Standing in Solidarity: Feminist Leaders Driving Change in Syria
We are witnessing a monumental shift in Syria’s history. The Assad regime — synonymous with unspeakable horrors and injustice — has fallen. Today is a day of hope—a day when Syrians reclaim their voices and their power.
This transformative moment demands global solidarity. We call on the international community not to speak on behalf of Syrians, but to stand alongside feminist leaders leading revolutions and calling for justice, freedom, and dignity.
“The hope we feel today feels something like those first weeks when we took to the streets and dared to call for freedom and dignity. We believed the world would join us to protect humanity and champion the values they claimed to hold dear.”
– Global Fund for Women grantee partner (Name has been withheld for safety and privacy)
Our partners are urgently calling for action to address critical needs, including protection for women and girls, reintegration support for survivors and those newly released from prison, the preservation of crucial evidence, and the search for those still missing. They highlight the importance of long-term funding to rebuild Syria’s civil society and infrastructure, respond to ongoing humanitarian needs, and support displaced Syrians returning home.
Feminist leaders on the frontlines stress the need for awareness campaigns and protection programs to combat societal and gender-based violence, comprehensive psychological and social support for women affected by detention or forced displacement, and access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and clean water. They call on the international community to support dialogue between factions, prevent further conflict, and ensure women's active participation in peace-building, conflict resolution, and decision-making processes.
We honor the voices of Syrians who have lived through years of torture, starvation, bombings, and detention. “If you were besieged under a sky of hell, what would you want the world to do?” said a woman in Ghouta to the Syrian Female Journalists Network – Global Fund for Women’s grantee partner – during one of the many bombings from the Assad regime, as they work to lift up the voices of women and girls throughout the conflict.
"Destroyed infrastructure, lack of basic living conditions, and ongoing political uncertainty make daily life for women and girls a monumental challenge. Families are living under dire circumstances and many women have suffered from detention or forced displacement. They need comprehensive psychological and social support. It is crucial to include women in decision-making during this transitional phase to shape Syria's future and secure their rights."
– Global Fund for Women grantee partner (Name has been withheld for safety and privacy)
"With the fall of the regime, a long-awaited glimmer of hope shines over Syria, a moment of joy amidst years of despair. Yet, the suffering of Syrians persists—women, children, and families continue to face immense challenges, from ongoing humanitarian crises to the anguish of searching for detained loved ones. This moment calls for renewed international solidarity: to rebuild lives, support returnees, and ensure justice and accountability for war crimes. Together, we can turn this joy into a foundation for lasting peace and dignity for all Syrians."
– Women Now for Development
Global Fund for Women will continue to stand with our partners in Syria who are leading these efforts for years. And there is much to rebuild after decades of loss and trauma. Over 12 million Syrians have been forcibly displaced, and today, thousands are beginning their journey home. We think of the many activists, medics, women’s rights defenders, journalists, and everyday heroes who made this moment possible—those who sacrificed their lives for this vision of a free Syria. We also acknowledge the vibrant Syrian civil society in refuge around the world, who have kept the demands of the revolution alive: survivor groups, family associations, artists, lawyers, and advocates who continue to demand justice for war crimes and protection for civilians.
We echo the words of our grantee, The Syria Campaign, who states: “It is time for Syrians to lead a peaceful Syria. Free and democratic, vibrant and diverse.”
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Across the world, feminist movements are fighting with creativity, resilience, and determination. We are all in this fight together.
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