Syrian women protest HTS spokesman’s comments, demand political inclusion and equal rights

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23 December, 2024


On Friday, Hundreds of Syrians protested on Friday in response to Obaida Arnaout, HTS spokesman, who described women as 'incapable biologically' of certain leadership roles.

Hundreds of women gathered in Umayyad Square, calling for secularism, democracy, and women's rights. Women held signs that read, 'I'm a teacher, I'm a mother, I'm a doctor.' Under Assad's rule, women were involved in Syria's political, social and economic life, with parliamentary and ministerial representation sometimes ranging between 20 percent and 30 percent.

Despite the reassurances, many Syrians fear the new administration will move towards religious rule that marginalises minority communities and excludes women from public life.