Syriac Women’s Union meets with UN Envoy to Syria Najat Rushdi, advocates for women’s rights and cultural preservation in Syria

DARAMSUQ — The Syriac Women’s Union (Huyodo d’Neshe Suryoye d’Suriya, HNSS), in collaboration with the Hia Suryana Foundation, met with UN Envoy to Syria Najat Rushdi, who expressed enthusiasm for the dialogue. The session was attended by representatives from both the HNSS and the Foundation. 

The meeting provided an opportunity to review the history, achievements, and challenges faced by the HNSS since its establishment. Discussions centered on advancing women’s rights and preserving Syria’s rich cultural heritage. 

Key topics included ensuring effective representation for women in the drafting of Syria’s new constitution and supporting women in the face of ongoing hardships. Participants emphasized that empowering and educating women is essential to overcoming the challenges posed by Syria’s current crisis. 

The dialogue also highlighted the necessity of promoting Syriac culture, identity, and nationalism, stressing their deep-rooted connection to Syria’s millennia-spanning history. 

Hia Suryana Foundation’s role was also a focus, with discussions on its efforts to support women and enhance their participation in Syrian society. 

Participants explored the importance of cultural initiatives such as theater in revitalizing women’s cultural engagement and the teaching of the Syriac language as a means of preserving heritage. A proposal was made to include Syriac language instruction as an optional subject in schools, recognizing it as the mother tongue of many Syrians. 

The session concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of preserving Syria’s cultural heritage, empowering women, and strengthening national identity, particularly during these challenging times. 

Participants underscored the necessity of collective action among all societal components to create a future that fulfills the aspirations of the Syrian people.