Bethnahrin Women’s Union marks International Women’s Day with call for ongoing resistance

BETH NAHRIN — On International Women’s Day, the Beth Nahrain Women’s Union (Huyodo d’Neshe d’Bethnahrin, HNB) released a statement titled “Not Only 8 March, Every Day is Women’s Resistance Day.”

The statement shed light on the historical plight of women, emphasizing their ongoing struggle for rights and equality, which persists under both reactionary and ostensibly democratic regimes, often under the guise of honor.

Highlighting the UN’s recognition of International Women’s Day as a catalyst for global women’s empowerment, including Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women who have endured centuries of violence, massacres, persecution, and identity erasure, both within and outside the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community.

“For 23 years, the HNB has spearheaded the struggle for gender equality and democracy within the Syriac community and homeland, advocating for women’s empowerment, liberation from marginalization, and the right to self-expression and decision-making,” the HNB statement read.

Encouraging women to take an active role in political life, the HNB stressed the importance of women’s freedom of expression and leadership in internal and external affairs, asserting that only through women’s equal participation can the Syriac people achieve parity with other communities.

The HNB highlighted the resilience of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women in various fields, including the military, where they have proven themselves capable of defending their homeland, values, and honor, even at the cost of martyrdom.

“We believe that the legacy initiated by our MUB leader, Michael Naim Hadodo, will be enriched with women’s accomplishments, as Syriac women take on equal leadership roles for the benefit of themselves and their people,” the HNB added.

On International Women’s Day, the HNB extended greetings to all women worldwide, with a special acknowledgment of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women.

“With unwavering conviction, we affirm that March 8 serves as a reminder that every day is a day of resistance and struggle for women,” the HNB concluded.