UN Official Najat Rochdi: Syrian women play key role in strengthening social cohesion

NEW YORK — On International Women’s Day, Najat Rochdi, Deputy Special Envoy of the United Nations for Syria, praised the resilience and determination of Syrian women, emphasizing their essential role in fostering social cohesion amidst ongoing challenges.

In a video interview with UN News from Darmsuq (Damascus), Rochdi highlighted the need to invest in women’s empowerment as a key step in Syria’s transition from survival to recovery.

“The role of Syrian women is not only about resilience but also about leading the way toward a more stable and unified society,” she stated.

Women’s Participation in Decision-Making

Rochdi stressed the importance of including women in all levels of decision-making, particularly in negotiations and political processes shaping Syria’s future. She reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to ensuring that Syrian women have a meaningful role in crafting the country’s recovery and reconciliation efforts.

Integrating women’s perspectives into political discussions is crucial, Rochdi added, calling for gender-sensitive policies and legislation to promote social justice and equity.

Call for Stronger Female Leadership

Recognizing the need for greater female leadership, Rochdi advocated for expanded opportunities for young women leaders. She emphasized that empowering women to take on leadership roles would contribute to building a more cohesive and equitable society.

Concerns Over Women’s Rights Amid Political Shifts

Women’s organizations and feminist movements have expressed growing concerns over the potential marginalization of women’s rights due to political developments. Activists are calling for concrete guarantees to protect women’s rights and ensure their active participation across all sectors of society.

As Syria navigates its complex path toward reconstruction and reconciliation, the contributions of women remain indispensable to the country’s social and political fabric. Rochdi and advocates worldwide continue to insist that these contributions must be recognized and prioritized.