In the shadows of a repressive regime, a resilient feminist movement has surged forth in post-Assad Syria. Through encrypted communications and courageous acts of defiance, these women have endured harassment and imprisonment. As the nation embraces a future free from decades of tyranny, the new feminist leaders strive to redefine the fabric of Syria’s government, advocating for women’s political participation and equal citizenship as central to a democratic future.
“We work inside Syria and abroad, holding workshops and raising our voices for women’s issues,” expresses Noor Ahmad of the Syrian Women’s Political Movement (SWPM). Established in 2017 yet rooted in the grassroots uprising of 2011, their mission transcends activism—it’s about ensuring women play a crucial role in shaping Syria’s destiny.
With Assad’s regime recently toppled, the SWPM returned to hold a landmark press conference in Damascus, uniting women, journalists, and civil leaders. Although they’ve made strides, they’ve yet to engage with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the interim president who emerged in the wake of Assad’s fall. Their efforts reflect a growing demand for inclusivity within Syria’s political landscape.
Commencing long before social media connected them, the fight for justice faced by many Syrian women has deep roots. Mariam Jalabi, a key SWPM founder, recalls her family’s legacy of resistance against tyranny, shaping their resolve to confront oppression. Her journey mirrors the enduring struggles of countless Syrians, reinforcing a dream of liberation.
In recent days, a surge of violence has highlighted the precarious state of post-Assad Syria, with catastrophic insurgent attacks claiming over 1,000 lives. Amidst ongoing sectarian tension and a shattered political landscape, the future remains bleak, particularly for women who continue to grapple for a voice in a society marred by inequality.
Jalabi recalls the stark gender disparity at an opposition conference, where women were largely sidelined. This experience catalysed the creation of the SWPM alongside seven other women, aiming to ensure representation of all demographics in discussions about Syria’s future. “We never came to be ‘opposition to the opposition,'” says Jalabi, asserting their commitment to inclusivity and representation.
Co-founder Alise Mofrej adds her own story of survival from the clutches of Assad’s jails. Her dual experiences of imprisonment and societal stigma illuminate the harsh reality faced by women challenging systemic repression. For her, feminism transcended mere ideology, becoming a core part of the struggle for justice.
Since the regime’s fall, the SWPM has flourished, welcoming new members keen to redefine Syria’s political landscape. Noor Ahmad notes a surge in commitment, with women eager to claim their stake in the nation’s recovery. Initiatives have enabled discussions around reconstruction even amidst the darkest times, exemplifying the remarkable resilience of women in Syria.
Despite their achievements, political promise often falls flat. Recent declarations hint at progress, yet the SWPM warns that without genuine commitment to equality and justice, mere legal reforms will not suffice. Mofrej criticises the new constitution, arguing it fails to dismantle systemic exclusion and discrimination against women, further entrenching the status quo.
Jalabi underscores the importance of international solidarity rather than saviour complexes. Building relationships with women’s movements across borders, she aims to unify efforts against shared struggles. “We don’t need saviours—we need solidarity,” she asserts, highlighting the immediate needs that transcend debates about dress codes.
The journey from clandestine resistance to open advocacy has been arduous but transformative. Jalabi pleads for the international community to prioritize rebuilding Syria’s infrastructure over pedantic lectures about women’s rights. The powerful voice of the SWPM indicates that genuine democratic transitions hinge on the involvement and leadership of women, fighting steadfastly against threats to their hard-won progress.
A powerful feminist movement is shaping post-Assad Syria, aiming for increased women’s participation in politics and equal citizenship. The Syrian Women’s Political Movement (SWPM), founded amid the civil uprising, has returned to Syria to advocate for women’s rights after the regime’s fall. Yet, with rising violence and a fragmented political landscape, the future remains uncertain for women. Leaders like Noor Ahmad and Mariam Jalabi stress the need for solidarity and representation in rebuilding the nation.
The emergence of a vibrant feminist movement in post-Assad Syria signals hope for a more inclusive future. Despite enduring systemic repression and violence, women leaders like Noor Ahmad and Mariam Jalabi are at the forefront of advocating for equal representation in politics. Their unwavering determination exemplifies the necessity of incorporating diverse voices in Syria’s rebuilding process. Yet, challenges linger, with uncertainties surrounding the political landscape threatening the gains achieved thus far, highlighting the importance of solidarity and sustained engagement in the quest for justice and equity.
Original Source: dawnmena.org
