Armenian Women’s Union: Syria’s future cannot be built without participation of all women

Hanaa Al-Hamada, a member of the Armenian Women’s Union, affirmed that Armenian women constitute an essential part of Syria’s diverse social fabric. She noted that, for more than a century, Armenian women have succeeded in preserving their cultural and linguistic identity while simultaneously integrating into and contributing to Syria’s social, economic, and political life.

Speaking to our agency (ANHA), Al-Hamada explained that Armenian women have played a leading role in preserving the cohesion of their community since the arrival of Armenian refugees in Syria. They assumed responsibility for safeguarding the Armenian language and passing it on to successive generations, while also preserving the community’s artistic and artisanal heritage through families and educational institutions.

She added that Armenian women also contributed to organizing social life within the camps established during the early settlement of Armenians in Syria. Over time, these camps evolved into residential, educational, and healthcare communities in several cities, including Kasab, Aleppo, Qamishli, and Damascus.

Al-Hamada explained that the role of Armenian women has extended far beyond a single field. They have distinguished themselves as teachers, doctors, and nurses, contributing to the development of Syria’s educational and healthcare institutions and helping improve the quality of education and medical services. They have also played a prominent role in charitable organizations, including the Armenian Relief Society (HOM), while actively participating in community councils and leading initiatives to support orphans, assist vulnerable families, and empower young women.

She pointed out that Armenian women, like all Syrian women, have faced significant challenges throughout the years of war and conflict, including displacement, the loss of security, difficult economic conditions, and the emigration of many Armenian families abroad.

Al-Hamada stressed that Armenian women aspire to achieve full equality in civil and political rights and to remove legal barriers that limit their effective participation in public life. She emphasized that Armenian women are actively contributing today by presenting their vision for the future shape of the Syrian state.

She noted that the establishment of the Armenian Women’s Union aims to unify the efforts of Armenian women and strengthen their social and political role. She emphasized the importance of guaranteeing women’s rights and achieving social justice in Syria’s new constitution, while reinforcing the principles of citizenship and equality among all components of society without ethnic or religious discrimination.

The member of the Armenian Women’s Union also underscored the importance of promoting a culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence and preserving Syria’s pluralistic character. She affirmed that Armenian women aspire to contribute to building a stable new Syria and that women’s participation in decision-making positions is a fundamental step toward creating a participatory future founded on national partnership.

She concluded by saying that Armenian women, like all Syrian women, possess the capability and expertise to participate in political life, contribute to decision-making, and help build the Syria of the future.