Engineer Lina Wafaei, Vice President of the Syrian Democratic Alliance
Who is Lina Wafaei?
Lina Wafaei, the Vice President of the Syrian Democratic Alliance, is a civil engineer who graduated in 1981. She is a political and feminist activist, a founding member of the Citizenship Movement and the Syrian Women’s Political Movement, and is involved in several feminist organizations.
Role of Lina Wafaei as Vice President within the Alliance:
As Vice President, Lina Wafaei steps in to fulfill the President’s duties in their absence and oversees the work of offices that do not report directly to the General Secretariat. She acts as a liaison between these offices and the General Secretariat, receiving their reports and presenting them to the Secretariat. Additionally, she represents the Secretariat in these offices and assists the President in carrying out their responsibilities.
How the Vice President Handles Daily Pressures and Challenges in the Alliance:
Lina Wafaei explains that working within the Alliance requires careful time management to coordinate between the offices of the General Secretariat. She also notes that working in diverse environments, where not everyone has previously engaged with women in political roles, adds an extra layer of challenge.
Engineer Lina Wafaei’s Objectives Through Her Work in the Alliance:
Lina Wafaei summarizes her goals by aligning them with the broader mission of the Alliance:
“The Syrian Democratic Alliance aims to form a unifying umbrella for Syrian liberal democrats, serving as their voice to build Syria’s future—a state of full citizenship for all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion.“
She sees her role in the Alliance as an opportunity to strive towards this goal, particularly because the Alliance embraces democratic values, citizenship, and quotas for women and youth, allowing everyone to contribute to achieving this objective.
Projects or Initiatives Led by Lina Wafaei Within the Alliance:
As Vice President, Lina Wafaei has been actively involved in several key initiatives:
“I have participated with the Alliance in leading a national Syrian dialogue, organizing dialogue sessions with various Syrian opposition formations, both official and unofficial. I have also taken part in international meetings to introduce the Alliance and build relationships with international entities to support the Syrian cause.
Additionally, I contribute to the work of the political office, which has issued numerous statements and political analyses on developments in the Syrian landscape. I also participate in a committee working on a roadmap for a Syrian solution in line with international resolutions, including Resolution 2254 and related decisions.“
Impact of the Alliance on Enhancing Women’s Role in Political and Civil Life:
Lina Wafaei states, “The Syrian Democratic Alliance was the first Syrian political entity to adopt a women’s quota, setting a precedent that others can follow. Moreover, women’s representation in the Alliance is not merely symbolic; the women in the Alliance are active and hold leadership positions, effectively managing their roles and contributing to shaping the Alliance’s political direction.“
She further adds,
“From my position as Vice President, and through an advisory council formed by the President for consultations before decisions are made, I see this advisory council as a genuine democratic step towards collective management of the Alliance, and it allows me to fulfill my role effectively.“
Lina Wafaei’s Future Aspirations Within the Alliance and for Syria as a Whole:
She comments, “I hope the Alliance will become a true representative of all Syrian democrats and that it will represent them in international forums and the official political process, ultimately leading to a democratic Syria, a state of full citizenship.“