As part of the series of success stories of Syrian women in society that the Syrian Opposition Coalition’s (SOC) Office for Women are holding under the supervision of SOC’s Vice-president and Coordinator of the Office Ruba Habboush, a new symposium was organized to highlight success stories of women who are active in public affairs in various fields. The event aimed to highlight experiences by women telling their stories and what they faced. The Office hosted Vice-president of the Women’s Union Fattoum Razzouq, member of Youth for Change Group and field activist Mayada Ali, member of the Association of Displaced Palestinian-Syrians in Northwestern Syria.
Razzouq, who completed postgraduate studies in the Arabic language, highlighted the major junctures in her revolutionary journey, the displacement she suffered, and her continuation in activism. She said that she established a volunteer team of women to contribute to society building. She also contributed to the establishment of the Women’s Union which served as a nucleus in northwest Syria. She also talked about her support for the participation of women in the elections of local councils in Syria’s northwest despite all the challenges as she highlighted her humanitarian activities in the IDPs camps and her contribution to the establishment of rehabilitation centers for widows and female breadwinners. She stressed that Syrian women must not be discouraged by obstacles and challenges, adding that success can only be achieved through perseverance and hard work.
Mayada Ali, who has a BA in English literature and translates novels into Arabic, talked about the siege, bombing and starvation she had suffered in the Yarmouk camp before she was forcibly displaced to northwestern Syria. She continued her work and activities as a teacher working on her own educational project in the Friendship Camp where she offered education to children. She also offered training and educational courses for women in the camp, many of whom are now studying in universities. She said she would continue her work and activities in support of Syrian women despite all the challenges and dire circumstances.
Participants put forward many questions and proposals, stressing that female activists were and still the political building block in the Syrian Revolution. They also stressed the need to highlight the achievements and sacrifices of Syrian women as Habboush reaffirmed the SOC’s support for women to play their effective role in politics and civil society as well as participate in building a better future for Syria.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)