MSDBy Layla Qaraman
Co-chairwoman of the Syrian Democratic Council
The 20th century witnessed significant changes in the history of the struggle of women’s movements demanding women’s rights. These movements have evolved to become both a fundamental pillar and the backbone of global liberation movements. The women’s movements in Syria played a prominent role in the revolutionary struggle and national independence against colonizers and occupiers to achieve independence and freedom. There are many examples about brave women such as Zainab al-Ghaziwi, who was martyred in the Battle of Maysaloun, Nazik al-Abed who disguised herself as a man and then became a martyr, Rashida al-Zaibaq who participated in more than one battle, and was arrested more than once, as well as Fatima bint Kabkab, Umm Saeed Ewad, and other female fighters.
These movements contributed to the advancement of political, social, cultural, and awareness-raising matters in the country. They empower women to demand their legitimate rights. With the expansion and deepening of their struggle experience, they finally gained the right to vote and run for office in the post-independence period.
As the Syrian women’s struggle intensified, their cause became a vital and fundamental issue. They marked a crucial change in their struggle by demanding gender equality and the eradication of all forms of gender discrimination. However, with the Baath regime’s seizure of power in Syria and its tightening of control on state institutions, the Syrian regime worked to suppress popular and women’s movements and political freedoms. That suppression was whether through military force or by distorting the image of women’s activities. So, Syria was controlled by tyranny and despotism, affecting liberation movements, including women’s movements. It inflicted severe damage on the gains and achievements that women had made throughout their struggle. It is no exaggeration to say that the women’s movements have been the most affected group by the oppressive ruling regime. Also, it is evident that Syrian social relations have been affected significantly.
As a result, women became vulnerable to all forms of intimidation and marginalization in various aspects of political and social matters. On the one hand, they were affected by the oppressive regime in Syria through discriminatory laws embedded in the Syrian Constitution such as Personal Status Laws, Penal Code and Nationality Law. On the other hand, social norms and traditions posed significant obstacles and challenges to women’s participation in various aspects in life.
This discrimination fostered a societal perception that women are inferior. Consequently, women were not granted the right to participate in political activities. Syrian woman’s identity began to fade and disappear as Syria experienced an era characterized by the absence of rights and freedoms for five decades under Baathist rule.
All these oppressive and tyrannical methods, coupled with the absence of democracy, led to a state of societal rejection against them. In parallel with the Arab Spring revolutions, the Syrian people rose up to participate in the popular movement yearning for freedom. This marked a turning point in the Syria’s history, and protests became the Syrians’ means of expressing their demands for freedom, dignity, and democracy. These protests paved the way for women to become a revolutionary force to demand their rights. They were at the forefront of the popular protests, expressing their demands without fear, fatigue, or boredom. Women were subjected to oppression, arbitrary arrests, and physical and psychological torture within the Syrian regime’s prisons.
They became targets, falling wounded or martyred. They did not surrender, nor give up their stance against injustice and oppression, yearning for freedom. They were unwavering in their belief that they were essential and active actors in participation in the revolution. They aimed at changing the fate imposed upon them. Also, they sought to eliminate the laws, practices, and ideologies that affected their presence and dignity. After decades, they have played a crucial role in society. They have sought to fulfill their aspirations since the Syrian Revolution.
Despite the harsh conditions, women played a vital role in supporting and leading the Revolution. They swiftly united their ranks, and established their own institutions dedicated to women’s affairs in all aspects of life. They continued their unwavering determination to support the Syrian Revolution.
In the midst of this peaceful popular movement that encompassed all segments of Syrian society, which began in March 2011, the ruling regime rushed to suppress this movement. The oppressive regime also targeted women who were advocating for change and democratic transition.
This regime worked to end the peaceful nature of the popular movement and turn it into an armed one.
Several reasons caused the Revolution to change its path as follows:
– The adoption of a militaristic approach.
– The lack of a wise leadership capable of leading the revolutionary process.
– The absence of a clear vision for the Syrian situation.
– The failure to rely on existing community powers.
– External interventions in the Syrian cause.
All those reasons turned the uprising into a multifaceted crisis that caused calamities to the Syrian people.
Extremist armed factions affiliated with foreign entities controlled over the fragile opposition powers. Consequently, those powers used the Syrians to serve their interests. Therefore, there were a lot of unprecedented bloodshed and crimes against the Syrian and peaceful people. That affected women as well, who suffered displacement, refuge, and forced migration. The rate of arrests and sexual violence against women increased. They also experienced the worst forms of violations and practices that contravene human rights standards.
This new situation on the ground has imposed harsh conditions that are difficult to adapt to.
Additionally, the change in traditional gender roles has increased the burden on women. Therefore, they currently have to manage their own duties as well as those of men (fathers, brothers, or husbands) who are absent due to war-related detention, assassination, or being victims of war.
Amidst all these circumstances, women have not relinquished their roles. One of their priorities has been to be present in decision-making positions and to lead the process of change and democratic reconstruction in Syria.
Women actively participated in political bodies, organizations, and opposition frameworks. They also participated in committees and bodies formed by the international community within the framework of finding a solution to the Syrian crisis. Additionally, they participated in all aspects of life within the three spheres of influence. They knew that if they neglected their roles, they would face severe consequences in the future. These consequences could include losing their constitutionally protected rights and entitlements. As a result, all their efforts and sacrifices would be wasted.
Women’s presence is indispensable in all political, social, and military fields to resolve the crisis. They participated in the negotiating body, the constitutional committee, and the Women’s Advisory Council, that was established by the Office of the Special Envoy to Syria in January 2016 in partnership with UN Women. However, this Advisory Council’s role is limited to being a consultative body that does not participate in peace talks, and there is no guarantee that its recommendations will be implemented.
In light of the international trend towards empowering women and promoting their participation in all aspects of life, some opposition groups have exploited this trend to portray themselves as democratic. On the other hand, it was to capture the attention of human rights activists. These opposition groups have worked to ensure the token presence of women within their formations. Also, they worked to frame women’s activities according to their policies. As a result, women once again suffer from marginalization and systematic exclusion in these areas. Most of those in control in these areas adhere to Salafi ideologies that devalue women.
The prolonged conflict in Syria has claimed the lives of countless people and displaced millions within and outside the country for the past 12 years. International efforts and political paths towards a peaceful resolution have faltered. That was primarily due to the lack of a genuine and national women’s roles. The absence of women’s role has captured the attention of human rights activists, civil society actors, and all Syrians since the Syrian Revolution. Women have played a crucial role in achieving security, safety, and peacebuilding.
Solutions cannot be found for the Syrian crisis and women cannot obtain their rights through stereotypical and limited roles.
Achieving success is impossible without women’s involvement. The extent of women’s freedom reflects the degree to which a society is liberated and democratic principles are established.
Therefore, it is essential for everyone to change anti-women concepts to find solutions for challenges and advance Syrian society.
Women’s representation in political frameworks has varied over time since the start of the Syrian Revolution. All the political bodies and committees that claim to consider women’s rights and representation do not adhere to the global women’s quota of 30%. The underrepresentation of women in most political frameworks reflects the absence of gender equality. As a result, it does not represent the actual and active participation of women in decision-making positions in Syria. Consequently, it reinforces violence against women, and does not lead to any change or building process. The reason behind this is the stereotypical image that doubts women’s ability to play their political role in society. Also, the dominance of masculinity controls various aspects and opportunities in life.
All of these reasons have prevented women’s participation in the political process and guided them towards social, civil, humanitarian, and relief fields only.
In contrast, women have had different experiences to work in the regions held by Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). Over the past ten years, women have participated in decision-making positions effectively with the adoption of the 50% gender quota and the principle of co-chairmanship in institutions of the AANES. These principles have become turning points to correct misconceptions about the women’s real participation in society. Therefore, the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) also affirmed in its basic principles that women’s freedom is the basis and guarantee of all freedoms. Women’s participation in drafting a new constitution in Syria is considered one of the crucial issues. Additionally, the SDC emphasized the women’s participation in the entire political process as a fundamental condition for the success of the negotiation process and the constitutional guarantee of their rights.
It is crucial to recognize that women’s marginalization and exclusion in certain areas are not solely due to external circumstances. The patriarchal mindsets prevalent among some opposition groups also play a significant role.
Women themselves share some of the responsibility for the lack of their participation in various aspects in society. Despite women have rejected the imposed reality and made significant efforts, they did not achieve a desired change.
Some women, with diverse political backgrounds, have chosen to be as independent figures. This fragmentation has hindered the emergence of a powerful and female alliance. Consequently, it has impeded the fulfilling of women’s aspirations in society. Instead, it has scattered the efforts made by women.
This harsh reality necessitates women to represent themselves in international forums, committees, and opposition bodies. Also, they must challenge the stereotypical image assigned to them. This should be aligned with the aspirations of Syrians.
Syrians eagerly await a meaningful role played by women in the political process. Consequently, this requires women to engage with all actors in the Syrian cause to reach a political solution. Women’s active participation is the guarantee of achieving political and social change. That transition will change the situation of regime into a pluralistic and democratic one. Additionally, it will achieve justice and equality for all without discrimination in a balanced society, ensuring the integration of roles in political and public matters.
Women have continued struggle to shape a roadmap for Syria’s future due to the women’s capabilities, experiences, and political consciousness. Women are actively involved in developing programs to unify women’s endeavors through genuine participation in various fields.
Marginalizing women’s roles in Syria undermines their true participations and hinders the entire political process. These participations are supposed to be at least in accordance with the global women’s quota. Therefore, it is necessary to integrate women into formulating political solutions strategies for the country. The aim is to achieve societal peace for all Syrian components.
Women have made a lot of efforts and they still continue to make immense contributions. It is time for women to assume their deserved positions in society. The aim is to foster freedom, dignity and democratic values.
Throughout history, Syrian women have been at the forefront of various movements, advocating for their rights and contributing to societal change.
The situation currently is critical. Therefore, women should enhance the path of struggle for freedom and justice. We, as Syrian women, must act as role models for women around the world, both now and in the future. Thus, we can confidently state that we witness a time of remarkable progress and empowerment for women.
