Syria
Present
The Syrian Civil War, which commenced in 2011, originated from the Syrian regime's crackdown on peaceful civilian protesters. It was part of the broader 2011 Arab Spring protests, driven by discontent with the Syrian government; the conflict escalated into an armed struggle after protests demanding the removal of President Bashar al-Assad were violently suppressed. This ongoing multi-sided civil war involves the Syrian Arab Republic led by President Assad, supported by both domestic and foreign allies, and various opposing forces. Tragically, the war has resulted in the displacement of an estimated 13 million people, surpassing half of Syria's pre-war population.
The impact on women's rights in Syria has been severe since the outbreak of the conflict. Women residing in conflict zones have faced various forms of violence, including sexual assault, forced displacement, detention, domestic violence, and child marriage. The past decade has witnessed increased insecurity, fear, and intense economic pressures, further exacerbating the vulnerability of women and girls. Furthermore, access to education and healthcare, which were once considered fundamental rights, can no longer be taken for granted in Syria. Nearly half a million pregnant women urgently need access to quality sexual and reproductive healthcare.
Resistance
Organizations like UNFPA offer critical assistance to women and girls affected by the violations of their rights in Syria, as well as in camps and host communities in the surrounding region. In the year 2020, UNFPA provided sexual and reproductive health services to approximately 2 million individuals, and nearly 1.2 million people were supported through initiatives focused on preventing and addressing gender-based violence.
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Resistance can also be seen on the individual level. In 2013, Ghalia Rahal took the initiative to establish the Mazaya Centre. Originally a hairdressing salon, she transformed it into a secure environment that offers vocational training and support to women, aiming to empower them.