Bethnahrin Women’s Union elects new leadership and affirms commitment to women’s rights and empowerment

BETH NAHRIN — On Sunday, the Bethnahrin Women’s Union (Huyodo d’Neshe d’Bethnahrin, HNB) held a meeting via video conference for all its branches in the homeland and diaspora to elect new members and a new presidency.

The HNB’s 6th conference began with a speech delivered by the president of the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB), Michael Naim Hadodo. He congratulated the conference attendees and expressed appreciation for the Union’s continuous efforts and struggle to empower women and protect their rights. He also presented his vision for the Union’s work and development.

Congratulatory telegrams were then read from various MUB institutions.

HNB head Shmuni Arsan delivered a speech in which she spoke about the HNB’s work and achievements in the homeland and diaspora.

The HNB bylaws related to the number of HNB members and the HNB head duties were discussed.

Members of the HNB Presidential Council were nominated and approved, bringing the number of the Council’s members to 113.

Ninwa Ozkor was nominated for the HNB presidency and confirmed by a unanimous vote.

Ozkor delivered a speech expressing her gratitude for the confidence given to her and she pledged to work to uphold the status of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women, to consolidate their rights in society, and empower them to become active members alongside men.

The HNB issued a closing statement to the conference which read:

“The HNB struggle has been continuing for 22 years to defend women’s rights and the rights of national people in Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia) and the diaspora, thanks to the sacrifices of Syriac women martyrs, who contributed to organizing and empowering Syriac women politically, organizationally, culturally, and in all aspects of life.”

The HNB added that they represent the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people at home and in the diaspora, and they have caught up with global development.

During the conference, they commemorated martyr of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people’s national struggle, Noura Hanna.

Ozkor added that the HNB was established based on the democratic and egalitarian philosophy of MUB president Michael Naim Hadodo.

“Therefore, with his participation, he gave new visions for the HNB and ideas on ways to develop it,” he said.

The conference ended with opening the door to discussion and opinions of the members, in addition to emphasizing the increased pace of work to achieve the HNB goals and principles.