Surayto Women’s Conference committee conducts series of visits in Europe

GERMANY — The scope of the Surayto Women’s Conference committee’s activities has extended beyond the Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia) regions of Syria and Iraq. While the committee continues its outreach to Syriac (Chaldean-Assyrian-Aramean) and non-Syriac institutions, and political parties in both countries—seeking support for the conference and working to implement its outcomes to strengthen women’s role in political, social, and economic life—a delegation in Europe has also taken steps to expand this mission. 

As part of this effort, representatives of the Surayto Women’s Conference Committee in Europe visited Metropolitan Mor Philoxenus Matthias Nayis, Archbishop of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Germany. 

Following the warm reception, both parties discussed the objectives of the Women’s Conference held last July, its outcomes, and the means to implement them on the ground. The delegation presented its vision regarding the conference outcomes and the aspirations of Surayto women to gain support from Christian religious leaders. 

Mor Philoxenus Matthias Nayis underscored the vital role of women in building societies and in strengthening unity among the Syriac (Chaldean-Assyrian-Aramean) people. He praised the efforts and accomplishments of the Surayto Women’s Conference and extended his best wishes for the committee’s continued success in its future work. 

The delegation also visited Camille Chamoun, the representative of the Assyrian Democratic Movement (ZOWAA) in Europe. During the discussion, the delegation outlined its demands and emphasized the aspirations of Surayto women, calling for the support of Syriac (Chaldean-Assyrian-Aramean) institutions and political parties. 

In response, Camille Chamoun expressed his appreciation for the delegation’s visit and emphasized the importance of strengthening the role of women now more than ever. He highlighted the need for ongoing collaboration and the active involvement of Syriac (Chaldean-Assyrian-Aramean) women’s organizations and political parties in national initiatives.

The delegation completed its tour with a visit to the Assyrian Democratic Organization (ADO) headquarters in Gütersloh, where they met with the branch official, Aziz Garsho, and members of the organization’s Women’s Committee. The political situation of the Syriac (Chaldean-Assyrian-Aramean) people and the role of women in creating unity within their ranks were discussed. The objectives and outcomes of the Syriac Women’s Conference were discussed in detail, with an emphasis on the importance of ensuring that the diverse viewpoints of the conference committee members are represented. This will help organize a broader agenda for the conference and ensure greater participation by women.  

The members of the ADO Women’s Committee, in turn, presented their perspectives on the importance of women’s role in society and agreed with the visiting delegation regarding the importance of joint action.