A briefing paper on the Situation of Women and Women Human Rights Defenders in Syria’s 2025

1. Background and Context

This briefing paper, presented by the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR), aims to provide insight into the evolving political landscape of Syria. It seeks to highlight the significant developments witnessed in the wake of the fall of the Assad government, capturing the complex dynamics of change, uncertainty, and resilience that define the nation’s current state and their main effects on women.

This transition has ushered in a period of uncertainty, with both hope and challenges emerging in its wake. The humanitarian crisis in Syria’s coastal regions, primarily Latakia, Tartus, Hama and Homs, has worsened since early 2025, driven by insurgent attacks led by former Assad loyalists. In response, government and allied forces initiated a crackdown, resulting in widespread violence and displacement. According to Human Rights Watch, over 1,000 civilians, predominantly from the Alawite community, were killed, and more than 50,000 were forced to flee their homes. This escalation has severely disrupted humanitarian services, including healthcare and support for survivors of gender-based violence, and it definitely won’t help to advance justice and reconciliations anytime soon.

The conflict in Syria has severely disrupted access to essential services for women, currently in areas such as Latakia and Tartous, where critical sexual and reproductive health facilities had to be suspended due to the instability. According to the UNFPA Flash Update, this disruption has had a profound impact on women, who have been denied the care they urgently need, including maternal health services, family planning, and support for survivors of sexual violence. The closure of these facilities not only exacerbates the physical risks women face during the conflict but also places a heavy emotional and psychological burden on them, especially for those who have been experiencing trauma and violence.

Women human rights defenders (WHRDs) in Syria’s coastal regions face increasing threats, forcing many to suspend their activities or flee, while those in exile continue to support local struggles and advocate for a unified, inclusive society. Despite limited and uncertain legal reforms, Syrian women remain resilient in their fight for equality and representation amidst the ongoing hazy transformation.

Despite limited representation in Syria’s transitional government, women continue to advocate for a peaceful, equitable future, with calls for greater inclusion in governance and justice processes. Syrian civil society and the wider human rights groups stress the need for gender-sensitive transitional justice to address past abuses and ensure women’s active role in Syria’s reconstruction.

2. Impact on Women

Women of Syria are bearing the brunt of the conflict. With the collapse of social infrastructure, incidents of gender-based violence have surged. Displaced women, especially those without family support, are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. In camps, reports of forced marriages, trafficking, and sexual assault have been always documented and continue to emerge, often going unreported and consequently under-supported due to fear and stigma among other fears, according to ReliefWeb Update.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) reported on the main challenges faced by women in Syria within the conflict and displacement, which include pervasive sexual exploitation and harassment, increased domestic violence, and a rise in early and forced marriages. These issues are compounded by limited access to essential services such as healthcare and education as well as legal, particularly for adolescent girls who view education as a vital means to improve their circumstances. 

The international community has been criticised widely and repeatedly for failing to translate commitments into effective action and offers few recommendations to address these challenges, including prioritising the voices of women and girls in humanitarian efforts and ensuring their safety and empowerment. Yet, despite little being done to address the era of Assad atrocities and war crimes, the uncertainties under new Syrian leadership and the prospect of a better future, women remain steadfast in their commitment to defending their hard-won rights and envisioning a more equitable society.

Moreover, safe spaces for women, which previously served as sanctuaries offering psychological support, legal assistance, and social services, are urgently needed. These spaces were essential in providing women with a sense of security and agency, offering them an environment where they could seek counselling, legal protection, and emotional healing. Without access to these safe spaces, survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) are left without the support they need to rebuild their lives. This gap in services has created an environment of heightened vulnerability, where women have few options for protection or empowerment, leaving them exposed to further abuse, exploitation, and discrimination.

3. Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs)

Women human rights defenders (WHRDs) in Syria’s coastal regions are facing escalating threats. Many have been forced to suspend their activities, retreat into hiding, or flee the country entirely due to targeted harassment and violence (Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR), 2025). Advocacy groups report that WHRDs are particularly vulnerable to state and non-state actor aggression, including arbitrary detention, physical assault and social ostracism.

GCHR continues to receive requests for urgent support from WHRDs in Syria, and aims to provide protection and support despite the limited resources available.

In the aftermath of the Assad government’s fall, Syrian women in exile have played a vital – yet often under-recognised – role in supporting their counterparts inside the country. Despite the takhween (accusations of betrayal) campaigns, and attempts to sow division and sometimes discredit voices from the diaspora. 

WHRDs have continued to act as bridges rather than barriers, advocating for a unified social fabric across the country. Their work has been instrumental in amplifying local struggles, particularly around conflict-related GBV, and in offering both solidarity and practical support to grassroots efforts inside Syria. From creating platforms for justice to contributing to transitional processes, women in exile brought valuable insights into the intersecting challenges women face during war – be it displacement, sexual violence, or exclusion from decision-making. Their transnational activism not only helped to localise and unify the strive for gender equality in light of Syria’s complex socio-political terrain but also conclusively emphasise the urgency of inclusive approaches to peace and justice that reflect the realities of all Syrian women, regardless of where they are and where they were.

Some legal reforms are reportedly underway to improve the status of women’s rights in the country; however, these efforts remain vague and limited in scope. Despite these uncertainties and structural challenges, Syrian women persist in asserting their rights and actively shaping their roles in society, demonstrating resilience and determination in the pursuit of equality and meaningful representation during the nation’s ongoing transformation.

4. Political Developments and Women’s Rights

The report “Syrian Women’s Readings of the Present, Future, and Associated Concepts” by Women Now for Development presents a comprehensive analysis of Syrian women’s perspectives on identity, gender roles, violence, peace, and justice amid conflict and displacement. Despite limited avenues for expression, the study captures women’s aspirations for a peaceful and equitable Syria, emphasising the need to amplify their voices in shaping the nation’s future. It underscores the importance of integrating women’s experiences and insights into discussions about Syria’s reconstruction and governance, advocating for their active participation in building a just society.

However, despite the aspiration to have women present in shaping the new future of Syria under the new era, the interim Syrian government appointed Aisha Al-Dibs as head of the Women’s Affairs Office, the only woman in the new government – which seemed to disappoint women rights defenders and equality rights advocates. Al-Dibs’ views came to add more disappointment as her controversial statements and support for governance based solely on Islamic law have raised concerns regarding women’s rights under the new administration. On the other hand, Masyaa Sabreen was appointed as the first woman governor of Syria’s Central Bank. While meetings with women’s groups have been conducted, critics argue these are symbolic rather than substantive, with little commitment to policy changes that protect women. Overall, women’s representation remains limited.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) underscores the critical importance of integrating women into Syria’s transitional justice process. Women have endured systemic violations – including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and sexual violence – particularly at the hands of the former Syrian government, which is responsible for over 83% of such cases involving women. Despite these challenges, Syrian women have been pivotal in the uprising and in advocating for human rights, peace, and accountability. 

GCHR confirms that transitional justice mechanisms must be gender-sensitive, ensuring women’s active participation in truth-seeking, legal reform, and reparations. This approach is essential not only for addressing past abuses but also for building a more equitable and inclusive post-conflict Syria.

5. Conclusion and Recommendations

The crisis in Syria remains far from concluded despite the fall of the Assad government, which has committed brutal practices. In the wake of this political shift, women continue to endure immense challenges, particularly in the conflict-ravaged coastal regions where violence and instability persist. Disruptions to healthcare, social support systems, and legal protections have disproportionately affected women, exacerbating vulnerabilities and limiting their access to essential services. Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) face targeted threats, forcing many into hiding or exile, yet their resilience remains unwavering. Amid this tumult, Syrian women have demonstrated exceptional courage, advocating for rights, justice, and inclusion in the nation’s reconstruction.

The evolving political landscape under new leadership presents both opportunities and uncertainties. While symbolic appointments have been made, genuine inclusion of women in decision-making processes remains limited. True gender equality in Syria’s rebuilding phase will require more than symbolic gestures; it demands structural changes that prioritise women’s rights and safety.

The international community’s role is critical. Despite pledges of support, tangible actions remain scarce, leaving Syrian women and WHRDs to shoulder the burden largely unsupported. A decisive shift towards effective humanitarian intervention, robust monitoring, and gender-sensitive justice mechanisms is essential to break the cycle of violence and marginalisation that has plagued Syrian women for decades.

The path forward for Syria requires a committed, gender-sensitive approach that not only acknowledges the struggles of its women but actively empowers them as agents of peace and reconstruction. By addressing these critical areas, the international community can support Syrian women in their quest for justice, equality, and sustainable peace.

Recommendations

1. Enhanced Humanitarian Aid and Protection for Women:

*Restore and expand access to sexual and reproductive health services, psychosocial support, and legal aid for women in conflict zones, particularly in Latakia, Tartus, Hama and Homs, with the support of urgent international intervention.

*Establish secure and well-monitored safe spaces for women and girls that provide sanctuary, legal assistance, and support services.

2. Support for Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs):

*Increase protection mechanisms for WHRDs facing persecution, including emergency relocation programs and legal protection frameworks.

*Enhance support for exiled WHRDs to continue their advocacy and support for women inside Syria.

3. Gender-Sensitive Transitional Justice:

*Ensure women’s inclusion in Syria’s transitional justice mechanisms, emphasising their roles in truth-seeking, legal reform, and peace negotiations.

*Incorporate a gender-sensitive approach in legal reforms to address gender-based violence and secure women’s rights during reconstruction.

4. Political Inclusion and Representation:

*Advocate for greater representation of women in the transitional government and decision-making processes, moving beyond symbolic roles to substantive participation.

*Welcome international monitoring to ensure gender parity in political appointments and policy-making.

5. Accountability and Monitoring:

*Implement international monitoring systems to track human rights violations against women, ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.

*Strengthen cooperation with global human rights organisations to document and address abuses against Syrian women.

6. Empowerment through Education and Economic Opportunities:

*Expand educational programs targeting women and girls, with a focus on literacy, vocational training, and leadership skills.

*Support women’s access to economic opportunities, including microfinance and entrepreneurship initiatives to foster independence and resilience.

7. Community Engagement and Awareness:

*Foster local community initiatives that challenge gender-based violence and promote women’s rights.

*Encourage male allyship in the fight against gender-based violence and the promotion of women’s rights and inclusion.

8. Long-term Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion:

*Invest in long-term local peacebuilding efforts that prioritise women’s roles in reconciliation and community rebuilding.

*Promote interfaith and cross-community dialogues to bridge divides and foster collective healing.

Cited Resources

1. Human Rights Watch: Syria – End Coastal Killing Spree, Protect Civilians
2. The Guardian:  ‘Woman, life, freedom’: the Syrian feminists who forged a new world in a land of war
3. UNFPA: Flash Update on Coastal Area Violence in Syria – March 2025
4. ReliefWeb: Syria Protection Sector – Flash Update Coastal Areas
5. Women Now for Development: https://women-now.org/syrian-womens-readings-of-the-present-future-and-associated-concepts
6. Syrian Institute for Human Rights: Urgent Appeal from Human Rights Activists
7. Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR): SNHR’s Vision for Transitional Justice in Syria
8. ifa – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen: New Chapter for Syria’s Women,
9. The International Rescue Committee reports, Are We Listening? Acting on our Commitments to Women and Girls Affected by the Syrian Conflict 
10. Arab Reform Initiative: Rita (Pseudonym), Women’s Rights Activist