Despite the pivotal role Syrian women have played in rebuilding their communities after more than fourteen years of war, genuine empowerment remains out of reach. The conflict thrust women into new responsibilities, making them primary providers and leaders across various sectors, including agriculture, commerce, education, journalism, and humanitarian aid. They became instrumental in preserving social cohesion, engaging in local councils, and participating in civil organizations. Yet, despite these contributions, systemic exclusion from decision-making positions persists, raising concerns about the sustainability of their progress.
Legal and Institutional Barriers
Syria ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 2003, but the Assad regime consistently failed to implement its provisions. Legal discrimination remains entrenched in personal status laws, granting men significant control over marriage, divorce, and child custody. Social norms and traditional gender roles further constrain women’s political and economic participation.
Activists argue that the lack of equitable parental responsibilities forces women to prioritize family obligations over professional advancement. Women seeking political engagement often face societal stigmatization, further limiting their access to leadership roles. Their presence in government remains largely symbolic, serving as a superficial attempt to appease international audiences rather than a genuine commitment to gender equality.
The political landscape continues to sideline women, with their representation in government and negotiations often reduced to tokenism. Even in recent national dialogue initiatives, female participation was minimal, and their voices remained largely absent from key decision-making processes. Critics point out that previous female appointments under the former regime were largely decorative, with no real authority or influence.
Pathways to Genuine Empowerment
Legal experts and activists stress the urgent need for substantive reforms, including:
Legislative amendments to abolish discriminatory laws and ensure gender equality in all legal, economic, and political domains.
Economic empowerment through financial support for women-led businesses and workplace protections.
Increased political representation, possibly through a quota system, to secure meaningful female participation in governance.
Societal awareness campaigns to challenge deep-rooted stereotypes and promote a culture that values women’s contributions beyond traditional roles.
Women’s empowerment in Syria must go beyond rhetoric and symbolic representation. Structural reforms are essential to ensuring that women play an active role in shaping the country’s future. Their full participation is not just a matter of justice but a necessity for sustainable recovery and development.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
