Discrimination Against Syrian Women, Northern Syria as a Case Study

Introduction:

Many Syrian women suffer from various forms of discrimination, whether on legal, social, or economic levels. This issue has significantly worsened due to the ongoing war in the country, making women more vulnerable to violence and abuse. Our study observed a concerning acceptance and normalization of this discrimination, especially among women themselves, reflecting a profound societal influence and lack of awareness about equality.

Key Forms of Discrimination:

1. Legal Discrimination: Syrian women are subjected to discriminatory personal status laws that reduce their rights compared to men, particularly in matters of marriage, divorce, inheritance, and child custody. Laws also restrict their freedom of movement, requiring a “male guardian” or a male relative for travel.
2. Violence Against Women: Forms of violence against women include domestic violence, forced marriage, rape, and human trafficking. The prevalence of such violence has increased due to war and armed conflicts, with domestic violence accounting for 85% of reported cases in northern Syria, and 16% attributed to the authority of the de facto powers in the region.
3. Economic Discrimination: Women face greater difficulties in accessing suitable job opportunities and earn lower wages compared to men, with a disparity ranging from 10% to 50%. They also bear a greater burden of household chores and childcare responsibilities.
4. Social Discrimination: In some Syrian villages and families, women are considered second-class citizens, lacking the same rights and responsibilities as men. This results in denial of secondary and higher education opportunities, with 60% of surveyed women citing family-related reasons for not completing their education.
5. Societal Culture: Syrian society has a strong patriarchal culture that views women as inferior to men and limits their participation in public life and decision-making. 85% of those surveyed believe women are not equal to men, reinforcing traditional resistance to change and hindering efforts toward equality.
6. Displacement and Refugee Status: Displacement and refugee conditions have led to family disintegration and community fragmentation, increasing women’s vulnerability to violence and exploitation. This is a significant challenge highlighted in our field study.
7. Lack of Resources: Organizations working on women’s rights face financial and human resource shortages, limiting their ability to implement programs and activities. Over the past two years, resources allocated to women’s rights have decreased by more than 60% compared to previous years.
8. Fear of Retaliation: Activists working on women’s rights are subjected to threats, detention, and violence, creating an atmosphere of fear and limiting their participation.
9. Focus on Humanitarian Issues: Women’s rights are often overlooked in favor of urgent humanitarian issues, such as food, shelter, and healthcare.
10. Access to Remote Areas: Difficulty in accessing remote areas to provide necessary support and study women’s conditions.
11. Political Changes: Political changes in northern Syria directly impact women’s status, with differences observed between areas under the control of the Salvation Government and those under the Interim Government.

Reasons for Discrimination:

• Traditions and Customs: Prevailing traditions and customs in some Syrian villages and families reinforce concepts of discrimination against women.
• War and Conflict: The ongoing war has exacerbated discrimination, making women more vulnerable to violence and abuse.
• Lack of Rule of Law: The collapse of the state and absence of the rule of law in some areas have led to the spread of violence and crime, increasing women’s suffering.

Efforts to Combat Discrimination:

Many Syrian civil society organizations provide support to women survivors of violence and raise awareness about the importance of gender equality. Several international institutions also support Syrian women and work to ensure their rights. The active participation of Syrian women in fighting discrimination through civil, political, and awareness activities is evident, as demonstrated in our experience at the Syrian Future Movement’s northern offices, highlighting the significant role of Syrian women in their quest to reject discrimination.

Future Challenges:

Rebuilding Syria will be a major challenge, and this process must include ensuring women’s rights and empowerment. It is essential to combat extremist ideas that justify discrimination against women and build a democratic society that guarantees equality for all citizens, regardless of gender.

Conclusion:

Discrimination against women in Syria is a complex issue that requires concerted efforts from all concerned parties. The international community, local authorities, civil society organizations, and women themselves must work together to eliminate this discrimination and build a better future for Syrian women. The Office of Family Affairs at the Syrian Future Movement recommends the following:

1. Work to change societal views on women and raise awareness of their rights.
2. Amend discriminatory laws and enact new legislation that ensures gender equality, even if temporary, until a comprehensive solution for Syria is found.
3. Combat all forms of violence against women and provide support for survivors.
4. Empower women economically by providing job opportunities and vocational training.
5. Encourage women’s participation in political life and decision-making, and call on local authorities to compete over women’s representation within their institutions.
6. The international community should provide financial and political support to civil society organizations working on women’s rights in Syria.

Waheba Al-Masri
Office of Family Affairs
Research and Studies Department
Articles
Syrian Future Movement (SFM)