Forcibly displaced Syrian women's crucial role in rebuilding a free Syria for all

In 2018, I received a scholarship to pursue my Master's degree in the UK, and left behind my home, family, community, and the life I knew. When I graduated, the security situation inside Syria remained very volatile and I had no choice but to apply for asylum. I became a refugee, a label that carries both immense hardship and profound strength.

My story, I know, is not unique. It echoes the experiences of millions of Syrian women, internally and externally displaced, many deeply traumatized, yet persevering. As we look towards Syria's future, one thing is clear: we Syrian women must be at the forefront of the rebuilding process to realize the free, democratic Syria we've dreamed of and fought for over these last 14 years.

The reality of displacement and hardship

The statistics paint a stark picture of the challenges we face. According to UNHCR, millions of Syrians remain displaced inside the country, with no homes to return to and limited resources. Even with changes in the political landscape, humanitarian needs persist and more than 90 per cent of Syrians are living below the poverty line, in dire conditions. Reports of security issues such as theft, kidnapping, revenge crimes, and sexual violence are high, with women often the victims. In addition, the ongoing Israeli bombardment and occupation in the southwest of the country is causing new displacement and risks, including for women and girls, and threatening Syria’s fragile peace.

A recent UNHCR survey of Syrian refugees living in the region found that 27 per cent intend to return to their country within the next 12 months, but the majority remain hesitant, citing safety concerns, as well as the lack of housing and jobs.

I've witnessed the power of revolutionary Syrian women like May Scaff, Lama Al-Basha, Razan Zeitouneh, Fadwa Suleiman, and many others who were detained, tortured, and forcibly disappeared for speaking out against the Assad regime. These women bravely challenged the dictatorship, sacrificing their lives for a free and democratic Syria for all Syrians, regardless of religion, background, gender, or ethnicity.

Supporting and investing in women

I've dedicated my adult life to advocating for Syria - for its women, and for its refugees. I've seen countless other Syrian women doing the same in exile - working tirelessly to free detainees, and leading political and social change in their countries of refuge.

This work has helped to shatter stereotypes about refugee women. We have often been perceived as victims or burdens, but we have proven that even in the most challenging circumstances, we are assets – talented and resourceful. We want to contribute to the societies we reside in, and the home countries we hope to return to; we just need the opportunity to show what we have to offer.

We are leaders, decision-makers, and possess the knowledge and lived experience to shape solutions that affect our lives. We must be meaningfully included at all levels of decision-making, from local initiatives to international negotiations, both in our new countries and in our home countries, when we can safely contribute.

The international community has a crucial role to play in supporting Syrian women. It can do this in the following ways:

• Recognize the right of refugee women to make informed decisions about their return. No woman, regardless of her religion, ethnicity, or sexuality, should be pressured to return to Syria until she feels completely safe and secure to do so.

• Ensure foreign aid includes funds earmarked for empowering Syrian women and supporting their inclusion in political, economic and civil leadership roles.

• Invest in programmes that address women’s needs, including for mental health support to help them process the loss and trauma they have endured. The mental health support I received in exile saved my life and enabled me to contribute to my new home. Special attention must be given to supporting women newly freed from detention and those coming to terms with the forced disappearance of their loved ones.

• Engage with Syrian women in the diaspora who have valuable skills and experience to share. Platforms should be created to connect them with women inside Syria who can benefit from their mentorship, fundraising and advocacy.

• Continue support for aid to address the ongoing humanitarian crises, both inside Syria and in host countries.

As we commemorate International Women's Day, I want to congratulate all refugee women, and all revolutionary women fighting for their freedom and their rights. I want to recognize all Syrian women – the detained, the forcibly disappeared, the political activists, the protesters, the mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives who sacrificed their lives caring for their families. Syria would not be free from dictatorship if it were not for your sacrifice, your bravery, and your power.

Syria’s transition presents a unique opportunity to build a more just and equitable society, one where women are empowered to reach their full potential. But it will require a concerted effort from the international community, governments, donors, the private sector, and civil society to support us Syrian women, the experts and civil society leaders, to shape the Syria we envision.

We Syrian women, inside and outside of Syria, ARE the leaders, decision-makers, and agents of change that the future Syria needs. We ask our international allies to commit to supporting us in our efforts to rebuild our lives, our society, and our nation. The future of Syria depends on us.

This article was written for UNHCR by Nour Jarrouj, a Syrian refugee advocacy expert and a strategic inclusion and organizational change advisor who has worked in the humanitarian and refugee sectors for more than 11 years. She holds a BSc in Economics from Damascus University and an MSc in Violence, Conflict and Development from SOAS University of London.