International Women's Day: Not only part of the conversation, but leading the way

After more than 50 years, the Assad regime collapsed in December 2024. As a result, the media was full of reports including on the hope of a new beginning. You have recently returned to your home country. What is the situation like for women?

Sana Mustafa: The fall of the Assad regime marked a monumental turning point for all Syrians, bringing an immense sense of relief. For women, the end of over five decades of repression under the regime has opened the door to greater opportunities for participation in rebuilding our communities. We cannot understand how Syrian women feel today without reflecting on their struggle and fights for their rights and lives during the 50 years of dictatorship.

Under the Assad regime, Syrian women faced systemic violations of their rights. The regime used gender-based violence as a tool to suppress and control the population, with women often bearing the brunt of these abuses. From sexual violence and forced disappearances to arbitrary arrests and torture, women’s bodies were weaponized by the state. Yet, despite the regime’s oppression and the ravages of war, Syrian women have been at the forefront of the struggle. Many women, in the absence of male family members due to death, imprisonment, or displacement, became the primary breadwinners and caretakers for their families. They turned into leaders within their communities, managing resources and keeping families intact under the most challenging conditions.

This is a crucial moment, both for women who have endured so much and for the entire country, to rebuild Syria in a way that is more inclusive, fair, and just. The journey ahead will not be easy, but it is one that offers the possibility of a better future—one in which women are not only survivors but active, equal participants.

The reconstruction of Syria will require the negotiation of a new social contract to obtain sustainable peace and democratic development for the country. How do you see women’s involvement taking shape?

Syrian women have already shown resilience and leadership through a variety of grassroots movements, political parties, and collectives that have fought for their rights and dignity in the past. These organizations, although often undermined or silenced by the previous regime, have been essential in advancing a vision of Syria that is more inclusive and just. Moving forward, these women-led groups and initiatives must be supported and expanded. They bring rich experiences and insights, as they have been on the front lines, both in conflict and in the struggle for social change. Their efforts will be instrumental in shaping the policies that will guide Syria’s future, ensuring that the needs of all citizens, especially marginalized women, are considered in the rebuilding process.

Ensuring women's meaningful participation in post-conflict Syria is essential for inclusive decision-making and sustainable peace, with women holding power across all sectors, not just "women's issues." This involvement must extend to critical areas like governance, economy, and justice for lasting, equitable development.

The inclusion of female refugee voices in policy solutions has been one of your major concerns. However, current discussions are focusing on deportations and border closures. Where do you see rays of hope to change these repressive developments?

As long as there are voices of resistance, particularly from women who continue to speak up and fight for their rights, I remain hopeful. The real strength lies in the resilience of the people who refuse to be silenced, even in the face of hostile policies and oppressive practices. It is when people stop speaking up that we should truly worry. Throughout history, we have seen that when communities stop resisting, the machinery of repression moves unchecked. But as long as people continue to resist, even in the smallest acts of defiance, it shows that there’s still a chance for change.

These forces have always existed in different forms, and sadly, they continue to resurface in moments of crisis or uncertainty. However, what gives me hope is that history also shows us that resistance movements grow in the most unexpected ways, especially when people organize and collaborate across borders, sectors, and communities.

This years’ International Women’s Day emphasizes the role of young women and girls as catalysts for lasting change. What visions does the young female generation in Syria have for the future?

Like many others around the world, it is filled with energy, creativity, and determination to shape a better future. Their visions for Syria’s future are deeply influenced by the hardships they have endured and the lessons learned during years of conflict and displacement. However, despite the challenges, they carry a strong desire to rebuild Syria with a focus on justice, equity, and peace. Their voices should not just be a part of the conversation - they should also be leading the way towards lasting change.