Damascus, March 16, 2025
Sectarian violence in Syria has escalated in recent months, raising fears about the future of women’s rights under the leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa. The conflict, which has already resulted in over 800 deaths, has sparked concerns that the government’s promises of inclusion and progressivism may not extend to women’s freedoms.
Al-Sharaa, who assumed power last year, initially pledged to create a more inclusive Syria. However, critics argue that his administration has minimal female representation and continues to uphold conservative views on women’s roles in society.
While Syria’s prolonged civil war led to an increase in women joining the workforce out of necessity, activists fear that progress may be reversed. Many Syrian women, especially those in conflict-ridden areas, face severe restrictions on their movement, employment opportunities, and access to justice.
One activist in Damascus stated: “We were hopeful for a new era, but women are still excluded from decision-making, and gender-based violence remains rampant. We need real policy changes, not just empty promises.”
The ongoing violence has further worsened the situation, with reports of forced marriages, abductions, and restrictions on women’s education surfacing from war-torn regions. International organizations have called on the Syrian government to prioritize gender equality and protect women’s rights amidst the ongoing crisis.
As the situation unfolds, the global community watches closely to see if Syria’s leadership will take meaningful steps toward fulfilling its promises or allow gender inequality to deepen in the war-torn nation.