Thousands of women took to the streets in northern Syria demanding that the Syrian transitional government uphold women’s rights. An activist told Reuters, “Women must not be excluded from rights in this system.” Currently, the rebel group HTS holds power after ousting the Assad government in December.
Many women fear losing rights gained in recent years under the new Islamic leadership. An HTS spokesperson claimed last week that women are unsuitable for certain government roles due to their “biological and physiological nature.” HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa expressed support for women’s university education but did not elaborate on women’s rights to the BBC.
In the city of Qamishli, women also demanded condemnation of Turkish military actions in the north. Protesters waved green flags of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), part of the Kurdish YPG group.
Following Assad’s departure, the Turkish military attacked several targets in northern Syria. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have largely controlled the area since the Syrian civil war began in 2011.
The Kurdish YPG, a key militia within the SDF, played a significant role in ousting IS from Syria and currently guards camps holding IS fighters. Turkey views the Kurdish militias as extensions of the PKK, which seeks greater autonomy within Turkey and is considered a terrorist group by the Turkish government.
To prevent the establishment of an independent Kurdish state, Turkey and Turkish-backed militias have attacked militias and towns in northern Syria in recent weeks. Additionally, during a press conference with HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, the Turkish Foreign Minister demanded the disbandment of Kurdish militias in Syria.
Source: NOS