As part of the campaign “With women’s solidarity, we will build a free, democratic, and decentralized Syria,” launched on 12 October by the Zenûbiya Women’s Community Council of the Raqqa Canton, a large meeting was held with broad participation by women.
The meeting took place at the Sports Hall of Raqqa City Stadium with the participation of women’s committees from civil society organizations, the Women’s Internal Security Forces, the Afrin Social Solidarity Association, and representatives of political parties.
Îlham Ehmed, co-chair of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, assessed the political situation in the region during her speech.
Îlham Ehmed emphasized that Syria is going through a critical phase in its political and social history, underlining the need for a democratic solution to guarantee the rights of all ethnic and religious components and to establish social justice, equality, and decentralization.
‘Decentralization is the union of forces’
Explaining that decentralization is not, as some claim, a form of fragmentation but a project aimed at fair representation and unification of all components, Îlham Ehmed stated that global experience shows that federal, confederal, and decentralized systems form the foundation of political and economic stability.
Ehmed noted that decentralization means fair representation of women in decision-making, equal distribution of resources among cities, economic development, and the protection of cultural diversity.
Drawing attention to the psychological warfare waged against women, Ehmed said: “They are trying to break women’s will and belittle their achievements through social media. Attacks on the honor of women and their families are immoral. But we women will continue our struggle with determination.”
‘Talks with the Interim Government are progressing positively’
Referring to the ongoing talks between the Autonomous Administration and the Syrian Interim Government, Ehmed said, “The talks are proceeding in a positive atmosphere. Our aim is to reach agreements on Syria’s future and on administrative and military institutions that ensure the participation of all components.”
Ehmed emphasized that the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces into the national army would be an important step toward a unified national army that protects all Syrians without discrimination. She also stressed that North and East Syria must be directly represented in government institutions.
‘We want peaceful relations with neighboring countries’
Stressing that security guarantees are essential for the safe return of migrants and refugees, Îlham Ehmed condemned Turkey’s occupation and Turkification policies in Afrin, Shehba, Girê Spî, and Serêkaniyê. She said, “If the Turkish state is sincere about peace, the Autonomous Administration is ready for dialogue. The stability of Syria is the stability of Turkey and the entire region. We want our relations with our neighbors to be based on peace, not occupation or exclusion.”
She noted that insistence on centralization hinders development and creates inequality among cities, calling for greater authority and resources to be given to local administrations.
‘Women are the guarantors of peace and justice’
Ending her speech, Îlham Ehmed reiterated the Autonomous Administration’s demand for a pluralistic, democratic, and decentralized Syria, saying: “The way to end the suffering of Syrians, especially women, is through peace and justice. Women, who have suffered the most from wars, remain determined to struggle for peace and a better future.”