BARJAM JOUDI

Kobani- Amid ongoing discussions regarding the integration of civilian and military institutions in the Rojava regions within the framework of the Syrian state, efforts continue to build understandings between the Autonomous Administration and the Syrian interim government. In this context, criticism directed at the Syrian authorities is escalating due to what is described as the continuation of policies of marginalizing women and denying their role and status.

Mazkin Khalil, Deputy of the Executive Council of the Democratic Autonomous Administration in the city of Kobani, affirmed that women will continue their struggle with determination to establish their presence and guarantee their rights and identity in the future of Syria.

She said that Syria, after fifteen years of crises and conflicts, is going through a new phase in which the features of its political and administrative system are being shaped, noting that

 the construction of this system must be based on addressing past failures and problems and must meet the aspirations of all components of the Syrian people.

Women Are Deliberately Excluded

She stated that the reality of women in Syria is not promising, and that current developments do not meet women's aspirations nor align with the visions for which women's movements are struggling.

She explained this by saying: "The current Syrian government consists of 21 ministries, yet women's representation in it is almost absent or extremely limited, which does not reflect their will and real presence. Furthermore, they have been marginalised in parliamentary elections, from candidacy through election supervisory bodies and their various committees, down to the mechanisms for determining quotas. In general, women's presence remains weak in administrative, legislative, social, and other decision‑making positions."

Syrian Women Are Capable of Shaping the Future

Mazkin Khalil stressed that Syrian women possess great abilities and potential that qualify them to play a pivotal role in rebuilding the country. "It can be affirmed that women are subjected to systematic and deliberate exclusion policies in various fields, and many obstacles are placed before them. However, Syrian women have extensive scientific and cultural expertise and a long history of struggle. They are capable of playing a historic role in determining Syria's future and contributing to its reconstruction. Yet, marginalisation policies continue, and the same scenario is repeated."

A Call to Joint Struggle

Mazkin Khalil called upon the parties concerned with Syrian affairs to confront the policies of excluding women and work to ensure their active participation in all fields.

She said: "It is necessary for the Syrian authorities to open the door for women's participation in various areas of political, administrative, and social life, in order to ensure balance and build a genuine democratic system."

She noted: "From the first day until now, women continue their struggle to guarantee their rights through constitutional and legal means. We also call upon all Syrian women to reject policies of marginalisation and exclusion, and to unite efforts to engage in a joint struggle in defence of their rights and their future."