Future of women’s rights in post-Assad Syria sparks divisive debate

DARAMSUQ — As Syria grapples with its post-Assad future, two key voices representing contrasting visions for women’s roles have ignited a heated debate. Aisha al-Dibs, head of women’s affairs in the Syrian Interim Government, and Adalat Omar, head of the Women’s Authority in the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES), offered divergent perspectives on the future of Syrian women in society.

Al-Dibs sparked controversy with her remarks about the direction of women’s rights under the new administration, emphasizing a model rooted in Syria’s traditions and rejecting international frameworks. In contrast, Omar hailed the strides made by Syrian women under DAARNES, asserting their integral role in shaping a democratic and unified Syria.

Al-Dibs: A Model Shaped by Tradition

Speaking to the press, Al-Dibs outlined a vision for women’s rights grounded in cultural and societal norms. She declared that the new administration would create a model tailored to Syria’s traditions and rejected adopting external frameworks. “Any organization working on women’s issues must align with our vision,” she said, adding that women’s primary responsibilities lie with their families and spouses.

Al-Dibs further stated that the administration would not tolerate ideological divergence on women’s rights, dismissing the importance of international opinion on their proposed model. She assured, however, that there would be no conflict with global frameworks if women’s issues were not politicized. “We ask the international community for time to build ourselves and create a new model and constitution,” she concluded.

Omar: A Vision of Empowerment and Equality

In stark contrast, Adalat Omar emphasized the transformative role of Syrian women across all sectors, including politics and self-defense. “Syrian women, with their diversity of backgrounds, have proven themselves as a dynamic and essential force in society,” Omar stated.

She called for women to take a leading role in shaping a democratic and inclusive Syria, one that upholds justice and equality for all. Omar dismissed the notion of waiting for rights to be granted, instead urging women to actively define their place in the country’s new constitution.

“[DAARNES] represents a model solution for women’s issues,” Omar added, pointing to the its commitment to enshrining women’s rights and fostering leadership across all spheres. She portrayed the DAARNES framework as a blueprint for a future Syria that guarantees women’s agency and influence in decision-making processes.

A Nation Divided?

The statements reflect deeper divisions within Syria as it seeks to rebuild after decades of authoritarian rule. Al-Dibs’s emphasis on traditional values and skepticism of international frameworks underscores the tension between local and global perspectives on women’s rights. Omar’s vision, on the other hand, champions inclusivity and equal representation, drawing from DAARNES’s experience in advancing women’s roles in governance.

As Syria navigates its future, the role of women in shaping the nation’s identity remains both a symbol of progress and a point of contention.