Ilham Ahmed: Guaranteeing Women’s Rights and the Rights of All Components Is Essential for Achieving Peace in Syria

Ilham Ahmed, the Co-Chair of the Department of Foreign Relations in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, affirmed during her participation in a panel discussion at the Middle East Peace and Security Forum (MEPS 2025) in Duhok that the roots of the Syrian crisis are tied to a mindset “based on authority and weaponry,” which resulted in the marginalization of Syrian components—especially the Kurds—and the continued discrimination against women.

Ahmed stated that overcoming this old mindset in favor of one based on acceptance and partnership is a fundamental step toward stability. She stressed the need for drafting a constitution that guarantees the rights of all components and establishes a participatory governance system that does not rely on exclusion, which—according to her—leads to conflict and war.

She added that the path to a solution in Syria requires strengthening mutual trust and looking at each component’s needs from the perspective of the other. She argued that the persistence of cultural and political domination, as well as the lack of understanding among the parties, hinders progress in the political process. Ahmed also pointed out that some accusations directed at the Autonomous Administration contribute to complicating negotiations with the transitional government.

Ahmed emphasized that achieving peace requires media that reinforces stability, educational curricula based on participation and recognition of diversity, and the political empowerment of women, considering their participation a fundamental condition in any peace process. She also noted that the artificial borders in the region impede communication among peoples, and that overcoming them could open the way for broader stability.