In the midst of the civil war in Syria, which seems to have no end in sight, an important resource has been underutilized -- the role of women in Syria’s transition to a peaceful democracy, as peacemakers and bridges for peace.
What is the answer to the endless killing and suffering? A military solution has not ended the 30-month conflict, which has seen more than 130,000 killed. Many say a solution to end the violence can only come through diplomacy. However there is a growing sentiment that male-dominated diplomacy does not represent the whole of society and is incapable to bring a negotiated settlement for all the people.
Since the historic UN Security Council Resolution 1325, (Oct. 31, 2000), which called for the adoption of a gender perspective that includes the special needs of women and girls, unbiased experts have testified that chances for sustainable peace are greatly improved with the inclusion of women in conflict resolution and the peacebuilding process.
With both religious and secular forces in Syria aiming to limit the role of women, and making it difficult for women to influence change, then step one is to call for equality between women and men. As one Syrian woman said, “The uprising in my country was never just political but also a social revolution. It gives women the strength to say what we want.”
UPF endorses the empowerment of women in this age. Our January 15th forum will focus on how to promote peace and security in Syria but from a gender balanced perspective. What steps must be taken to bring women to the decision-making tables and to recognize that women can be a key element of transition? What role will women play in decision making during the transitional period and in post-authoritarian Syria?
