Photo from the meeting between the Syrian Women’s Political Movement and the Spanish Mission
The Syrian Women’s Political Movement held a series of meetings in New York between October 27 and 29, 2025, in alignment with the United Nations’ Women, Peace and Security Agenda for 2025. These meetings included bilateral discussions with international missions and United Nations officials, with the aim of strengthening dialogue and cooperation on key issues related to the situation in Syria.
Photo from the meeting between the Syrian Women’s Political Movement and the Dutch Mission
The Movement was represented in these meetings by members of the General Secretariat, Mariam Jalabi and Wejdan Nassif; Samira Zaeer from the Foreign Relations Committee; Doris Awad from the Political Committee; and Bana Al-Ghadhban from the General Assembly. Filmmaker Waad Al-Kateab, co-founder of Action for Sama, and Alma Salem also participated.
Photo from the meeting between the Syrian Women’s Political Movement and the Turkish Mission
“Photo from the meeting between the Syrian Women’s Political Movement and the Swedish Mission
The meetings included engagements with the missions of Spain, Turkey, the European Union, France, and Norway, as well as meetings with the missions of Luxembourg, Sweden, the Netherlands, the United States, and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the delegation held a meeting with the United Nations Department of Peace Operations, and another with the Head of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) for Syria.
Photo from the meeting between the Syrian Women’s Political Movement and the French Mission
During these meetings, the Movement presented an overview of the current situation in Syria, emphasizing the following key political messages:
- Highlighting the crimes committed in Sweida and the Syrian coast, including the kidnapping of women as a punitive tactic, and the social stigma faced by women after their release.
- Reaffirming the importance of protection and security, and the need to safeguard civilians from armed conflict. The Movement stressed its commitment to a political solution, noting that a military approach will only lead to further violations.
- Stressing the need for the current Syrian government to demonstrate genuine political will to implement confidence-building measures, including meaningful steps toward security sector reform, and enabling all Syrians to participate in political life through mechanisms that ensure inclusion and prevent exclusion. The exclusion of three Syrian governorates from the recent parliamentary elections was described as unacceptable.
- The Movement emphasized that accountability must apply to all parties, whether the violations were committed under the Assad regime or during recent events in the coast and in Sweida. Achieving transitional justice is essential for restoring civil peace and preventing acts of retaliation.
- Calling for the establishment of genuine political life in Syria and the development of legislation that enables pluralistic political parties.
- Affirming the essential role of women in rebuilding Syria and the importance of their participation in political processes. Gender quotas are not a privilege but a fundamental right, and a minimum quota of 30% must be ensured. It was noted that women currently comprise only 4% of the People’s Assembly.
- Highlighting the crucial role played by civil society organizations in this phase of rebuilding, and the importance of supporting their work rather than restricting it under existing laws, particularly given their accumulated experience since the beginning of the revolution.
- Addressing the escalation of hate speech and violence, which has deprived students in Sweida of access to university education and pushed women out of public life, limiting their political and social participation.
- Highlighting the severe economic crisis, with nearly 90% of Syrians living below the poverty line, and the disproportionate impact this has on women.
Photo from the meeting between the Syrian Women’s Political Movement and the Norwegian Mission
Photo from the meeting between the Syrian Women’s Political Movement and the Luxembourg Mission
Through these meetings, the Syrian Women’s Political Movement seeks to amplify the voices of Syrian women engaged through the National Consultations Program, including their demands for safety, accountability, meaningful national dialogue that includes all Syrians, and efforts to build trust with a transitional government. The Movement reaffirms its ongoing commitment to advocating for the rights of Syrian women and ensuring inclusive political participation for all components of society, contributing to the building of a just and democratic Syria.
