SOHR exclusive | “Women’s rights in Syria have reached catastrophic levels amid blatant violations inside and outside the country,” says the Syrian feminist Rima Flayhan
With the scourge of Syria’s protracted war and endless oppression, Syrian women face unpleasant present and uncertain future, as many have become the breadwinners of large families, after having lost husbands, fathers and brothers, while many others have endured unbearable torture in prisons. Syrian women are looking forward to obtaining UN support and international stances advocating their cause and bring to an end oppression against women, marginalisation and torture.
In an exclusive interview with SOHR, the Syrian writer and feminist, Rima Flayhan sees that women in Syria are suffering from inequality and struggling with obsolete traditions in a male-dominated society undervaluing the role of women.
Q: In light of the ongoing conflict, how can Syrian women achieve a successful political participation?
A: We, women, have to continue our struggle until we obtain our rights stipulated in international human rights charters. We have to continue raising the Syrians’ awareness of these rights through participating in the various public activities, opposing all forms of violence and exerting pressure on all political players to give a chance for a larger participation of women in the political process, so that Syrian women’s rights can be guaranteed by laws and in the next constitution.
Q: Syrian women have been tortured by beating and electrocution and subjected to rape on a daily basis, after having been held in mixed cells. Moreover, many of the female detainees have been imprisoned for long periods of time without legal grounds or trials. How can feminist movements and association contribute to enabling Syrian women to enjoy freedom and putting an end to oppression against them?
A: First, it is important to document all violations committed against women, including torture practiced by guards in security branches and detention centres, then reports are delivered to UN authorities entrusted with documenting and monitoring war crimes in Syria. It is also important to disclose such crimes on media, along with respecting the privacy of the female survivors, and to oppose the pejorative attitude towards raped women by the society which unjustifiably assigns the responsibility for “violating morals and values” to these women: the victims. We call for supporting these women psychologically and socially by relevant organisations and experts.
Q: As an active feminist movement, do you think of calling for referring all perpetrators who harmed and humiliated Syrian women during and after the war to international courts?
A: We do not have a legal ground to try or bring suit against these perpetrators. However, we communicate with UN active authorities and take part in advocating the Syrian women’s cause, to the best of our capability, to bring justice to the victims.
Q: Gender inequality is noticeable in Syria, and women have not been allowed to be real partners in peace processes. Is the participation of women in negotiating delegations just an attempt to satisfy the international community?
A: Syria suffers from masculinity and patriarchal ideology based on obsolete traditions and “discriminating” laws undervaluing and underestimating women. However, feminist movements are exerting pressure on the negotiating delegations and international community, seeking to reach a quota of 30 percent of women’s participation in the political process. Even if we are unsatisfied with the current political path, we still believe in the importance of the political settlement which is based on international resolutions. We will continue our struggle and pressure until we reach our goal and until Syrian women can have a strong participation to obtain peace and defend their rights.
Q: Are masculinity and patriarchal ideology still impeding women’s activities and efforts?
A: Yes, of course. Such ideology is a major reason behind marginalising women, and it opposes all efforts and campaigns by feminist movements to raise awareness of women’s rights.
Q: How can you describe the situation of women today in light of the current social and economic conditions?
A: Women’s rights in Syria have reached catastrophic levels, as Syrian women are subjected to blatant violations wherever they are. No laws preserving or protecting the rights of women who live in the country in light of the ongoing war, proliferation of arms, security vacuum, increasing violence, rape, torture, kidnaps and exploitation of women. On the other hand, the dreadful living conditions have hit hard Syrian women in Syria and their countries of refuge, and particularly in refugee camps. Not to mention the challenges placed by discriminating laws and social and economic malaise which negatively affected so many Syrian women, especially those who have become the breadwinners of their families. While all international players have failed so far to reach a political settlement meeting the Syrian people’s aspiration to obtain peace and enjoy democracy, equality and freedom.