Damascus – On September 23, the Syrian Women’s Council organized a dialogue symposium in the Syrian capital, Damascus, titled 'Transitional Justice in the Syrian Context.' Activists, human rights defenders, and representatives of civil society organizations attended the symposium. The symposium was held under two main themes. The first theme focused on the culture that addresses the concept of transitional justice and its importance in moving toward a more stable future through mechanisms such as truth, accountability, reparations, and institutional reform. The second theme addressed the role of women in transitional justice, emphasizing their significant contributions to documenting violations, bringing victims’ cases to attention, and contributing to the reconstruction of social peace, while focusing on the challenges women face in participating in the process.

'Our Work Will Not Be Limited to Damascus'

During the breaks between the symposium sessions, we handed the microphone to women. Aisha Hasso, Director of Public Relations at the Syrian Women’s Council in Damascus, said, 'A dialogue seminar was organized with the participation of an elite group consisting of civil society organizations, political movements, human rights, civil society, and social activists,' and continued her remarks as follows:

'When we talk about transitional justice, we are addressing one of the most important current issues, and its implementation mechanism is a complex matter in itself. Therefore, as the Syrian Women’s Council, we believe it is necessary to work on this issue, taking into account the reflections we have witnessed, especially the systematic exclusion and marginalization of women and the escalation of hate speech that has reached its peak. Our work will not be limited to Damascus alone; we aim to expand and carry out this work in various geographical regions of Syria as well.'"

'We Must Engage in Dialogue to Build a Better Future'

Highlighting the richness of the views presented at the symposium, Aisha Hasso said, "Numerous suggestions were put forward among civil society components and women activists on how to collaborate to activate the mechanisms of transitional justice, which form the cornerstone of the next phase. We must work to disseminate this culture and rebuild social foundations from the perspective of women's rights."

Aisha Hasso expressed that they wanted to advance their work a step further through the symposium, stating, "Years have passed since the Syrian crisis, and Syrian citizens have paid a heavy price. Emphasis was placed on belonging, citizenship, and tolerance within the framework of transitional justice. These are issues that require continuous discussion in order to keep pace with this phase and achieve our goals. After decades of legislative and executive oppression, as Syrians, we must engage in dialogue to overcome this oppression and build a better future together."

Reconstruction is Achieved by Activating Women’s Role in Every Field

Trade unionist Lisa Assi said, "In fact, transitional justice must be ensured to instill a sense of security in citizens’ hearts. This can only be achieved through laws that guarantee the right to citizenship for everyone. When equal citizenship is provided, people feel safe, participate in the building of the state, and contribute to healing the wounds. The economy also develops thanks to this sense of security."

Emphasizing that such work requires great effort, Lisa Assi continued: "This work requires a great effort, especially since today women make up at least 65% of society in Syria. Therefore, this power must be invested in and not excluded. I believe the 20% quota allocated to women in the People’s Assembly is a great injustice to women and represents an enormous stagnation of energy. This power, especially considering that women are the ones who have suffered the most under both previous and current regimes, should be brought forward in the reconstruction process."

Speaking about the continued injustice faced by women in Syria, Lisa Assi said, "Syrian women have the right to claim their rights because they have been subjected to oppression, persecution, and even genocide. The role of women is active and should be used in the right place. It is not enough to say that we have given women 10% or 20% representation. This is not a gift; on the contrary, it is a reduction. The real power of women must be fully invested in."

"The Symposium Concluded with Recommendations"

At the end of the symposium, participants put forward a series of recommendations, including promoting the culture of transitional justice in Syrian society through awareness campaigns and open dialogues; ensuring that women are empowered more effectively in state institutions and civil society beyond the official quotas (10% or 20%); and combating hate speech and exclusion, which remain one of the most significant obstacles to the construction of civil peace.