In a powerful open letter, over 650 women from around the globe have called for international recognition of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and demanded a democratic Syria built on gender equality and grassroots governance. This letter, addressed to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and other global leaders, comes in the wake of significant political changes in Syria following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad on December 8, 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Over 650 women leaders and activists from 40 countries signed an open letter demanding gender equality in Syria.
- The letter calls for the recognition of AANES as a model for democracy and women’s rights.
- It emphasizes the need for women’s involvement in the reconstruction and political processes of Syria.
The signatories of the letter emphasize the devastation caused by the Syrian civil war, which has lasted over 13 years, and the atrocities committed by ISIS and the Turkish state. They argue that the reconstruction of Syria must prioritize women’s roles in shaping politics and society.
The letter states, "Syria’s women are determined to work towards shaping the peace process, for a democratic society, and for truth and justice." It highlights the importance of recognizing the AANES, a self-governing region established in 2012 that has become a beacon for women’s liberation, grassroots democracy, and ecological sustainability.
Women have played a crucial role in defending their communities, particularly through the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), which fought alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to liberate cities from ISIS. The coexistence of diverse ethnic and religious groups in North and East Syria is presented as a model for rebuilding the nation.
In December 2024, the Syrian Women’s Council, a coalition of women from various backgrounds, issued a declaration outlining 13 goals to ensure women’s decisive participation in Syria’s political processes. The open letter supports these goals, insisting that the voices of women and all sectors of Syrian society must be included in shaping the country’s democratic future.
The signatories also issued a strong warning against supporting jihadist groups or continuing arms sales to Turkey, which they accuse of exacerbating violence and oppression in the region. They called for an immediate halt to arms deliveries and political concessions to Turkey, urging strengthened diplomatic relations with AANES and other democratic forces in Syria.
The letter concludes with a call to action: "We call on the international community and all political actors to officially recognize the AANES, to directly support the civil organizations there, and to establish long-term cooperation." It emphasizes that supporting Syria’s women is essential for creating a peaceful, democratic, and sustainable future for the region.
Among the signatories are parliamentarians, human rights activists, and representatives from grassroots organizations worldwide, showcasing a broad coalition of support for women-led change in Syria. This letter serves as a rallying cry for global leaders to act decisively to ensure that the reconstruction of Syria is inclusive and rooted in democratic values.
