Syrian Women in Parliament Seek to Strengthen Their Presence and Make an Impact in the New Era

Welat TV – Erbil

More than 20 women serving in Syria’s new parliament are seeking to make their voices heard and contribute to shaping the country’s political future in the first legislative body formed after years of one-man rule.

The female lawmakers say that, despite their limited numbers, women’s presence in parliament represents a first step toward strengthening their role in public life and contributing to addressing issues facing Syrian women.

Limited Representation, but a Positive Start

Madonna Bishara, a Christian civil engineer who was selected as deputy speaker of the People’s Assembly, said the number of women in parliament “may not fully reflect the presence of women in Syrian society,” but described their participation as “a good start” in the first parliament formed after the Syrian revolution.

According to Bashara, the new parliament includes 22 women among 207 members. She noted that Syrian women face numerous important and sensitive issues that require legislation enabling them to play their full role alongside men in society.

Representing Communities and Defending Their Interests

Kurdish lawmaker Fasla Youssef said women’s representation in parliament is “relatively low as a first step,” but described it as “a positive step in the right direction.”

She added that, as a representative of the Kurdish component, her responsibility is to defend the interests of all Syrians and the country’s various communities, while also representing and advocating for the issues and rights of the Kurdish people.

Women’s Role in the New Era

In the city of Homs, writer and activist Nour Jandali stressed the importance of women’s participation in political institutions, saying that their absence from parliament would mean society and the country losing “half of the voices and perspectives that could be important and influential.”

Jandali added that Syrian women “aspire to leave a real mark through their participation,” emphasizing the importance of ensuring they have an active role in the next phase. The formation of Syria’s transitional parliament comes amid efforts to rebuild political institutions following years of war.

Women’s representation in the legislature is expected to remain an important issue in discussions over the future of political participation and broader societal representation in the country.