GUFRAN AL-HABIS

Aleppo- Since the start of the Syrian crisis 13 years ago, all ethnic and religious identities have faced many difficult living conditions. Mona Al-Ahmad, who has lived in Aleppo for more than half a century and witnessed many historical developments, has 10 grandchildren.

“We used to live a simple life. Despite all the difficult living conditions, we had a life in stability, people used to go to school and have access to health services,” she told us. “However, we, as women, have never enjoyed freedom. We were seen as weak.”

‘Women have achieved success in education’

Women face many restrictions and challenges at every stage of life, Mona Al-Ahmad emphasized. “Although education was available, women had limited opportunities. Some women have broken gender stereotypes, achieving significant success in both education and health sectors. Women and girls have overcome all the obstacles. This reflects the strong will of women in Aleppo to strive to achieve their goals despite all the challenges.”

‘The war has affected human relationships’

“The war has taken everything from us,” Mona Al-Ahmad stressed, talking about the effects of the war on society. “The war has separated families, killed, injured and displaced thousands. The war has also caused women to suffer more. It has affected human relationships, isolating people from each other.”

‘We work very hard to take part in the reconstruction’

Mona Al-Ahmad also commented on the fall of the Assad regime. “Since the fall of the regime, we have worked very hard to have a normal life. Today, we suffer from an economic crisis, families live in poverty with limited opportunities. As women, we work very hard to take part in the reconstruction of our country.”

‘Our efforts will build the future of Syria’

Women want to contribute to the building of a new Syria without oppression and conflicts, Mona Al-Ahmad said. “Because we know that our efforts will build the future of Syria.”

‘I hope all people will return to Syria’

Mona Al-Ahmad wants Aleppo to be safe with stability so that the new generation “will have better opportunities than us. Syria is a wonderful country and its people deserve to have a life with dignity. I hope all people, who went to different countries in search of a safe life, will return to Syria. I hope they will return and contribute to the building of the new Syria.”

All Mona Al-Ahmad wants is to “be a grandmother again. I want to spend my life with my grandchildren. I want to see them all together. I want to have a happy life with my grandchildren.”