Empowering Syrian Women
Institute for War & Peace Reporting (IWPR)
Giving Voice, Driving Change
THE BIG PICTURE
As their country enters a new era following the fall of the Assad regime, Syrian women are expressing their determination to play a transformative role in redefining their future – and helping build a stable and healthy democracy.
VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINE
“We are qualified, we are here, and we need to participate,” said Amal, a 39-year-old engineer and mother-of-three who works in the development sector in Idlib. She said that she was “very angry” over the lack of female representation in the current transitional government, with only one woman appointed to the administration. ?
“Why do they see us as not qualified enough?” she asked. ?
Women are eager to ensure that their perspectives and experiences are reflected at all levels, from government positions to local politics and grassroots initiatives. Their goal is to create a more inclusive and representative Syria, where women play a central role in decision-making processes. ? “If women are united, they can do the impossible; there is no room for a real democracy without women's participation,” said a local activist, 43. ?
Another human rights worker – a former regime prisoner and participant in an IWPR project to support female survivors of torture – said this involvement would also be key for delivering justice and accountability. ?
“We need as women to stand up for the ones we love and ensure we lead with other stakeholders to show the truth and their fate,” the 50-year-old said.
WHY IT MATTERS
IWPR has long supported the participation of Syrian women in public and political life – giving women skills and confidence, highlighting issues of concern and demonstrating the constructive role they can play across society.?
Centres such as the My Space Centre in Idlib, founded by IWPR in 2015 and now managed by local partners Basmeh and Zeitooneh, provide training in leadership, political participation and key economic skills.?
领英推荐
Since 2007, IWPR has also worked with Syrian reporters, bloggers and activists, with trainees such as Idlib mother-of-five Hadia Mansour?going on to become a successful freelance journalist and train other Syrian women to report on critical issues affecting their communities.?
Mansour was one of many women trained by Syrian journalist Zaina Erhaim, who worked on IWPR’s Syria programme for eight years.?
“Women journalists give a different perspective to war,” Erhaim said. “It’s more holistic, sensitive and essential to get the context behind the headlines.”?
IWPR's documentary series Syria's Rebellious Women highlighted the stories of women paramedics, community activists and citizen journalists in rebel-held areas, while the Liberated-T and Syria Stories platforms presented social issues from a women’s lens.?
THE BOTTOM LINE
Women have been at the forefront of the Syrian struggle, and their continued involvement is essential. Their commitment to shaping the transition is a testament to their resilience and dedication, and it is vital for all stakeholders within and outside the country to support them. IWPR will continue to stand with the women of Syria.
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