Voices of Change: Syrian Women Leading Transitional Justice Dialogues

Much of the narrative surrounding human rights violations focuses on the experiences of men, and men dominate the social spaces where justice and potential political solutions are discussed, particularly in regard to Syria. Women’s experiences and voices have been marginalised and occasionally tokenised. In fact, considerations of “gender” in many transitional justice contexts have mainly focused on the inclusion of women as victims of sexual violence.

Even though women represent half of the population, they are continually sidelined and made to feel that their voices matter only in regard to victimhood and/or “women’s and children’s issues.” But the fact is that no society can function and develop effectively and securely without the input and meaningful engagement of women. 

Recognising the importance of not only engaging women in dialogues on transitional justice, but preparing them to lead the dialogues with other women, Synergy for Justice, in partnership with Amal Healing and Advocacy Center, recently completed a three-part, in-person workshop series for 45 Syrian women from different geographical areas. 

The intensive 9-day workshop series included training on peacebuilding, the UNSCR 1325, human rights and international humanitarian law, transitional justice, conflict resolution, and facilitation skills. The participants included women from a range of professions, including teachers, journalists, doctors, lawyers, and more. 

The women facilitators are now preparing to conduct community dialogue sessions among local communities in northwest Syria and southeast Turkiye to raise awareness and solicit input from women about transitional justice efforts, to understand what women want and need from a future Syria, and to raise women's voices for inclusion in future transitional justice processes. This process will not only ensure the inclusion of women’s voices, but it will also enable the inclusion of voices representing smaller towns and areas that are currently being overlooked by those conducting stakeholder consultations.

I was fortunate to be able to join the third part of the workshop series, which focused on facilitation skills. We had an incredible training team (Doris Awwad and Nour Burhan) who connected with the participants in a way that not only enabled the increase of their skills but also brought joy to the room. Together, we created a safe and open space wherein the participants bonded with each other and enjoyed the camaraderie while still focusing on how to facilitate community dialogues about building a better, more inclusive, and more secure Syria.  Through role-plays and other interactive exercises, we saw the emergence of women leaders whom we know will continue to build their own skills and empower others.

We look forward to reading the results and feedback from their community dialogues, and we look forward to sharing them with you through social media.