Women's Rights in Syria Under Threat as New Government Enforces Oppression.

The fall of Syria’s Assad regime offers hope for a new beginning, but the future of women’s rights in Syria remains uncertain. For Syrian women, who have been the backbone of their communities during 13 years of war, the fight for equality is far from over.
Women's Rights in Syria Under Threat as New Government Enforces Oppression
Wikimedia Commons | Russell Watkins/DFID

Women's Rights in Syria Under Threat in Post-War Syria.

The rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has brought about strict governance rooted in its interpretation of Islamic law. In territories controlled by HTS, women’s freedom of movement is restricted, their dress is policed, and their participation in public life is stifled. Women cannot access public spaces without a male guardian, and those who defy these restrictions face punishment from morality police.

These developments evoke fears of a regression similar to what occurred in Afghanistan under Taliban rule or in Iran following the 1979 revolution. If left unaddressed, Syria could become another example of a nation where women’s rights are systematically stripped in the aftermath of political upheaval.

Lessons from Iran, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

Syria’s situation is not unique. Women’s rights in the Middle East have often been sacrificed during political transitions. After the Iranian Revolution, compulsory hijab laws, bans on political participation, and restrictions on women’s economic roles became the norm.

Afghanistan’s Taliban regime, after regaining power in 2021, instituted bans on women’s education, employment, and public activities. In Iraq and Syria, the rise of ISIS resulted in the enslavement of Yazidi women and the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. These cautionary tales highlight the need to prioritize women’s rights during Syria’s political reconstruction to avoid repeating the same patterns of oppression.

Syrian Women: Resilient but Excluded.

Despite the dire circumstances, Syrian women have shown extraordinary resilience. Throughout the war, they stepped into leadership roles, became humanitarian workers, and ensured the survival of their families and communities. Yet, they remain largely excluded from peace negotiations and decision-making processes.

This exclusion violates United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which mandates the inclusion of women in peace-building and political processes. By sidelining Syrian women, the international community risks building a future that ignores the contributions and needs of half the population.

Breaking the Cycle of Oppression.

The Middle East has long experienced a cycle of authoritarian regimes being replaced by Islamist governments, often hostile to women’s rights. In Egypt, the fall of Hosni Mubarak led to the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood, which imposed restrictions on women before being overthrown by another dictatorship.

Syria now faces a critical juncture. The removal of Bashar al-Assad’s dictatorship has created an opportunity to break this pattern, but it requires concerted efforts to ensure that women’s rights are not sacrificed in the name of stability. The inclusion of women in drafting Syria’s new constitution and governance structure is essential for creating a more equitable society.

Empowering Civil Society to Advocate for Women’s Rights.

The international community has a critical role to play in supporting women’s rights in Syria. Empowering local civil society organizations and advocating for women’s inclusion in political processes can help build a more inclusive and just society.

The 2015 UN resolution on Syria outlines a roadmap for a political transition, including the formation of an inclusive government, the drafting of a new constitution, and UN-supervised elections. However, without addressing women’s rights as a central issue, this framework risks perpetuating inequality and exclusion.

Western governments must also resist legitimizing groups like HTS without ensuring their commitment to women’s rights and inclusivity. Recognizing women as equal partners in Syria’s rebuilding process is essential to breaking the cycle of marginalization and oppression.

The Future of Women's Rights in Syria.

The future of women’s rights in Syria depends on both local and international efforts to prioritize inclusion and equality. Syrian women have already proven their strength, resilience, and leadership. Now, they must be given the opportunity to shape the country’s future.

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