The Syrian Future Movement, a national, civil political entity born from the Syrian revolution and committed to building a modern Syrian state based on the principles of civil society, social justice, and equality for all components of the Syrian people, celebrates the International Day of Women in Multilateralism, declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2021 and observed annually on January 25. This day serves as a global occasion to recognize the fundamental role of women in promoting human rights, peace, and sustainable development within the international system. It also aims to empower women to assume leadership positions in shaping global policies and ensure their effective participation in diplomacy and conflict resolution.
This celebration is based on our consistent positions, published on our official website, including in our article “Feminism: Role and Importance,” published on November 14, 2024. This article affirmed that a genuine, moderate feminism has challenged traditional gender roles, providing both women and men with greater opportunities to choose their life paths. It also called for the promotion of gender equality as a foundation for building a balanced society that respects cultural and religious diversity in Syria.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms that Syrian women have been and remain a cornerstone of the revolution and the struggle for freedom and dignity.
Women’s participation in political and social life is not only a fundamental right but also a strategic necessity for achieving national reconciliation and rebuilding Syria on inclusive democratic foundations. We support the UN Charter and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality, which stipulates that women must be full partners in decision-making, both in international forums and in the institutions of the future Syrian state.
We declare that this approach is fully aligned with our Syrian religious and social culture, which emphasizes respect for women as partners in family and community life. We draw inspiration from religious and human values that promote justice and equality, as in the verse: “And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer – those will enter Paradise.” This verse reflects equality in reward and status before God and is consistent with Syria’s rich heritage of pioneering women throughout history and culture.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that strengthening women’s role in multilateral work requires integrated efforts encompassing education, economic empowerment, and political participation.
In the context of the Syrian conflict, which has witnessed grave violations of women’s rights, from sexual violence to social marginalization, we call for the implementation of the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols relating to the protection of civilians, with a focus on integrating women into peace processes, as outlined in Security Council Resolution 1325 of 2000, which emphasizes women’s participation in conflict prevention and reconstruction.
This international vision aligns with our Syrian reality, where women can play a pivotal role in preserving cultural and religious diversity through local initiatives that respect social traditions, such as the woman’s role in the family as a pillar of stability, while expanding their opportunities for political leadership without compromising our cultural values.
The Syrian Future Movement envisions Syria as an integral part of the international system, participating in the United Nations’ efforts to achieve just peace and sustainable development, while preserving its unique cultural identity.
The Syrian Future Movement calls for the formation of joint national committees comprising women from all Syrian communities (Arabs, Kurds, Assyrians, and others) to formulate policies that align with the UN’s goals. These policies include promoting gender-balanced education that respects religious specificities and supporting women’s economic projects in rural areas, as we have done in our previous initiatives in Azaz and Afrin with the Tawad Educational Schools.
We believe this integration will transform Syria into a model of pluralism in the Middle East, where women become a driving force for peace, drawing inspiration from the values of peaceful coexistence in our heritage and benefiting from international support to achieve equality without imposing models alien to our culture.
The Syrian Future Movement is committed to supporting all national and international efforts to empower Syrian women. We call on the international community to enhance their participation in the political transition processes, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2254, to build the Syria of the future as a diverse, pluralistic, and civil state where justice and dignity prevail for all.
