Aya stands up for women in Northern Syria: “Women can play an active role in society.”
March 06 2024
3 minutes
Did you know that the women of Syria are not giving up easily? Even after 12 years of war and a devastating earthquake in early 2023, they are not giving up. This also applies to activist Aya Brada. She fights for women's rights in Syria.
And that is necessary. Because after more than 10 years of bloody conflict and the recent earthquake in Syria, the position of women is extremely vulnerable. Aya works as a communications volunteer for the Women's Support and Empowerment Unit (WSU), a partner of 11.11.11 who stands up for women in Northern Syria. Due to the war in her home country, Aya recently moved to France. There she continues her fight for women's rights unabated.
What inspired you to become a women's rights activist?
I was only seventeen when the war in Syria broke out. The conflict allowed me to no longer going to school and I lived in a house for three years refugee camp. Despite those difficult circumstances, I kept my head high and sought and found the strength of women. I overcame my fears and went to volunteer at WSEU. They encourage women who want to play an active role in society. I refuse to accept the idea that women are too weak to do this.
In February 23, Syrians were victims of a huge earthquake. What challenges does that bring, and how does your organization tackle them?
WSEU immediately took action after the earthquake by sending women to safe locations to move and put them in basic needs, such as food and clothing.
This is not easy, because the women who provide this help have been affected by the earthquake themselves. Nevertheless, they try to overcome their own fears in order to help others.
At WSEU we notice that the biggest impact of this earthquake on women is psychological. Some women have lost family members, or have given birth prematurely or even lost their unborn child due to panic and fear. WSEU itself is not specialized in psychological support, but we have collaborated with other organizations and experts to help these women further.
How does WSEU empower women? Do you have examples of successful initiatives?
Yes, indeed! That's how we have election processes set up within our own organization; teaching women how to draw up an election manifesto, how to present themselves to voters and how to convince others to vote for them. This has encouraged women to participate in local elections, and some have even been elected to municipal councils.
In addition, we have a media network set up for and by women. It has resulted in more women in the Syrian media. We provide training to women and publish newsletters and podcasts. For example, a colleague told about her own prison experiences and those of other women in the podcast 'The Last Night' (which refers to the last night before you are locked up). In another program, which is a bit lighter, women conduct interviews on the street about various topics. A completely new experience from which they learn a lot.
What pressing women's rights issues are high on the agenda in Syria right now?
One of the most pressing issues is the involvement of women in the political process and decision-making. But here we can only make progress if there is political stability. In addition, we continue to focus on the strengthening the role of women in our society. We do this with training courses where we focus on education. Together with the women, we look at what they want to achieve and how they can get there.
While we still face many challenges due to the ongoing conflict, there are numerous organizations and women activists who are standing up and advocating for women’s rights in Syria. Their success stories give hope. Hope for political stability in Syria. Hope for a future in which women play a valuable and powerful role in society.
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