-
Under the pretext of "Nature" and "Traditions"... "Al-Jolani's Government" seeks to restrict Syrian women's freedoms
-
Statements by the head of the Women's Office in the "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham" government reveal a comprehensive strategy to restrict women's freedoms under the guise of respecting cultural privacy

Statements by Aisha Al-Debs, head of the Women's Affairs Office in the caretaker government of "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham", revealed a systematic plan to restrict Syrian women's freedoms under the cover of "cultural privacy" and "respect for traditions".
In an interview with Turkish channel "TRT", Al-Debs disclosed her absolute rejection of global women's rights standards, questioning: "Why do we wish for a model? Why don't we create our own model that suits our country, suits our reality, suits our customs, traditions, and authenticity?"
The official's speech highlighted a clear effort to monopolize women's work, as she emphasized that "the Women's Affairs Office is the facade that represents the attraction of international organizations," stipulating that "it must support the model being built" to allow any feminist activity.
Al-Debs ignored the organization's violations of women's rights, focusing her talk on "psychological pressure" and "displacement and forced migration" resulting only from the previous regime's practices, in a clear attempt to whitewash the image of "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham."
The official's statements revealed a condescending view of women, justifying the restriction of freedoms by saying "we are going through a phase unlike other phases," emphasizing the necessity for women to adhere to the "educational role" and "priority scale."
Al-Debs announced a plan to control economic resources, stating: "We will put our hands on our resources in the Syrian Jazira, meaning 75% of Syria's resources of oil, gas, wealth, and strategic crops," linking women's support to this expansionist plan.
The head of the Women's Office imposed strict conditions on humanitarian organizations' work, confirming that "all humanitarian work gates pass through" the organization's coordination office, in a step aimed at tightening control over any independent feminist activity.
The official accused human rights organizations of corrupting society, claiming that "some organizations that had agendas targeting our children and daughters" caused "a terrible increase in divorce rates in 2018."
Al-Debs called on women to join the organization's institutions, saying: "I invite her to go to government institutions because there is now a big void in institutions," conditioning "not to exceed the priorities of her nature," in an attempt to impose control over women's professional lives.
The official concluded her speech by reiterating her rejection of independent feminist work, confirming that any activity "must not exceed" the strict model imposed by the organization, in a clear indication of its intention to restrict Syrian women's freedoms under the cover of "cultural privacy."
Levant-Follow up
You May Also Like
Popular Posts
Caricature
BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
opinion
Report
ads
Newsletter
Subscribe to our mailing list to get the new updates!