address the issues of Syrian women. If women’s existence is not recognized, many problems will emerge and women will face unprecedented violence.”

Hedla Abdul Wahab concluded by stating that if women are excluded and marginalized, they are prepared for another revolution: “If the Syrian constitution does not recognize the Family Law and the Women’s House, women are ready to launch another revolution in 2026.”