Noor Al-Ahmad
Raqqa - Angry reactions continue after the arson attack on one of the centers of the Zenobia Women’s Gathering in Deir ez-Zor Canton, North and East Syria.

On October 17, a group of ISIS terrorist cells set fire to the headquarters of the Zenobia Women’s Gathering in the town of Abu Hammam, in the countryside of Deir ez-Zor, causing material damage. Commenting on the attack, the Coordinator of the Zenobia Women’s Gathering Council, Shahrazad Al-Jassem, said that it was a cowardly attempt that failed to achieve its goals, affirming that “the will of free women cannot be defeated or subdued by any attack.”

Shahrazad Al-Jassem pointed out that the establishment of the Zenobia Women’s Gathering Council was a significant and foundational step in the democratic project of the region, which is based on gender equality. “With the liberation of the areas of North and East Syria from ISIS through the sacrifices of the Syrian Democratic Forces, and the end of violence practiced against women, it became necessary to form such women’s organizations to revive the role of women that had been marginalized for decades.”

She added that since the 21st century is the century of women’s freedom, the women’s movement has intensified its work. However, it continues to be directly targeted. “Women have become leaders in their homes and beyond, leading their revolution in all fields. This stands in complete opposition to the extremist mindset, which is why women are being targeted by internal and external forces hostile to the idea of women’s freedom. Women are seen as the element and tool of organization, awareness, and democracy, and these forces seek to break the will of free women, undermine their revolution’s achievements, and return them to the age of ignorance by excluding their roles and participation in building peace.”

Al-Jassem stated that the goal behind setting fire to the Zenobia Women’s Gathering building in Abu Hammam by ISIS cells is now clear, as the gathering is a space that defends women, demands their rights and justice, and works to find solutions to social and family issues - including limiting child marriage and polygamy - all of which contradict the patriarchal mindset that has bound women for years under the guise of customs and traditions inherited in the region.

She confirmed that the attackers’ goal had failed: “There have been repeated attempts - this is not the first time women have been targeted. We have received threats of assassination and kidnapping, among many others. They think they can terrorize us or weaken our will, that these actions will stop us from continuing our struggle and progress. But what is happening is the exact opposite: our will has grown stronger, our determination has doubled, and our persistence continues on the path of freedom and salvation for every oppressed and abused woman seeking justice and liberty. We will reach all women in the world, continuing what we have vowed to do - to defend, support, and empower women in society.”

According to Al-Jassem, women’s organizations represent a shelter and umbrella that protect all women in the region.
“We pledge to continue according to our founding principles and under our slogan: ‘Woman, Life, Freedom.’ We will stand against all sectarian seditions that seek to undermine the women’s revolution and its achievements. Our response will be firm against anyone who tries to obstruct women’s freedom.”

She also directed a message to the groups behind such cowardly acts of sabotage: “You are mistaken in thinking that women are weak or incapable of defending themselves, or that they cannot continue their struggle. On the contrary, women possess a strong will and will never surrender in the face of such attacks. We will not accept defeat or subjugation to oppressive regimes that use women as tools of violence and servitude.”

Al-Jassem affirmed that women in Deir ez-Zor continue their struggle to prove their role in all fields, to be pioneers in establishing peace, participation, and effective representation in the new Syrian constitution.
“We will turn the strength and unity of women into a weapon against any attack. No matter how many buildings you burn, we will keep going - even if it means continuing in tents, even if only one woman remains. The path we have chosen is full of struggle and resistance, yet we have achieved what we aimed for despite countless challenges. Women have sacrificed dearly to have a voice, an identity, and a say.”