'Representation is not just numbers:' Syrian women push for real political power

Syrian women are pushing for substantive political power, arguing that increased numbers in the newly formed People's Assembly do not equate to genuine representation. Aisha al-Khatib, a 32-year-old law student and coordinator for the "Power of Decision Through Women's Voices" initiative, joined dozens of women protesting in Aleppo, holding a placard that read, "Representation Is Not Just Numbers."

The protest coincided with Damascus announcing the completion of Syria's first People's Assembly since the fall of former President Bashar Assad. While the new parliament features more women than initially elected, al-Khatib and other activists believe these numbers alone do not ensure meaningful political influence. Syria's People's Assembly has 210 seats, though elections for three seats in As-Suwayda province were postponed due to sectarian violence.

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Representation Is Not Just Numbers.

Under the transitional Constitutional Declaration, 137 lawmakers were chosen through indirect elections. President Ahmed al-Sharaa subsequently appointed an additional 70 members, known as the "presidential third," to broaden representation by including professionals and specialists. These appointments included 15 women, significantly increasing female representation. Depending on the count, the new parliament includes 21 or 22 women, representing approximately 10% of the chamber.

This increase, while boosting women's presence, remains below the global average. It has reignited debate over whether such appointments can compensate for limited electoral success or merely postpone addressing the structural barriers hindering women from winning elected office. The Aleppo protest participants argued that the new assembly still fails to reflect the depth of female expertise and leadership that has emerged during Syria's conflict and political upheaval. "I joined because I believe change comes through action, not words," al-Khatib told The Media Line. "I felt it was my duty as a Syrian woman to help create space for women's voices."

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I joined because I believe change comes through action, not words. I felt it was my duty as a Syrian woman to help create space for women's voices.