The second conference of the Women’s Council of the Municipalities Union of North and East Syria began at the Serdem Hall in the city of Hesekê. Alongside 150 delegates, representatives of the Autonomous Administration, Kongra Star, and political parties also attended the conference, which opened with a moment of silence.
Siham Qeryo, co-chair of the People’s Assembly of the Democratic Autonomous Administration, said the conference marked a historic stage in women’s struggle for an active role in justice, equality, and the governance of social life. She emphasized that women working in municipalities have become a cornerstone in the reconstruction of society and added: “Municipalities are the institutions closest to the people, and they carry the voices of women to every village, every town, and every city.”
Siham Qeryo said that strengthening the role of women in municipalities is a national necessity and a fundamental tool in building a pluralistic, just, and solidarity-based society. She thanked all the women working in municipalities and stated: “Today you are inside the decision-making mechanisms and leading the change. As the Women’s Coordination, we are proud of you, we support you, and we will continue to move forward with you on the path of construction and liberation.”
Berivan Khalid, a member of the Coordination of Kongra Star in Northern and Eastern Syria, said that the second conference of the Women’s Council of the Municipalities Union of North and East Syria was taking place at a crucial stage. In her speech, she noted: “Today’s gathering sends a message to all regional and international powers that the women in the Autonomous Administration are asserting their own will, and that no one can break their will.”
Berivan Khalid continued her speech saying: “No one can harm the will and the aims of the women of Syria, especially the women of North and East Syria who, despite all attempts at annihilation, carry the mark of the July 19 Revolution.”
She emphasized that women in the municipalities of North and East Syria have been able to establish a democratic system and, under the slogan “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” (“Woman, Life, Freedom”), have taken their place within decision-making mechanisms.
Berivan noted that, despite the difficulties and limited resources, women in the municipalities of North and East Syria have been able to build and protect the region, taking steps toward its reconstruction.
Hevi Seyid, co-chair of the Women’s Council of the Martyrs’ Families Council of the Cizire Canton, also expressed in her speech the hope that the outcomes of the conference would be worthy of the legacy of the martyrs and the dreams of the peoples of the region.
Hevi Seyid said: “We must all protect the legacy of the martyrs,” and emphasized the importance of strengthening the struggle to break the isolation imposed on Abdullah Öcalan and to secure his physical freedom.
Final declaration
The main decisions highlighted in the final declaration were as follows:
– Adoption of the statute,
– Continuing the struggle to ensure the physical freedom of Leader Abdullah Öcalan,
– Carrying out work in line with the Peace and Democratic Society Manifesto,
– Strengthening relations between communes and municipalities,
– Continuing activities in accordance with the program of women’s councils at the municipal, canton, and regional levels,
– Continuing voluntary campaigns with public participation,
– Organizing meetings with public participation for women’s special projects,
– Continuing cleaning and tree-planting campaigns in cantons and towns,
– Enhancing communication regarding women’s work in municipalities and special projects,
– Strengthening relations among women’s councils in North and East Syria,
– Revitalizing friendship and solidarity agreements with all municipalities worldwide.