LAMIS NASIR

Damascus- Syria has entered a critical stage since the fall of the Assad regime. Syria’s interim government led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has restricted women’s rights, causing a decline in women’s presence in public spaces. In the country, women are subjected to political and social oppression leading to hate speech and discrimination against women. Women are subjected to threats and degrading treatment both in social life and social media platforms.

‘We are always subjected to attacks’

“Political activist women, especially feminists, are always subjected to attacks in Syria,” said Dima Moussa, a lawyer, feminist politician in Syria and former member of the Syrian political opposition. “The attacks on women activists have continued for more than 14 years. They aim to exclude us from all facets of life.”

‘Women must participate in decision-making positions’

Hate speech, discrimination and marginalization against women are alarming in the country, Dima Moussa stressed. “Women must participate in decision-making positions in the new Syria. Women defending the revolution and the struggle of the Syrian people must take part in the new era started in Syria. A woman was recently brutally attacked in Sweida for arguing with the city's governor. If a man argued with the governor, he would not be attacked. When a man argues with the governor, he is seen as a hero and praised; however, the woman was subjected to sexist discourse.”

Dima Moussa also commented on the constitutional declaration approved by Syria’s interim government. “The declaration has some provisions about women and their roles in society; however, it does not have provisions that protect women from all forms of violence, especially psychological violence and online threats. Hate speech against women in public spaces must be tackled.”