This March, we commemorate International Women’s Day and the 14th anniversary of the Syrian Revolution. As women’s rights are inseparable from human rights, this month’s series will feature prominent Syrian human rights activists who will share their insights on the current state of human rights in Syria.
To this day, over a decade after the start of the revolution and just months following the fall of the Assad regime, Syria is left to reckon with the widespread human rights violations, displacement, and economic hardships. On the frontline are brave women who spearhead the movement demanding equal rights and advocating for increased representation and fair policies.
Our speakers Hanan Zahr El-Din, Walaa Al-Akel, Muna Abdul-Salam will assess the current landscape of human rights work, evaluate the challenges and needs, and discuss the role of civil society and international organizations in shaping the future of human rights in Syria.
Join us for this critical opportunity to explore the path forward during these trying times.
📅 Wednesday, March 26th
⏰1 – 2:30 pm EST
⏰6-8:30 pm CET
⏰8 – 9:30 pm Damascus Time
🔗 Register here.
Speakers:
Hanan Zahr El-Din: Lawyer, politician, human rights activist
A lawyer and human rights activist specializing in international law and human rights, with extensive experience in advocating for women’s rights and reforming discriminatory laws. She has contributed to shadow reports for the CEDAW Committee and helped draft constitutional principles with a gender perspective. She has held leadership roles in several human rights organizations, including the Syrian Women’s Network and “Together for Women’s Issues.” With a background in media, she has written articles on women’s issues and participated in training programs on constitution-building, negotiation, transitional justice, and international humanitarian law. Since 2011, she has been actively engaged in human rights and political activism, striving for justice and democracy in Syria.
Walaa Al-Aakel is a human rights
Walaa Al-Aakel is a human rights advocate with extensive experience in transitional justice, psychosocial support, and human rights documentation. She has worked with various organizations facilitating justice sessions, supporting survivors, and documenting violations. She is a founding member of the Survivors’ Network and plays a dynamic role in civil society leadership. With a diploma in Administrative and Financial Sciences from Damascus University and ongoing studies in engineering, she has completed multiple training programs in psychosocial support, strategic planning, and crisis response. Walaa remains committed to justice, survivor support, and strengthening civil society in Syria.
Muna Abdul-Salam: Activist and Educator
Muna is feminist activist and educator dedicated to women’s empowerment and gender justice. She is the founder and director of Rose Organization for Support and Empowerment and a founding member of Sara Organization for Combating Violence Against Women, where she served as Executive Director and led the legal committee supporting survivors of abuse. Muna has played a key role in organizing and leading initiatives on gender-based violence, child marriage, women’s political participation, and youth life skills. Through her advocacy and leadership, she continues to champion women’s rights and social justice.