From the initial uprisings against the government of Bashar al-Assad in spring 2011, women in Syria have organized and participated in peaceful demonstrations and provided vital humanitarian assistance to those in need. Like their male counterparts, Syrian women who take part in protests or provide aid are targets of abuse, harassment, detention, and even torture by government forces and some armed groups opposed to the government.
At the same time, general insecurity and discriminatory restrictions imposed by some armed groups opposed to the government have curtailed women’s dress and freedom of movement. Many women have become de facto household heads, both inside Syria and in refugee settings, when male family members have been killed, detained, forcibly disappeared, injured, disabled, or unable to find steady employment.
Recognizing women’s multiple and significant roles—and their experiences as both participants and victims—is critical to developing appropriate responses to women’s needs inside Syria and in refugee communities. It is also important to ensuring their ongoing and meaningful participation in determining Syria’s future. These women are not only bearing the burden of conflict but persevering in spite of it, often at great personal risk.
The women profiled below are identified by their first names or a pseudonym for their security. Read more here.
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