How do women experience various types of violence in society?

How do women experience various types of violence in society?

Bura’a Al-Hourani – Tafas

Amidst the ongoing Syrian crisis, women in Syria face immense and tragic challenges related to violence. Violence against women in Syria is not just about statistics and numbers; it is a humanitarian issue that calls for continuous awareness and action to address it and work towards effective solutions.

The violence against women in Syria takes various forms, ranging from physical and sexual violence to psychological and economic abuse. Women in Syria undergo difficult and tragic experiences that leave deep impacts on their lives and rights. This unjustifiable violence is a blatant violation of basic human rights and human dignity.

A brief overview of the challenges facing women, acting as formidable obstacles and barriers to their rights:

1. **Violence and Physical/Sexual Assaults:** Women in Syria face daily risks of physical and sexual violence, whether by armed forces, militias, or extremist groups. This results in severe injuries and psychological and physical destruction.

2. **Healthcare Services Shortage:** The Syrian crisis has significantly affected the healthcare infrastructure in the country, particularly impacting women who require special healthcare during pregnancy, childbirth, and for treating violence-related injuries.

3. **Displacement Challenges:** The millions of displaced Syrian women face significant challenges in obtaining housing, food, drink, medical care, and education.

4. **Economic Challenges:** Women encounter difficulties in finding employment opportunities and financial stability due to the challenging economic conditions and the deterioration of the economic infrastructure in the country.

5. **Educational Challenges:** The ongoing conflict in Syria has greatly affected the education system, and women face difficulties accessing quality education and sustainable learning opportunities.

6. **Legal and Cultural Challenges:** Women in Syria suffer from legal and cultural restrictions that impact their rights and freedoms, including family laws and gender discrimination.

These challenges reflect the reality of women in Syria and require continuous efforts from the international community and non-governmental organizations to provide support, assistance, and protection for women, as well as to promote their basic rights.

Women in Syria face numerous challenges, but there are many non-violent solutions that can contribute to improving the situation, such as promoting education for women and girls in Syria, providing educational courses and vocational training to enhance employment opportunities for women.

In addition to community awareness, there should be a focus on raising awareness about women’s rights and gender equality. Awareness campaigns and workshops can be organized to increase awareness and change stereotypical perceptions of women.

Economic empowerment can support small projects and economic empowerment for women in Syria by providing financing and technical support. Cooperative women’s workshops can also be established to provide sustainable employment opportunities.

Ensuring women’s protection from violence and sexual exploitation, early marriage, and enabling women to participate in decision-making at local and national levels are crucial. Empowering women in political, economic, and social aspects can be enhanced.

These are some non-violent solutions that can help improve the situation of women in Syria. It is important to implement them in collaboration with the local community, non-governmental organizations, and other relevant entities.

It is imperative to work hard to confront the challenges facing women in Syria, achieve gender equality, and social justice. Promoting women’s rights and empowerment enhances stability and sustainable development in society. Through adopting non-violent solutions and focusing on education, awareness, economic empowerment, and women’s protection, we can achieve positive and sustainable change in the lives of Syrian women. Let us work together to build a society that recognizes women’s rights and ensures equality and justice.