Rochdi Calls Before the Security Council for Empowering Syrian Women and Involving Them in the Country’s Future

Najat Rochdi, Deputy Special Envoy of the United Nations to Syria, called during a briefing before the UN Security Council today (Wednesday) for ensuring the “full and effective participation” of Syrian women in shaping the country’s future. She noted that many Syrian women feel “frustrated” by the slow pace of the political process and the initial outcomes of the transitional phase.

In her remarks from Damascus on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, Rochdi said that this resolution should serve as a key reference in building a new Syria. She explained that the weak representation of women in the recent elections — with only six women winning seats out of a total of 119 — reflects a worrying setback from the political and social role Syrian women had proven during years of conflict.

Rochdi stressed the need to adopt practical and binding measures to ensure women’s participation in decision-making positions and to protect them from discrimination and political violence. She called for a collective and renewed focus on achieving justice and equality in the coming phase.

She also called for lifting the restrictions and sanctions imposed on the Syrian economy to facilitate relief efforts and support the reconstruction process, affirming that the United Nations is fully prepared to support Syrians in building a safe, inclusive, and prosperous state for all.