The Syrian Women’s Political Movement (SWPM) would like to thank all those who contributed to accomplishing this publication, individuals and entities, namely the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), and all SWPM members and staff who assisted with the national consultations.

This work would not have been possible without the Syrian women who participated in the consultations and who, despite the dire conditions, were committed to this work to ensure that the voices of Syrian women are heard.

This paper presents an in-depth feminist analysis of Syrian women’s visions for the requirements of building genuine and sustainable civil peace during Syria’s transitional phase. Based on a participatory methodology and an intersectional perspective, the participants’ testimonies reveal that peacebuilding is not merely a top-down political process. Rather, it is a social and legal pathway that begins with rebuilding trust, achieving comprehensive justice, and ensuring the effective participation of women in all sectors of the state and society.

The paper concludes with a set of concrete recommendations that constitute a clear roadmap for policymakers. At the forefront of these recommendations are restructuring the security sector and affirming the rule of law; launching a comprehensive and independent transitional justice process; and drafting a new constitution that guarantees equality and the civic nature of the state. Furthermore, they include ensuring women’s participation at a rate of no less than 30% in all decision-making bodies and providing direct support to grassroots women’s initiatives. The central message presented by Syrian women is that sustainable peace can only be achieved by building trust through the gateway of justice, and by ensuring that women are genuine partners in building the future of Syria.

SWPM National Consultations team members: Hiam Haj Ali, Kebria Alsaour, Khawla Dunia, Khozama Darwish, Lina Wafai, Rowaida Kanaan, Salma Al-Sayyad, Wejdan Nassif

Researcher: Doris Awwad