A Conversation with Syrian Women: The Way Forward
On March 12, 2020, The Syrian Initiative to Combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence at AUWCL organized and hosted an event entitled A Conversation with Syrian Women: The Way Forward. The event was co-sponsored by the Center for Civil Society and Democracy (CCSD). The Syrian Initiative’s Principle Investigator, Professor Padideh Ala’i, delivered opening remarks affirming AUWCL’s commitment to human rights, the rule of law, and a locally-driven approach to promoting human rights and justice. The panel was moderated by the Syrian Initiative’s Director, Deyaa Alrwishdi. The Syrian women on the panel, Majeda Alaboud, Noora Al Jizawi, Rajaa Altalli, and Tassnem Fatta recounted their experiences fighting for justice and accountability and a sustainable political solution.
Deputy Assistant Secretary Steven Gillen offered remarks on behalf of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor recognizing the nearly decade-long suffering of the Syrian people at the hands of the Assad regime and its Russian and Iranian allies. Mr. Gillen spoke directly to the Syrian panelists, assuring them that the Syrian people have not been forgotten by the United States. He expanded on the vital role that Syrian women have played in mitigating the suffering, and the Department of State’s intention to continue supporting them in their efforts to promote justice and accountability and implement a political solution under the auspices of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254.
These women panelists shared their experiences from the ground of the Syrian War, and told their stories of perseverance, dedication, success, and the trials of working in extremely dangerous situations amidst the ongoing conflict. The panelists offered their solutions moving forward, including greater support for women working in justice and accountability, adopting a bottom-up approach to initiatives that accounts for the actual needs of civilians, and greater inclusion of women in negotiations and political processes. They appealed directly to the U.S. Government representatives in attendance for additional support to Syrian women working to transition their country to a state of peace and the rule of law.
Through its extensive on-the-ground network, the Syrian Initiative continues to amplify local voices and promote a locally-driven approach to enhancing access to justice for people who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The Syrian Initiative strives to coordinate the efforts of Syrian NGOs in holding perpetrators accountable and eliminating SGBV, a crime threatening all walks of life in Syria.