RONEIDA HAJI

Al-Hasakah_  With the transformations taking place in Syria and the efforts aimed at building a new state based on justice and equality, the issue of women's rights has emerged as one of the fundamental issues requiring serious attention at both the constitutional and legal levels.

In this context, the Syrian Women's Council affirms that empowering women, ensuring their participation in various areas of life, and protecting them from violence and discrimination constitute a cornerstone for building a democratic society and a more just and stable future.

"Women Must Not Be Marginalized"

Rim Idris, Administrator of the Syrian Women's Council, affirmed that empowering women and ensuring their security and stability are a fundamental priority, noting that this requires ongoing work to raise women's awareness and education, and to enhance their intellectual and professional capabilities, thereby strengthening their ability to participate effectively in society.

She explained that women's empowerment begins with strengthening their role and confidence in their abilities, which reflects on their families and communities, ultimately leading to a free and advanced society. She emphasized the necessity of women obtaining their full legitimate and legal rights, and that these rights be clearly enshrined in the constitution.

Rim Idris stressed that women's participation should not be limited to a specific field, but should extend to various political, economic, administrative, and cultural spheres. She affirmed that women are not a marginal or complementary party in society, but a fundamental partner in building it and shaping its future. She said that building a new Syria cannot be achieved without a genuine and active presence of women in various decision-making positions.

In this context, she affirmed the necessity of including clear legal texts and articles in the process of building a new Syria that guarantee the protection of women's rights and safeguard their full participation in all areas of life. She noted that women have suffered for many years from marginalization due to various reasons and justifications, and that the next phase requires ending these practices and opening the field for women to take the position they deserve.

She also called for reviewing existing laws and reconsidering articles that could be used against women, explaining that some laws are sometimes exploited to pressure women or deprive them of protection and rights, which requires comprehensive reform.

Draft Law Against Domestic Violence

Rim Idris also addressed the draft law against domestic violence, explaining that this issue is not limited to women alone, but includes all family members. "Women, men, children, and the elderly may all be victims of violence within the family. Therefore, it is necessary to issue a law that protects all family members. The draft law should be developed through consensus, and introduced and disseminated within society, as it has become a basic need."

She called on women to know their rights and to approach relevant authorities and institutions to protect them, affirming the need for solutions and genuine accountability regarding violations of women's rights.

"A Homeland Cannot Be Built Without Women's Participation"

Rojin Abdul Qader, a member of the Legal Committee of the Syrian Women's Council, also affirmed that many women still do not fully know their rights, and that it is necessary to raise their awareness of their rights. "Women's basic rights are equality before the law, the right to life and physical security, education, freedom and dignity, fair wages, healthcare, political participation, learning, access to job opportunities and employment, property, nationality, and freedom of thought and expression."

She also explained that women's right to protection from violence, discrimination, and exploitation is one of their fundamental rights. "A homeland cannot be built without women's participation. Women are the foundation of society."

"Women's Rights Must Be Guaranteed in the Constitution"

She affirmed that guaranteeing women's rights in the constitution would establish a legal foundation for protecting their rights. "When women's rights are guaranteed in the constitution, women will have legal protection in all areas of life. It is necessary to achieve equality between women and men and to ensure there is no discrimination, especially in the fields of work, assuming positions and responsibilities, and political participation."

As a human rights and social rights activist, she pledges to continue working for women's rights until women obtain their full rights.

"Women Must Demand Their Rights Without Fear"

Rojin Idris called on women to be strong, saying that today's women are the granddaughters of great women who contributed to bringing about many changes in Syria's history. "Without women's participation in all areas of life, politics, and decision-making, a free and just Syria cannot be built. Therefore, their rights must be guaranteed in the constitution and laws and protected."