In 2023, the Druze population in Suwayda rose up against the Assad regime, demanding autonomy and effectively establishing a de facto self-governed region. They also presented their demands for autonomy to the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) administration after it took control from the Baath regime.  As during the Assad era, women once again took the lead in this uprising and did not step back from their struggle even with the arrival of HTS.

Rejecting HTS’s centralized system, which opposes the diversity of peoples, Druze women activists Rochelle Junior and Enas Naeem from Suwayda spoke to ANF about their ongoing resistance and demand for self-rule.

Ensuring their freedoms is the primary goal

Highlighting that the people of Suwayda have become more strongly organized, especially after the uprisings of 2023, Rochelle Junior said: "The Druze continue to voice their demands with determination for a change in Syria’s political landscape. Their fundamental goal is to secure their freedoms. During the Assad regime, the people of Suwayda established free organizations that supported uprisings and organized numerous events."

The lack of women's representation poses a major threat

Referring to the conference held on 29 January under the name 'Victory', Junior said: "The decisions made during the conference completely ignored the representation of the people, especially women, raising serious concerns among many. The absence of women clearly indicates the presence of threats to women's rights in the future."  

Expressing outrage over the participation of Hevrîn Xelef’s murderer in the conference, Junior added: "It is disgraceful that Hevrîn Xelef’s murderer was present at this conference.' Such platforms should be represented by rational, serious individuals who uphold human dignity. The people must openly reject all violations committed against them and against women because these violations constitute clear human rights abuses."

Our struggle to participate in decision-making will continue 

Emphasizing that they will not allow HTS spokesperson Ubeyde Arnavut and HTS Women's Affairs Office Head Ayşe El Dibis to disregard the determination and role of women in Suwayda, Junior said: "The majority of those who took part in the uprisings in Suwayda were women. Women will continue their struggle to participate in decision-making processes."

Highlighting the significant role Druze women play in both social and political spheres in Suwayda, Junior continued: "Druze women have stood by the women of Suwayda, supporting them in freely establishing their institutions and organizations." 

A Jineoloji center should be established in every city in Syria

Stressing the need for a women's confederation to be established among Syrian women for stronger organization, Junior concluded by saying that "a women's confederation must be formed to empower and organize women, and all women should unite under this structure. The unity of Syrian women is essential because, in the absence of solidarity, human rights violations increase, and violence against women in economic and political spheres escalates. Therefore, all women must come together to make their voices heard. Women should establish Jineoloji Research Centers in every city across Syria, and society must show respect for women. Women will not give up on their struggle."

We want a decentralized system

Enas Naeem recalled that the people of Suwayda have used the most effective means to organize themselves politically, socially, and militarily in response to the ongoing turmoil. She said: "It should not be forgotten that the uprising of the people of Suwayda played a significant role in bringing down the Baath regime. However, I want to clarify that we are not against the establishment of a state or a constitution. We made this clear from the beginning. HTS is well aware of this, yet we have seen no sincerity in its promises. Its so-called commitments and objectives are merely aimed at temporarily silencing the people. In the meantime, they are also seeking to establish a base in the city. Since we believe in a decentralized system, we argue that this approach should be recognized as a fundamental right for all. However, because of this stance, we are falsely accused of separatism."

The conference lacks principles of respect 

Naeem criticized Al-Jolani's (the leader of HTS) self-appointment as president, stating: "We see this as a matter of power and control because it is impossible for a single individual and their inner circle to encompass all wills and represent an entire society."

She also criticized the nature of the conferences organized by HTS, saying: "These conferences lack democratic principles and respect for society. They have become platforms dominated by a single ideology and religion, where the voices of the people are completely ignored. This disregard for diverse perspectives, particularly in a region that has sacrificed so many martyrs, is a serious issue. For instance, the fact that the murderers of Hevrîn Xelef were present at the conference exposes their attitude toward women. This event cannot be considered a gathering in the name of humanity. The participation of Hevrîn Xelef’s killer in such a setting is a clear indication of their disregard for the Kurdish issue."

A new Syria must be built on the Autonomous Administration model

Naeem stated that a society organized through women's will, determination, and sacrifice cannot be destroyed. She said: "We are fully aware of the one-sided perspective that confines women to household duties and seeks to violate their rights. Women's rights are fundamental human rights that should exist naturally in society without the need for constant demands. Moreover, the women of Suwayda are striving to strengthen their relationships with all Syrians."

Describing the Autonomous Administration as "the most realistic solution for Syria’s future," Naeem concluded: "Following its successes in Northern and Eastern Syria, we believe this model can reorganize Syria and ensure the protection of everyone’s rights in the country’s reconstruction. The Autonomous Administration model provides a foundation for political, social, and cultural cohesion among the peoples of Syria."