NAGHAM JAJAN

Qamishlo_Amid the political and social transformations that Syria is witnessing, the issue of women’s participation and their role in public life and decision-making stands out as one of the fundamental issues in the discussion about the country’s future.Syria’s societal diversity also poses another challenge, represented in how to build relations based on equality and partnership between various people and components.

To learn about the importance of gender equality and women’s role in political and social life, our agency conducted the following dialogue with Jiyan Hussein, a member of the Coodination of the Kongra Star in Rojava.

Why is the partnership of women and peoples important in building a democratic society?

The universe was built on two sides, and society was also built on the basis of woman and man. But when society moved away from its nature, the authoritarian system created differences and distinctions between the sexes. According to this system, women were unable to do anything, and everything was supposed to be led by men. For its own interests, the system pushed women away from many areas of life.

But a democratic society can only be built on the basis of equality and partnership between the sexes. Women can prove their existence through their strength and practice work and activity in all areas of life. One of the goals of a democratic society is building partnership between women and men. On this basis, a democratic family is built, and in the end society also becomes democratic.

There are many components and societies around the world. For life to continue in a sustainable manner, partnership between women and peoples should be enhanced. By enhancing this partnership, women's role in society grows stronger, and they can access their rights and contribute to developing society.

When relations between women and peoples are built on the basis of equality, peace, and justice, and the rights of all components are protected, this becomes a main foundation for building a democratic society. Therefore, it is necessary for society to recognize women's identity, existence, and rights, and to protect and support them.

How can women play a more effective role in the political and social process?

From history until today, many resisting women, activists, politicians, and writers have carried out important work and efforts in various fields. At the same time, many of these women were subjected to attacks, genocide, and elimination. With the emergence of the capitalist system, women were pushed away from political and social fields and confined within a narrow framework.

But in the experience of northern and eastern Syria, women, through their leadership of the revolution, proved that they are capable of playing a fundamental role in all fields and achieving successful work. The co-presidency system has also become a model for the world, as it showed that women can participate effectively in managing political and social institutions and play an important role in the decision-making process.

However, many women until today still face obstacles and risks in the political field. Therefore, it is necessary for women to trust in their capabilities and strength. At this stage of the peace process and building a democratic society, women should enhance their presence and strength in the political field and play a fundamental role in making decisions and building the future. It is also necessary for women to better understand their legal rights and to work to guarantee their rights ensured by the constitution.

To what extent can women's participation in decision-making enhance society's voice?

Women raise their voices in every field in which they participate, and at the same time they do not differentiate or discriminate between any members of society. No judicial decision is made without women's participation. In order to build a democratic Syria, it is necessary to enhance women's role in all fields, because women work for all peoples and components.

Women know their duties and responsibilities well, are aware of their rights, and at the same time work to protect the existence of their society and ensure its continuity. Democratic politics can only be built through the effective participation and leadership of women.

How can the voice of women and peoples be enhanced in the political process?

What is important at this stage is enhancing the unity and solidarity of peoples. Kurdish women led the Rojava Revolution, but women from various components also played their role, and opened the way for one another to introduce themselves and build their solidarity.

But it is necessary to build the unity and solidarity of Syria's women. Through that, we can also enhance the foundations of the unity and solidarity of all Syria's peoples and components. Only through unity will we be able to take important steps for Syria's future and push forward the process of building a democratic Syria.