The Situation of Women in NES

2020-11-24
The issue of women is considered one of the most problematic and important issues, particularly in societies that witness complex contexts like the Syrian society. In addition to inconsistent religious, tribal and secular organizations that consists the deep structure from which the prevailing visions and orientations on women's beings and systems of their rights and freedoms on which most of the behaviors of women are built in the process of their lives. Despite the differences in these systems, as well as the different components that make up the Syrian society fabric, and the different cultural heritage, customs and traditions, they share the same view of women, albeit to varying degrees, as a feeble being, subordinate to men and under their care and guardianship.

At the same time, Syrian laws and legislations were not immune to this view, but rather perpetuated the traditional culture and discriminatory vision against women, which was particularly evident in both the Personal Status Law and the Penal Code. Despite the access of women to senior leadership positions, receiving ministerial portfolios and being elected to the People's Assembly, their participation remained sham and did not reflect their identity and aspirations, and did not give them the ability to participate in real decision-making.

In addition, the media institutions and educational curricula did not include the issue of women in their agendas and programs, to raise societal awareness and change the concepts and stereotypes that prevented their independence and effectiveness in various aspects of life, but rather contributed in many cases to the consolidation of negative concepts and behaviors related to them.

These concepts declined after women were involved in the public sphere and participated in the popular protests in 2011, and the dialogues and conferences that dealt with the feminist reality in Syria increased, based on civic principles and international charters and covenants on human rights. However, they were unable to comprehensively, embody the visions and aspirations practically on the ground. It also, remained confined to the theoretical framework, which in many cases was merely a formal facade of openness and civility in front of Western society and international organizations, in light of calls and pressures to advance the status of women and increase their participation in public life, at all levels.

Table of Contents:
Introduction:
The Social Reality:
The Political Reality:
Women in Charter of Social Contract:
Women’s Institutions and Organizations in NES:
- Women's Council:
- The Star Congress (Kongra Star)
- Women's Committee in NES:
Conclusions and Recommendations:
References:

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