ROCHELLE JUNIOR

Sweida- Women in Syria have been struggling to survive in the midst of war for decades. Since the fall of the Assad regime, they have demanded to participate in politics and decision-making positions.

Many women in the Druze majority city of Sweida, southern Syria, believe that women’s participation in politics, decision-making positions and social life and women’s economic empowerment is the cornerstone of building a just society and social stability in Syria. They think that they have a unique opportunity to reshape the future of the country by actively participating in all facets of life.

“Syrian women must actively contribute to the country's development more than ever before,” said Nisreen Abu Fakhr, an activist in Sweida. “As women, we must participate in politics, decision-making positions and the labor force. We must be aware of our rights and duties. Economic independence is essential for women to make decisions freely.”

‘Women must be empowered’

Nisreen Abu Fakhr believes that Syrian women must be empowered in all spheres of life since they have struggled in the midst of war for decades. “Women must be able to protect themselves and understand the meaning of freedoms —the freedom to learn, travel, make decisions, and even decide the number of children they have.”

‘Women must unite’

Activist Amal Azzam called on all Syrian women to unite. “We must unite and hold regular meetings across Syria to share our experiences and thoughts and discuss how to play our roles in building the future of Syria,” she told NuJINHA, stressing that Syrian women need not only psychological support but also projects that promote women’s economic empowerment. “Strong women raise strong children, and we need strong people to build a new Syria.”

‘We must stand together’

Amal Ghanem expressed her sadness for the growing estrangement among women in Syria. “The Syrian people must have a national unity and women must stand together,” she told us, calling on all women in Syria to unite and be in solidarity with each other.

“Nothing can stop women if they unite. I hope that women will unite and play an effective role in rebuilding their society.”