Syrian Women's Network

Syrian Women’s Network includes individuals and independent non-governmental democratic organisations working on issues of gender equality, consolidation of democracy, human rights, civil peace and transitional justice; and women’s participation in decision-making in future Syria. It aims to form a powerful force in the process of democratic transition towards a free civil unified sovereign Syria, a state of equal citizenship without any discrimination.

The Network, founded in May 2013, aims to change the Syrian Constitution to include laws guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

Since the start of Syrian revolution, human rights situation has relentlessly deteriorated. In September 2011, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria – mandated by the UN Human Rights Council– echoed the warnings of human rights organisations and reported grave violations committed by Syrian government forces and other parties involved in the conflict. In July 2012, the situation has worsened to be considered as an internal armed conflict, under international humanitarian law, according to ICRC.

SWN believes that when Syria goes though the transitional phase, there will be an opportunity to change the legislations to ensure full equality for women in civil, political, economic and social rights. The Network is fully committed to advocate women’s equal participation in peace building, security and future governance. A main objective is to ensure women’s participation during transitional phase in all bodies including the drafting committee of the constitution.

Nowadays, the majority of women are victims of the conflict; either used as a weapon of war or became the adversely affected groups. Therefore, SWN and other Syrian groups have started an initiative with the supported of UN women office. It demands;

• immediate cease of all forms of violence

• release of all victims of arbitrary detention; especially women and children

• respect of international laws related to the protection of women and girls, and UN resolution 1325

• taking special measurements to protect women and girls from Gender Based Violence (GBV).

The Network is lobbing for gender equality and women’s rights as part of international women democratic movement. It addresses the culture of marginalization, exclusion, oppression and social injustice against women.

Our mission cannot be achieved without the support of other international organizations that can highlight Syrian women’s issues and contribute to change the stereotypical images of Syrian women. Therefore, SWN is heading to Nordiskt Forum to get closer in engagement with other women’s movement from around the world, in order to make the voice of Syrian women loudly heard.

http://swnsyria.org/