LAMIS NASSER

Damascus- During the rule of the Baathist regime in Syria, women, especially rural women, were subjected to discrimination, treated as cheap labor. Following the fall of the Assad regime, a transitional government led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) was formed in Syria. However, the practices of the government, limiting the role of women, have raised concerns.

Although women's movements and civil society organizations have made significant efforts for the democratization of Syria, it is obvious that they need a strong solidarity.

“We want to play an active role in building the new Syria,” Samira Abbas, an architect living in the rural area of ​​Homs, told NuJINHA. “During the Baathist regime, we, as women, were marginalized. Now, we have an opportunity to participate in the construction of the new Syria.”

‘Rural women are real fighters’

Samira Abbas commented on the perception saying that rural women cannot participate in politics. “Rural women are real fighters. Even though they face difficult living conditions, they never give up. They have a strong bond with nature. If an opportunity is given to them, they have the capacity to be successful in all facets of life.”

‘They need support’

Samira Abbas thinks that rural women need support to improve themselves. “Some projects should be developed for them in order to participate in the labor force. They need support from civil society organizations to get their economic independence.”

‘Women are the cornerstone of their society’

The deteriorating economic condition in rural areas is the biggest obstacle to women, noted Samira Abbas. “Investing in women's economic empowerment is needed more than ever. Women are the cornerstone of their society,” she said, calling on rural women to participate in “building the future of Syria.”

‘Women have a historic opportunity’

“Talking about the role of women in society begins when their real needs are understood,” said Tamara Ali, a woman from Mukharram al-Fawqani, a city in Homs governorate. “Women must be empowered in all facets of life, especially in economy and politics. The previous regime completely marginalized women. Rural women have a historic opportunity with the fall of the regime.  If they are supported, they will participate in all facets of life. They have a strong will and power to build Syria’s future.”