SWITZERLAND — Fresh from a series of engagements in Berlin, the women’s delegation of North and East Syria has closed its stop in Germany and stepped onto the Swiss stage. In Berlin, their agenda was full—talks with Amnesty International, Women for Women International (WFWI), Terre des Femmes (Women’s Earth), and conversations with parliamentarians and political leaders. Every exchange underscored the same point: the women of North and East Syria have endured, and they are intent on carrying their voices into Europe’s political and civic arenas. Now, in Switzerland, the delegation looks to build on that momentum, reaching out to lawmakers and seeking broader recognition and support for the stories and struggles of Syriac (Chaldean–Assyrian–Aramean), Kurdish, Arab and other women from their region.
The first Swiss stop brought them face to face with member of the Swish National Council Fabian Molina and member of the Council of States Carlo Sommaruga of the Social Democratic Party of Switzerland. The talks focused on the reality of the Region of North and East Syria, the role of women in shaping it, and the ongoing violations that have scarred the region over 14 years of war—particularly the 2015 attacks of the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist organization and the atrocities committed against local populations, with Syriac (Chaldean-Assyrian-Aramean) people bearing some of the heaviest losses.
Syrian Women’s delegation from North and East Syria meeting with member of the Swish Council of States Carlo Sommaruga
Georgette Barsomo, head of the Syriac Women’s Union (Huyodo d’Neshe Suryoye b’Suriya, HNSS), spoke about the condition of Syrian Christians—especially the Syriac (Chaldean–Assyrian–Aramean) community—and the role of Syriac women in facing Syria’s many upheavals while continuing their contributions to rebuilding society.
In the coming days, the delegation is scheduled to meet with additional groups in Switzerland, including Syriac women’s organizations to discuss the lived reality of women in the Region of North and East Syria. On September 30, the agenda expands further with meetings involving parties, parliamentarians, and anti-fascist networks to continue dialogue on the region’s future.
Far from being a symbolic trip, this European political tour represents a clear message: the women of North and East Syria have a voice, and it carries weight. With each new meeting, the circle of solidarity grows wider, strengthening their pursuit of freedom and equality, and sketching the outlines of a more stable and just future for the peoples of the region.