President of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat Nadine Maenza participates in International Women’s Day march organized by Syriac Women’s Union in Beth Zalin, North and East Syria

BETH ZALIN, Syria — To mark International Women’s Day, the Syriac Women’s Union (SWU), in coordination with institutions of the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB), organized a public march in Beth Zalin (Qamishli), North and East Syria.

The march started from SWU headquarters and marched through the streets of Beth Zalin. Demonstrators chanted slogans celebrating the struggle for women’s rights, carrying the SWU flag and banners with phrases praising the efforts of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women.

During the march, participants carried the SWU flag and banners with phrases that praised women’s efforts in defying challenges and building civilizations.

The march stopped at the recently vandalized Sayfo Genocide Memorial, where SWU official Ilham Matli delivered a statement congratulating all women on International Women’s Day and praising the efforts of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women in the region in resisting patriarchal imperialism.

Co-Chair of the General Council of the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) in North and East Syria Siham Quryo delivered a speech congratulating all women and urging them to strive for more achievements and further engagement in political and economic life.

Also taking part in the march was Nadine Maenza, President of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat and former Chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), who is currently visiting the region.

During her speech in front of the Sayfo Genocide Memorial, Maenza delivered a speech in front of the memorial expressing her admiration for the remarkable efforts of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women in helping to build a society and administration that includes women from all ethnic and religious groups.

She also praised the work of the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA), highlighting her experiences in presenting the DAA model in various countries, which she found to be well received by different societies and organizations.

“The American people highly appreciate and value the role of women in North and East Syria, and their involvement in governance and administration of the region,” she stated.

She thanked the SWU for inviting her to participate in the march and wished them continued success in the pursuit of women’s equality.

SWU official Georgette Barsom delivered the closing speech, in which she emphasized the important role of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women throughout history and their contribution to building human civilization. Barsom also stressed the SWU’s essential role in enhancing women’s visibility in public life.

Security for the march was provided by the Sutoro (Syriac Security Forces) and Sutoro Women.