Syriac Women’s Union elects new leadership and adopts key recommendations during 5th party conference in Zalin, North and East Syria

ZALIN, North and East Syria — The 5^th party conference of the Syriac Women’s Union (SWU) concluded at the headquarters of the All-Armenian Charity Association in Zalin (Qamishli), North and East Syria.

The conference commenced with a solemn minute of silence to honor the martyrs.

Ilham Mattli, head of the SWU, welcomed the attendees, highlighting the remarkable progress women have made through their persistent struggle towards establishing a free democratic system. She emphasized that women from all communities have organized themselves to achieve their goals, with Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women making notable strides.

Najla Tammo, a member of the Women’s Council Coordination for North and East Syria, praised the SWU for holding its fifth conference despite the challenging circumstances and Turkish threats targeting the region’s infrastructure. She remarked that the conference exemplifies women’s resilience, strength, and determination to resist injustice and the patriarchal mindset, wishing the conference success in generating decisions and recommendations beneficial to all women, particularly Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women.

During the conference, a documentary clip showcased the development of the Syriac Women’s Union from its inception to the present.

Conference Outcomes

The conference resulted in the election of Georgette Barsoum as the new leader, replacing Ilham Matli, and the election of 74 members to the SWU Council. Several amendments to the bylaws were also made.

In its final statement, the SWU addressed the current economic, social, and security crises in Syria, as well as the international conflicts affecting the country. It highlighted the significant role Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women have played in forging solidarity among women from the diverse communities of the region, noting their major achievement in drafting the new Social Contract for North and East Syria.

The conference approved several key recommendations, including:

• • Collaborating with other feminist organizations to uphold the principles of social justice.
  • Providing institutional, administrative, political, and diplomatic training for women.
  • Strengthening relations with international feminist organizations and movements.
  • Enhancing the role of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women in all-level of self-governance.
  • Establishing joint camps and facilitating exchanges with institutions of the Bethnahrin National Council.
  • Supporting women economically.

These initiatives aim to empower women and ensure their active participation in various spheres of life.

Congratulatory Messages and Telegrams

The conference concluded with the reading of congratulatory telegrams from various organizations and political parties, and the formation of an office to continue the work initiated at the conference.

A video message from Hawro Ankhdwana, an official of the Bethnahrin Women’s Union (Huyodo d’Neshe d’Bethnahrin, HNB) Beth Nahrin Women’s Union, was shown, extending congratulations on the conference.

The SWU received warm congratulations from various institutions and organizations, including the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB).

The Syriac Union Party (Gabo d’Huyodo Suryoyo, SUP) sent a congratulatory telegram to the conference, emphasizing the historical significance of the current stage for the peoples of the region. The message highlighted the collective efforts to achieve freedom, strengthen democracy, and enhance the role of women in society. It expressed confidence that Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women would play a pivotal role in Syria and the wider region and wished the SWU success in its endeavors.

The Syriac Progressive Youth Union also extended its congratulations to the SWU on the successful organization of their fifth conference. They stressed their support for the SWU’s work and pledged continued coordination between young women and the SWU. The message underscored the importance of unifying efforts to secure the rights of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people and to preserve their language and cultural identity.