Siham Quryo on fundamental role of women in North and East Syria: “We’ve seen what a group of determined women can accomplish in a war-torn and challenging environment … Imagine what we could achieve with broader partnerships”

BETH ZALIN, North and East Syria — In an interview aired Monday on Rojava TV, Co-Chair of the Democratic Peoples’ Council in the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) Siham Quryo emphasized the crucial role women have played in administrative institutions and civil society across liberated areas — despite enduring legal, social, and cultural obstacles.

Since the establishment of self-governance in North and East Syria in 2013 by Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean), Kurdish, and Arab fighters alongside their civilian allies, Quryo and her colleagues have worked diligently to ensure women’s active participation at every level of society.

“From the outset in Jazira, Kobane, and Afrin, women secured their presence in popular committees,” Quryo stated during the interview. “Following the liberation of Manbij, Raqqa, Tabqa, and Deir ez-Zor, we placed significant emphasis on integrating women into these newly freed cities.”

This integration was formalized through the co-chair system, which mandates that every administrative body be jointly led by a man and a woman from different ethic or religious backgrounds. Quotas were also established to guarantee women’s representation in local councils, municipalities, and legislative bodies. Quryo highlighted that women from all communities played critical roles in the military campaign against the Islamic State (ISIS) and subsequently took on leadership positions in neighborhood councils, education committees, and health directorates.

“No force has been able to sideline us after we proved our competence across various sectors — security, politics, and social services,” Quryo asserted. “Once a woman steps into a leadership role, marginalizing her becomes nearly impossible.

Challenges Along the Way

Quryo acknowledged that many rural towns and villages still operate under customary laws that grant guardianship exclusively to men and perceive women as dependents rather than equal partners. “Traditional practices that marginalize women and elevate men were deeply ingrained,” she reflected. “We had to fight on two fronts: against extremists who excluded women and against societal norms within our own communities.”

Over the past five years, those barriers have begun to erode, thanks to new legislation, awareness campaigns, and consistent political messaging. The legislative council of the DAARNES passed laws mandating at least 40 percent representation for women in all elected bodies. Prominent tribal leaders and local imams were also engaged in public campaigns affirming that women’s leadership is not only permissible but often essential.

“Men have come to understand that decision-making through partnership strengthens communities—especially during a period of reconstruction,” Quryo remarked.

In addition to representation quotas, the DAARNES launched a Women’s Affairs Office, which developed training programs across dozens of villages. These initiatives equipped women with administrative skills and tools to start small enterprises. “Our approach is rooted in awareness, organization, empowerment, and training,” Quryo explained. “The same woman who once hesitated to speak in front of a council now chairs a key committee.”

“When a woman speaks about budget allocations or security policy from the podium, it becomes clear that her role extends far beyond aesthetics or handicrafts,” she concluded.

Normalization and Role Models

Quryo believes these advances have helped normalize the presence of women in traditionally male-dominated roles. She highlighted the appointment of a female police chief in Tabqa and the formation of a women’s firefighting unit in Dayro Zcuro (Deir ez-Zor). “Ten years ago, people would have scoffed,” she said. “Today, they see women saving lives.”

Nevertheless, conservative segments of society in parts of Dayro Zcuro and Afrin’s countryside continue to resist women’s participation in local elections. Some conservative judges have also refused to fully enforce gender equality laws. Additionally, sporadic clashes with Turkish-backed factions have disrupted development programs in these areas. While acknowledging these obstacles, Quryo insisted, “We must remain vigilant to safeguard what we’ve achieved.”

Transitional Vision

Looking ahead, Quryo envisions the DAARNES model — locally known as “Democratic Confederalism” — serving as an example for the rest of Syria and the broader region. “Our strength lies in our diversity,” she emphasized.

DAARNES currently governs approximately a quarter of Syrian territory. Over 90 women serve in its legislative council and women hold half of all municipal co-chairships. Observers in Daramsuq (Damascus) view these developments with both admiration and caution.

For Quryo, sustained international solidarity is essential to strengthening these gains. She emphasized the importance of sharing expertise, funding, and moral support with women’s rights organizations in Europe, the US, and the Gulf. “We’ve seen what a group of determined women can accomplish in a war-torn and challenging environment,” she said. “Imagine what we could achieve with broader partnerships.”