The Center for Civil Society and Democracy held a dialogue forum on November 28, 2025, as part of the Women for the Future of Syria project, with the participation of 16 women leaders from various women’s organizations in the Idlib region. The forum aimed to strengthen a shared vision of a safe, sound, and neutral environment in Syria and to explore how women can help create such an environment within their communities and across the country. It also provided space to discuss the unique challenges women face in contributing to peacebuilding, social and economic development, and political participation. Additionally, the forum served as an opportunity for women to exchange experiences and build strong networks that transcend political and geographic divisions.
The first session focused on defining what a safe environment means in the context of women’s organizations and local communities. Participants shared diverse perspectives, describing a safe environment as a space free from violence and discrimination, where freedom of expression and participation are protected, and where psychological and social safety are ensured. The group agreed on a unified definition of a safe environment as “a set of conditions and measures that protect individuals and property from potential physical, psychological, or social harm, with the aim of promoting safety and a sense of security.” It was also emphasized that a safe environment is not merely a physical space but a system of values and practices that include freedom, respect, confidentiality, participation, and psychosocial support.
In the second session, participants analyzed the situation of women in Idlib and discussed challenges such as limited political representation, weak economic and social support, the absence of effective women’s networks, and a lack of training opportunities. The discussion also highlighted key priorities for enhancing women’s participation, including supporting women’s access to decision-making positions, providing economic and political training opportunities, strengthening safe spaces and women’s centers, and promoting cooperation among organizations to ensure sustainability.
The third session explored available opportunities to strengthen women’s participation and produced practical recommendations for local and international actors. Participants noted that dialogue platforms create valuable opportunities for women to express their views, and build relationships. The opening of new areas after liberation was also seen as a chance to expand women’s engagement and share expertise across communities. Participants highlighted the importance of networking among local teams, supporting small economic initiatives, involving men in awareness programs, and expanding training related to women’s rights and mental health. Several women shared inspiring personal experiences from their work in women’s centers, stressing how essential a safe environment is for free expression and mutual support.
The forum concluded with activities connected to the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. Participants engaged in a reflective exercise focused on self-care and caring for others, exchanging symbolic messages of strength, courage, resilience, and generosity. The event also included a post-forum evaluation survey. One participant summarized the experience by saying, “When we collaborate as women’s organizations, we turn challenges into opportunities and prove that women are essential to building peace.”