Voices for Change: Syrian Perspectives for An Inclusive Transition Towards Democracy
MBBI has been a partner of the Center for Civil Society and Democracy (CCSD), supporting women in Syria with training, and negotiation support which started in 2013. At MBBI, we begin with creating spaces and platforms for the voices of those at the heart of the conflict, the proximate peacebuilders.
December 20, 2024, demonstration at Umayyad Square in Damascus
Since the beginning of the Syrian revolution (2011), Syrian women, youth and civil society have played a crucial role in the fight for peace and democracy by participating in demonstrations, delivering humanitarian aid, supporting the survival of local communities, supporting the education and health sectors, and fighting ISIS. Throughout the last 14 years, Syrian women have endured unspeakable disasters from the Syrian regime and other actors, such as sieges, bombings, detentions, loss of their loved ones, chemical weapons, lack of representation, displacement, gender-based violence, all while being deprived of their rights and freedom. As the Assad dictatorship ends, likewise, the injustices that Syrian women have been subjected to must end.
As the Assad dictatorship ends, this is a moment of fragility and of historic importance for the future of Syria and the region. New leadership is emerging to lay the groundwork for what is to come for Syrians and therefore it is a critical moment in which to center the voices of Syrians in the country and the diaspora. Too often policymakers base their decisions on the advice of “experts” and ignore the wisdom of those with lived experience and professional expertise, people who are at the heart of the violent conflict.
To address this need MBBI, CCSD, the Alliance for Peacebuilding, ICAN, Vitol Foundation, and the Rotary E-Club for World Peace invite you to join us for this first in a series of events focused on the transition in Syria. We invite your partnership and support in creating a series of public and private events, in person and online. We are forming a coalition of international organizations and thereby strengthening our collective impact.
The Center for Civil Society and Democracy has worked with thousands of Syrian women, and we have cultivated a resilient network of Syrian peacebuilders. We have listened to Syrians’ needs and reflected on their aspirations. We understand that including women must reflect Syria’s diverse and pluralistic society. We provide the following recommendations for all Syrian, regional, and international actors. We urge them to guarantee women’s rights and meaningful participation in peace and security processes as mandated by UNSCR 2254 with a minimum 30% quota for equality. While we work on the democratic transition in Syria, we call upon all Syrian actors to ensure transparency and accountability mechanisms at each step in the transition process and governance institutions. We call upon you to work with us to achieve a better future for Syria.
We are coming together to provide opportunities for the voices of Syrians; to create spaces for us to hear their needs, concerns and recommendations as we collaboratively support them and advocate for policies and resources within our respective governments as well as with other sectors such as service organizations.
Key topics:
- Impact of the violent conflict and authoritarian regime
- Immediate needs and concerns during transition
- Network members share their experiences, concerns and recommendations for the immediate future
- Identify intermediate and long-term needs
Join speakers Collette Bahna, Author, Jihan Al Saeid, CEO of Jasmine Association, and Suaad Aswad CEO of Change Makers as they share their insights on the future of Syria. This event will be facilitated by Rajaa Altalli, CCSD Co-Founder, and Prabha Sankaranarayan, MBBI President and CEO and will be translated in Arabic and English.
Colette Bahna is a Syrian writer, media personality, and human rights advocate with a diverse and accomplished career. She has authored six books in the field of literature and contributes as a freelance writer to various Arab and international media platforms, including Alhurra. In addition to her literary work, Colette has made a significant impact in the field of drama, having written numerous television series, films, and two theatrical plays. Renowned for her dedication to human rights, she has received several awards recognizing her achievements and contributions. Colette is also an active member of the coordination committee for the “Space for Cooperation” initiative.
Jihan Mahaood Al Saeid is the Executive Director of the Jasmine Association.
Suaad Aswad has extensive experience in advocating for women’s and children’s rights in northwest Syria. She previously served as the Director of the Women and Children’s Affairs Office within local councils, where she played a key role in addressing community needs. From 2019 to 2022, Suaad worked as the Executive Director for the “Hand in Hand We Build Tomorrow” project, which focused on raising awareness about the dangers of child marriage in the region. Currently, she is the Executive Director of the Change Makers Team, an organization dedicated to empowering women and championing their rights in northwest Syria