16/12/2024

Carla Boulos, a researcher and women’s rights activist from Aleppo emphasizes that women have been fundamental to Syria’s survival during the war. She notes that while men were engaged in combat, women managed households, took on various jobs, and led civil society, effectively sustaining the country. However, she laments that Syrian society has not fully recognized this decisive role.

Boulos points to the significant increase in women entrepreneurs and those involved in agriculture since 2010 as evidence of women’s evolving roles amid the conflict. Regarding the recent rise to power of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, she expresses caution. She observes that the provisional (transitional) government lacks female representation and warns that governing such a diverse country requires inclusive leadership.

She asserts, “Without women, there can be no transition in Syria. They will be key to reconciliation and peace.” However, she stresses that women need opportunities they have previously been denied, extending beyond international concepts and organizations.

Read the full article here [in Spanish].