Syrian Women’s Union hosts seminars to address violence against women and promote empowerment

HASAKAH, North and East Syria — In observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Syrian Women’s Union (SWU) organized dialogue seminars across Hasakah, Zalin (Qamishli), and Qabre Hewore (Qahtaniyah) in North and East Syria.

Ester Murad, an SWU official in Hasakah, explained that the seminar was structured around three key topics. The first focused on the SWU’s role in combating violence against women, the second addressed violence in education and culture, including the contributions of the Olaf Taw Foundation for Syriac Language, and the third explored societal perceptions of women in security and military roles.

Nadia Yakub, an SWU member, remarked that the seminar provided valuable insights and practical solutions to challenges faced by those working in SWU-supervised kindergartens.

In Zalin, the seminar was led by SWU member Aida Malke. During the event, Mary Lahdo, an SWU member and representative of the Council of Religions and Peoples’ Beliefs in Gozarto (Jazira) Canton, highlighted the evolving role of women in society. She explained that historical shifts, such as the agricultural and trade eras, reshaped women’s societal roles, which were later restricted under certain religious and Ottoman influences.

Lahdo called for the abolition of outdated customs and laws that perpetuate violence and inequality. She emphasized the importance of empowering women through education, self-reliance, and breaking entrenched stereotypes in school curricula.

She also praised the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) for promoting gender equality through initiatives like the women’s quota enshrined in the Social Contract. Lahdo commended the SWU for its advocacy at both local and international levels, encouraging further progress in its initiatives.

In Qabre Hewore, the SWU conducted another seminar, with participation from female members of institutions under the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB) and women from the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community.

The events highlighted the ongoing efforts to address violence against women while fostering empowerment and gender equality across all sectors of society.