Inclusion to Exclusion: Women in Syria

Abstract

This Article will discuss the reasons for the shift from the inclusion of women as active participants in the Syrian revolution to their exclusion and marginalization throughout the conflict and during the recent Geneva II peace negotiations. It will address how the lack of participation of women in such formal negotiations is hindering the peace process, drawing on the role of women, more generally and historically, in conflict resolution. The Article will provide best practices from prior conflicts and ways in which policymakers can improve participation of women in the peace process in Syria. The re- inclusion of Syrian women is possible, despite the ongoing conflict. Based on our research, evidence shows that Syrian women are currently participating in informal conflict resolution processes, despite their exclusion in formal processes. By relying on past successes of women in previous peace processes and with the support of the international and local communities, women can move from informal processes into formal peace negotiations in Syria and elsewhere.

Keywords: Syria, Syrian conflict, women, WPS, women peace and security, peace processes, peace negotiation, peace, international law, conflict resolution