SILVA AL-IBRAHIM

Hasakah- Since the fall of the Assad regime, and establishment of an interim government by the jihadist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Damascus has witnessed many changes both in politics and social life. However, women in the country are concerned about the recent developments because their role in building a new Syria is a matter of debate.

NuJINHA interviewed Alya Osman, member of the Jineology Academy, about the recent developments in Syria. “The Baathist regime, which remained in power in Syria for years, used many oppressive practices to weaken the feminist movement in Syria,” she said. “During the rule of the regime, women's representation in parliament was low and women could not play an active role in politics, women’s rights were violated and prisons were full of women activists fighting for their rights.”

‘Women of Rojava have built their movement on solid ground’

During the rule of the Assad regime, families oppressed their daughters in fear of being stigmatized, Alya Osman added. “Following the Rojava Revolution led by women in North and East Syria, women began to participate in all facets of life, including politics, military and economy. The women of Rojava have built their movement on solid ground, playing an active role by establishing their own institutions and organizations.”

‘An attempt to manipulate women’s history’

Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took control of Damascus on December 8, 2024 and established a transitional government. In the beginning of January 2025, the government published a list of amendments in school curriculum. “The changes include the removal of the name of Queen Zenobia and Queen Ishtar. The changes also include the phrases ‘Ottoman occupation’ to ‘Ottoman initiative’ and ‘path of goodness’ to ‘Islamic path’. All these changes are an attempt to manipulate women’s history.

“The aim is to erase women’s identity from the country’s history; however, they cannot do this. The removal of the names of goddesses from the education curriculum also reveals the mindset of HTS.”

‘Syrian women will not be deceived by false promises’

The women’s movement has a duty to show the role of women in society before and after the Ba'ath Party came to power, Alya Osman emphasized. “The majority of Syrian people and women express their concerns that Syria could turn into another Afghanistan. However, this is impossible due to its important geography. There are many ethnic minorities in Syria and a women's resistance in North and East Syria. In North and East Syria, women have gained significant experience in all facets of life, including military, politics and economy for more than 10 years. Therefore, Syrian women will not be deceived by false promises or accept any discriminatory attempt.”

‘We want to build a better future’

“We face challenges and a war,” Alya Osman stressed. “Therefore, we need an organized and united feminist struggle and to reach women everywhere because we want to build a better future for Syrian women. We must take practical steps to participate in building the new Syria.”