Who we are:
Musawa, a women-led organisation, originated in Damascus, Syria, in 2000. It obtained official registration in France in 2017. With the advent of the Damascus Spring in 2000, a group of women activists initiated semi-secret efforts due to the repressive regime. This regime hindered the licensing of feminist organisations at that time. Despite these challenges, these small groups managed to engage in limited activities, including issuing minor feminist research, composing shadow reports, and convening under the umbrella of the “Syrian Women Gathering”
What we do:
Building a Secular Democratic State
Our goal is to establish a secular democratic state rooted in principles of citizenship and equality, ensuring social justice and equal opportunities.
Eliminating Discriminatory Laws
By drawing from the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (“CEDAW”) and prioritising international agreements over local laws, our strategy aims to abolish discriminatory provisions against women in local legislation. This involves eradicating reservations on the Convention and aligning national laws accordingly.
Combating Violence and Discrimination
We advocate for comprehensive legislation that both outlaws and penalises all forms of discrimination and violence against women. These protective measures encompass both public and private sectors. Our commitment further extends to providing care and rehabilitation for victims of violence, facilitating their reintegration into society.
Empowerment and Parity
Our initiatives encompass implementing empowerment programs for women and fostering their active participation across political, economic, social, and cultural spheres. Additionally, we champion affirmative action in favour of women, while striving for future parity.
Upholding Motherhood
Our emphasis centers on legally safeguarding motherhood as a social privilege for women.
Rights of Children and Girls
We unwaveringly dedicate ourselves to securing the rights of children and girls, aligning with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This encompasses enacting and strengthening laws that protect them from violence, neglect, and exploitation.
A Societal Approach for Equality
Our commitment involves nurturing a shared societal approach that upholds equality in both value and dignity between women and men. We aspire to construct a civil society that not only advocates for women’s rights but actively promotes their empowerment.
Implementing Resolution 1325
We play a significant role in adopting a national plan geared towards realizing the goals set out in Resolution 1325.
Supporting Displaced and Refugee Women
We give special consideration to the unique challenges faced by displaced and refugee women. Our efforts revolve around their integration, enabling active participation in new communities, and ensuring dignified opportunities for voluntary return once conflicts are resolved.
Collaboration with Organisations
We engage in dynamic collaboration with local and international organisations and institutions dedicated to addressing women’s issues.
How to find and contact us:
Website:
https://musawasyr.org/ar/
Social media:
https://www.facebook.com/Musawasyrian/
https://www.instagram.com/musawasyr/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCB1a8liQuKzbl7h8A5OUCA
https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fmusawasyr