Head of Syriac Women’s Union Sham Qiryo explains impact of Sayfo Genocide on Syriac women

HASAKAH, Syria — On the occasion of the 106th anniversary of the Sayfo Genocide of 1915, Sham Qiryo, head of the Syriac Women’s Union in Hasakah, spoke with SuroyoTV about the causes and repercussions of the Genocide on the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people in general, and on Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women in particular.

When asked why the issue of the Sayfo has increased in importance over the past 10 years, Qiryo replied that events in recent years had allowed the formation of political parties that adopted the commemoration of the Sayfo and the inauguration of monuments in public places. She added that on 15 June of each year they organize marches and ceremonies at public monuments with the aim of reminding the world of the Sayfo and call for its official recognition as genocide.

As for the impact of the Sayfo on Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women, Qiryo said that they were deeply wounded, having witnessed the murder and slaughter of their people and being subjected to forced displacement. They did, however, prove their strength, courage, and resilience, she said. Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women created a new generation of resistance armed with science and thought. They helped their families and strengthened their community economically, working alongside men.

Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women also contributed to the enrichment of culture and sport, added Qiryo.

In recent years, Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) have also organized to ensure the safety and security of their communities through Sutoro Women, the women’s force of the Syriac Security Forces, or Sutoro, and the Bethnahrain Women’s Protection Forces (HSNB), said Qiryo, highlighting that self-defense is imperative to preventing future atrocities against the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) and other peoples.