Writer: Syria’s legal framework is contradictory, falls short of women’s aspirations

Abu Ubaida describes the state of women’s rights across Syria under the interim government as complex and full of contradictions something evident to anyone familiar with the situation. 

Speaking to ANHA agency, she said there is a clear disconnect between official discourse and reality: “The rhetoric speaks fluently about women’s roles and empowerment, but in practice their role remains largely symbolic and limited.” She pointed out that actual representation does not exceed 4%, underscoring its largely token nature.

She added that while recent political shifts have opened new opportunities, these have yet to translate into meaningful representation that reflects Syrian women’s competence and their ability to influence decision-making.

A gap between rhetoric and implementation

According to Abu Ubaida, the core issue lies in the contradiction between official statements claiming to protect women’s rights and the mechanisms used to implement them on the ground. These statements, she explained, run up against several obstacles most notably entrenched social and cultural norms, weak or absent accountability mechanisms, and a lack of clear and enforceable policies that genuinely empower women rather than undermine them.

To bridge these gaps, she stressed the importance of raising women’s awareness of their rights through credible sources and ensuring proper follow-up at the institutional level. She also emphasized expanding networks of support and coordination among women, while investing in individual capacity-building so women can assert their presence across different sectors creating opportunities rather than waiting for them, and proving themselves through competence.

challenges

Abu Ubaida highlighted numerous challenges that limit women’s broader participation in society and political life; saying that it is multiply most important are societal attitudes that continue to question women’s leadership abilities, the lack of genuine institutional support, and their limited presence in administrative positions.

She added that economic pressures and women’s own fear of failure or harsh social criticism also play a role. Syrian women, she explained, face a complex web of overlapping challenges.

strengthening women’s participation

She believes that enhancing women’s participation requires a structured and comprehensive approach, including legislation that guarantees fair representation, such as quota systems alongside investment in political and administrative training for women.

She also called for supporting women-led initiatives and increasing media visibility for successful female role models, both of which help reinforce women’s roles, build societal trust in their capabilities, and create a safe environment where women can express themselves and participate without fear or marginalization.

Abu Ubaida reiterated that Syria’s current legal framework still falls short of clearly reflecting women’s aspirations, with a persistent gap between legal texts and their application, particularly in fields of protection, equality, and equal opportunity.

She emphasized the need for a more just legal system that effectively safeguards women’s rights, supports their independence, and enables their full participation in society.

Women’s role in peacebuilding

She stressed that women in Syria play a vital role in peacebuilding, given their ability to foster dialogue and help rebuild the social fabric. Experience has shown, she noted, that involving women in peace processes leads to more inclusive and sustainable outcomes, thanks to the balanced, human-centered perspectives they bring.

Empowering women in this filed, she said, is not optional it is essential.

She also outlined key steps to ensure women’s representation in a future Syria, including securing genuine political will to support their participation and enacting clear legislation that guarantees their presence across state institutions. Investing in capacity-building and reshaping societal narratives around women’s roles are equally crucial to achieving fair and effective representation aligned with the aspirations of a new Syria.

About Asala Ibrahim Abu Ubaida

Asala Ibrahim Abu Ubaida is a writer and social activist specializing in food sciences. She focuses on women’s issues and social transformations in the Middle East, offering perspectives that balance current realities with future aspirations. She has authored two books, “don’t come closer” and “the signal is weak.”

She is currently working on a new book aimed at promoting self-awareness and reshaping concepts related to relationships and self-worth, with a vision centered on empowering individuals, especially women to build more balanced and independent lives.

Abu Ubaida is also known for her strong presence on social media platforms, where she shares educational content on self-awareness and human relationships, particularly targeting young audiences with a style that blends depth and simplicity.

ANHA