YUSRA AL-EHMED

Raqqa- Zenubiya Women’s Community in North and East Syria contributes to ensuring gender equality in all facets of life and building a democratic society by launching awareness-raising campaigns against gender-based violence.

Maryam Abdel Razzaq, member of the community, says that they struggle against the imposition of patriarchal mindset in the name of tradition.

‘We launch awareness-raising campaigns against gender-based violence’

Maryam Abdel Razzaq indicated that the rights of women and children are violated in the name of tradition. “The imposition of traditions and customs still causes many problems. Forced marriage and child marriage are two of them. Recently, there is an increase in the rates of forced marriage, child marriage, divorce and femicide. We, as Zenubiya Women’s Community, have carried out many activities and launched campaigns to raise awareness against gender-based violence.”

‘We have faced many challenges’

Speaking about the challenges faced by them while carrying out their activities, she said, “One of the challenges faced by us is the refusal of men to attend the meetings and seminars organized by us. Our aim is to build a society based on equality. The biggest obstacle to women's freedom and rights is the patriarchal mindset. For this reason, the participation of men and women in meetings and seminars is very important.”

Campaign against child marriage

Maryam Abdel Razzaq gave information about their campaigns. “The motto of one of our campaigns was ‘We must unite to build a democratic society’. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the consequences child marriage, polygamy, bride exchange and age gaps in marriages.”

 ‘We struggle against the use of drugs’

The community also carries out awareness-raising activities against the use of drugs. “During our activities, we tell people the risks and consequences of using drugs. The drug users have a higher risk of perpetrating violence.  Zenubiya Women’s community launched a campaign with the motto, ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadi against all forms of violence and occupation’ in Raqqa, Manbij, Tabqa and Deir ez-Zor to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The aim of the campaign was to raise awareness about the effects of violence on society and women by carrying out activities.”