Syrian activists: Occupation is a form of violence against women, society

The United Nations General Assembly designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (Resolution 54/134), with the aim of raising awareness about the extent of the problems women face, chief among them violence in all its forms. 

 As this occasion approaches, ANHA's agency met with Syrian activists who shared their views on the current situation of Syrian women and the efforts being made to alleviate the burden of violence in light of the ongoing crisis.

 "The true and historical splendor of the Syrian woman must be restored."

 In this regard, independent feminist activist Natasha al-Asfari noted that despite the spark of the anti-violence against women movement igniting 60 years ago, violence against women continues to be perpetuated around the world.

 Regarding the situation of Syrian women, Natasha said that "the Syrian society has been subjected over the past 13 years to many pressures and psychological and economic damages, which has led to the practice of much violence against women, whether in the workplace or within the family framework."

 Natasha hopes that the coming years will continue the women's movement to liberate Syrian women from the violence practiced in all aspects and restore their true and historical splendor.

 Adding that the contributions made by Syrian women throughout history have been reflected in European legends, and affirming that the name of the continent Europe is derived from the name of the Syrian princess Europa, daughter of the Phoenician king Agenor.

 "We strive to empower Syrian women both domestically and abroad."

 As for Rehab Ibrahim, a member of the Syrian Women's Council Coordination, she pointed out that the council is present at every event related to combating violence against women and focuses on women who are subjected to violence.

 Rehab focused on what she described as "silent divorce," which refers to the exposure of thousands of Syrian women to violence within the family and their inability to speak out about it due to social beliefs.

 Meanwhile, Rehab confirmed their efforts to empower the council to become the voice of all abused women, whether inside or outside the country. She stated that the events organized in this regard, such as meetings, gatherings, seminars, and others, are part of these efforts.

 Rehab promised that the general geography of Syria contains many exacerbated cases of gender bias and others, influenced by the country's crisis and some outdated customs and traditions, which prevent women from reaching the front lines, as she said.

 While she noted that part of their work is focused on raising awareness about international resolutions issued to protect women, including UN resolution number 2.254, resolution 1,325, and the UN General Assembly resolution 104/48 regarding the elimination of violence against women.

 "Preparing to hold a Syrian women's peace conference is on the agenda."

 In response to a question about the steps taken by the Syrian Women's Council regarding the establishment of a peace conference led by Syrian women as one of the outcomes of the second conference, Rehab Ibrahim stated: "The outcomes of the founding conference are always on the table, and with diligent efforts, we are striving towards holding this conference. We did not propose the idea lightly, but the international and regional circumstances and the recent war made us pause for a while until the ground is suitable for holding such a conference. It remains on the agenda we are working on."

 "The occupation has contributed to deepening the wounds of Syrian women."

For her part, member of the Syrian Women's Council Khadija Hamdan began her speech by saying that on November 25th of each year, women unite to achieve their freedom.

 Khadija affirms that women are not half of society but the entirety of society; they gave birth to the other half. Despite this, they are subjected to violence, and thus, opposing violence against women means opposing violence against society.

 Khadija saw that the struggle of women around the world, including Syrian women, over the past 60 years has worked to mitigate the effects of violence in several areas, referring to the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.

 Regarding the most negative impacts that Syrian women have faced over the past years, Khadija explained that "terrorism" and Turkey's occupation of many areas have contributed to deepening the wounds of women due to the daily crimes committed against them.

 At the end of her talk, Khadija called for a reconsideration of history, which has mentioned men but neglected to mention the role of Syrian queens, such as Zenobia, Julia Domna, and others, in establishing justice and activating the role of women in society.

 T/ Satt.

 ANHA