On 04 September 2023, peaceful protests in Syria entered their second week, with no signs of abating. The protests in the southwestern city of Sweida are emerging during a remarkable wave of anti-government protests that has taken on a unique character as women step to the forefront of the dissent in an area that remained under the Syrian government’s control since the 2011 uprisings. Women in Sweida are now playing a central role in voicing their grievances against the government.
These protests prominently feature women from various backgrounds and age groups uniting not only to challenge traditional gender roles but also to underscore the severity of the difficulties faced by Syrians in Sweida. They are demanding an end to authoritarianism, and calling for political reform, improved living conditions, and greater rights for all citizens without any exception or discrimination. Above all, they seek also the release of political prisoners and full transparency about the fate of the 112,713 people arrested in Syria since March 2011 who are still forcibly disappeared, including 3,105 children and 6,698 women. Chanting “long live Syria, and down with authoritarianism” demonstrations have grown steadily throughout Syria’s south which was rare in government-controlled areas, and inspired other parts of the country to take to the streets in solidarity.
As an inception point in Sweida, protesters have shut down the ruling Baath party headquarters and burned government posters and the president’s portraits. The marches have continued, with some protesters calling for a general strike with a determination to end authoritarianism.
The international media are focusing on the poor living conditions and the deteriorating economic situation as the fuel for the latest protests, however, the local voices are reiterating the people’s hunger “for dignity, not food”. The protests are a sign that the Syrian people are still determined to bring about change, even after years of war and oppression.
While Syrian officials always blamed the country’s failed economy on the international sanctions, in reality, the ruling authorities have exhausted all resources of the country, in a protracted conflict inflicting suffering on their own people. The Syrian people, who constantly suffer from all forms of violations and live in a state of almost complete collapse, are still willing to stand up and protest, and therefore deserve the international community’s response, solidarity and support for their demands.
The protests are the most significant challenge to the ruling authorities since the early days of the Syrian uprisings in 2011 and come at a time when the government is attempting to maintain a public facade by normalising relationships with other Arab states and regain its place and status in the Arab league.
“Headed by a self-proclaimed president for life, the ruling authorities oppressive actions reveal an egregious pattern of human rights abuses that have left an indelible stain on the global conscience and affected the Syrian people forever,” said Weaam Youssef, the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR)’s WHRDs Programme Manager.
As the women-led anti-government protests in Sweida continue to evolve, their impact reverberates beyond the city’s borders. Youssef concluded, “Their determination serves as a testament to the power of grassroots movements and the unwavering spirit of those who seek a brighter future. The world watches as the women of Sweida challenge the status quo, reminding us of the potent force for change that can emerge from the most unexpected places at unexpected times.”
