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, WO=MEN, 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.
Here is the Vimeo folder of the recordings and audio interpretation in both Arabic and English translations. Password for all assets in the folder: Syria
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 a community advocate with extensive experience in project coordination, education, and psychosocial support. As chairwoman of the Jasmine Association, she oversees impactful initiatives like “Grass of Hope” and “Jasmine Oven,” empowering civil society and supporting displaced communities. With a Sociology degree from Euphrates University, Jihan has facilitated UNICEF and other local international and local-sponsored art exhibitions, awareness campaigns, and educational programs.
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.
Read with the Report from the first session here.
Key topics:
- Key challenges from the earthquake two years ago
- Recovery efforts internationally
- Recent regime change’s impact on humanitarian efforts
Dr. Khuloud Barakeh, Diana Al-Ali, and Kafa Al Bashir will share their personal experiences, and insights into the needs and expectations of local and international stakeholders. This is a critical opportunity to understand how the recent political developments are shaping humanitarian responses and what can be done to support those in need.
Diana Al-Ali, Director of Souriana Organization, is a community activist and director of the Souriana Organization. Since founding the organization, she has dedicated her efforts to advocating women empowerment whether economically, politically or socially, ensuring they play a vital and influential role in society. Founded in 2018 by a group of activist women, Souriana focuses on humanitarian efforts, peacebuilding, and early recovery, with a special focus on women’s empowerment. Key projects included economic empowerment initiatives, a campaign to assist earthquake-affected communities, and a literacy program for women and girls.
Khuloud Barakeh: Founder, Director of Impact Zone, is a Syrian researcher and academic specializing in education and women’s empowerment, she holds a PhD in Education from the University of Damascus where she later served as an Associate Professor. She has extensive experience in women’s advocacy, co-founding the “Syrian Women for Democracy” coalition and the “Syrian Women for Peace and Democracy” initiative, actively engaging in UN negotiations. Her research focuses on gender-based violence, constitutional gender perspectives, and CEDAW. She also leads Impact Zone, a training and consulting firm, and is a certified trainer in T.O.T. and teacher training.
Kafa Al Bashir is a humanitarian activist and development specialist with expertise in human resources, project management, and monitoring and evaluation. She has led peacebuilding and community initiatives in conflict-affected areas, focusing on women’s empowerment, justice for missing persons, and sustainable development. As Director of the “Permanent Peace for Development” Organization, she oversees projects that improve living conditions and strengthen local communities, with a special emphasis on supporting women in education, health, and economic development.
Read with the Report from the second session here.
Key topics:
- Human Rights in Syria
- Activist and Lawyer Perspectives
- Syrians are demanding equal rights and advocating for increased representation and fair policies.
Our speakers Hanan Zahr El-Din, Walaa Al-Akel, Muna Abdul-Salam will assess the current landscape of human rights work, evaluate the challenges and needs, and discuss the role of civil society and international organizations in shaping the future of human rights in Syria.
Hanan Zahr El-Din is a lawyer and human rights activist specializing in international law and human rights, with extensive experience in advocating for women’s rights and reforming discriminatory laws. She has contributed to shadow reports for the CEDAW Committee and helped draft constitutional principles with a gender perspective. She has held leadership roles in several human rights organizations, including the Syrian Women’s Network and “Together for Women’s Issues.” With a background in media, she has written articles on women’s issues and participated in training programs on constitution-building, negotiation, transitional justice, and international humanitarian law. Since 2011, she has been actively engaged in human rights and political activism, striving for justice and democracy in Syria.
Walaa Al-Akel is a human rights advocate with extensive experience in transitional justice, psychosocial support, and human rights documentation. She has worked with various organizations facilitating justice sessions, supporting survivors, and documenting violations. She is a founding member of the Survivors’ Network and plays a dynamic role in civil society leadership. With a diploma in Administrative and Financial Sciences from Damascus University and ongoing studies in engineering, she has completed multiple training programs in psychosocial support, strategic planning, and crisis response. Walaa remains committed to justice, survivor support, and strengthening civil society in Syria.
Muna Abdul-Salam is feminist activist and educator dedicated to women’s empowerment and gender justice. She is the founder and director of Rose Organization for Support and Empowerment and a founding member of Sara Organization for Combating Violence Against Women, where she served as Executive Director and led the legal committee supporting survivors of abuse. Muna has played a key role in organizing and leading initiatives on gender-based violence, child marriage, women’s political participation, and youth life skills. Through her advocacy and leadership, she continues to champion women’s rights and social justice
Read with the Report from the third session here.
Key topics:
- The evolving role of youth in Syria’s political transition
- The challenges they face on the ground
- What it takes to create space for meaningful youth participation in shaping peace and democracy
In this robust discussion, our speakers will share their personal reflections on their journeys, bold ideas for a post-conflict Syria, and a vision for a more inclusive, just, and democratic future. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear directly from the voices of Syria’s next generation of leaders.
Yara Haj Ersan is committed to advancing democratic values and civic engagement in Syria. With hands-on experience in the humanitarian and development sectors, she contributes to youth empowerment and democratic resilience. As a participant in a CCSD’s program to strengthen youth-led civil society organizations for sustainable peace, Yara continues to be at the forefront of efforts to create lasting, community-driven change. She facilitated community dialogues, led awareness and advocacy sessions, conducted key informant interviews and focus groups with displaced populations, and coordinated activities that promoted accountability and participation. With a background in Computer Systems Engineering, she blends technical expertise with grassroots activism to foster inclusive spaces where young people can shape their future and drive positive change.
Jawaher Yassin has a background in chemistry and a deep commitment to social change. Jawaher is a Syrian civic activist with extensive experience in youth and women’s empowerment, community development, and cultural dialogue. She founded Khayzaran Cultural Forum, which promotes social awareness through cultural dialogue. As a member of the youth cohort at the Center for Civil Society and Democracy (CCSD), she has actively participated in youth forums and peacebuilding workshops. Her work extends to several respected organizations, including where she has led advocacy, project management, and conflict resolution training. Through every role, she remains committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people—especially women—can lead, collaborate, and drive transformative change in their communities.