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.

As Syria moves into a new phase after years of devastating war—marked by severe economic damage and profound social impact—it becomes essential to assess the current reality and the challenges that lie ahead for reconstruction. Rebuilding the state’s core institutions is critical, as they are the engines of progress, stability, and social cohesion, and the foundation for preventing a return to conflict.

This paper is based on the analysis of twelve focused discussion sessions organized by the Syrian Women’s Political Movement and held online. The sessions brought together 120 Syrian women from across the country, representing a wide range of cultural, religious, sectarian, and regional backgrounds, as well as different political perspectives. Participants varied in age, marital status, displacement experience, and other social circumstances, and included both civil society workers and beneficiaries. The women were divided into small discussion groups, each with ten participants. The focus group discussions covered the following areas: Damascus, As-Suwayda, Daraa, Homs, Aleppo, Masyaf, Latakia, Idlib, Atmeh Camp, Afrin, Deir ez-Zor, and Raqqa.

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

Researcher: Hawazen Khaddaj

Disclaimer: This paper was prepared prior to the lifting of sanctions on Syria.

To read the paper, please click here