Syriac Women’s Union hosts retreat in North and East Syria to advance gender equality and cultural identity

DAYRIK, North and East Syria — The Syriac Women’s Union (Huyodo d’Neshe Suryoye b’Suriya, HNSS) organized a multi-day retreat in Dayrik (Derik / Malikiyah), a town in the Gozarto (Jazira) Canton in North and East Syria, gathering Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women and activists to discuss cultural identity, gender equality, and political participation. 

The retreat began with discussions on the role of women and family within the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community. Against the backdrop of evolving social, political, and cultural challenges, participants emphasized the importance of family in preserving language, culture, and identity.

Speakers underscored that organizing Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women is no longer optional but a necessity, given the complexities of the region’s realities. They highlighted the intertwined nature of feminist and national struggles, asserting that the liberation of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women is intrinsically linked to the liberation and future of their people. 

The HNSS, an emerging feminist platform, aims to empower women by enhancing their understanding of their rights and societal roles. It seeks to unify the efforts of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women within a coordinated framework to protect their rights in both family and community settings. 

The organization aspires to become a transformative force in decision-making processes, aligning with the collective goals of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community. Participants affirmed that women are not passive recipients of societal change but active, central contributors, equipped with voice, agency, and a vision for a shared future.