In recent days, I have had the privilege of engaging with many Syrian women across Syria and those who were forced into exile. These women are members of networks who have advocated on behalf of Syrian women for decades and throughout the nearly fourteen years of conflict and include members of the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board (WAB) and many women associated with Civil Society Support Room (CSSR). 

My recent conversations have highlighted the profound challenges and complexities of this period. Many have shared conflicting emotions of hope and fear amidst an uncertain environment. These women seek protection from retribution and harm. They seek assurances that their public and private roles and status will be respected, solidified, and built upon by Syria’s negotiating parties throughout transition and beyond. They seek assurances that the political process, and its outcomes, will secure their rights. Because the reality remains that in recent years, many Syrian women also reported significant backlash to their roles in society. 

As this office continues with its responsibilities, it will continue to utlilise the capacities of these Syrian women, whilst advocating on behalf of the needs of women and girls as a comprehensive political solution is sought. 

These women have also spoken of the Syria they wish to build; one whose unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence is guaranteed. They hope for a pluralistic society where the components of Syria interact with harmony and a commitment to protect one another. They seek the rule of law, institutions operating in line with international law, and freedom of thought, expression, and action. They are committed to building this Syria they have so long hoped to see.

And to those women who lost so much these past fourteen years, I wish to salute your courage and endurance, and I honour you with the commitment to continue working on your behalf.