Overview
On 24 May 2026, Advancing Civil Society - GLOCA, in cooperation with Justice and Sustainable Development Organization, held a dialogue session in Aleppo titled “Women’s Role in Peacebuilding and Strengthening Social Cohesion during the Transitional Phase in Syria.” The session brought together 24 women to discuss women’s experiences, challenges, and opportunities in supporting sustainable community peace.

Session Objective
The session aimed to highlight women’s contributions to peacebuilding and social cohesion, while exploring the barriers that limit their participation and the opportunities available to strengthen their role during Syria’s transitional phase.

Main Discussion Themes

• Key concepts related to social roles, peacebuilding, social cohesion, and the transitional phase.

• Women’s roles in community mediation, family support, voluntary initiatives, awareness raising, and promoting dialogue.

• Social, economic, cultural, and institutional challenges affecting women’s participation in public life.

• Available opportunities for women to engage more effectively in peacebuilding processes and community initiatives.

Key Reflections
Participants emphasized that women have played essential roles in preserving community peace over recent years, particularly through education, mediation, care work, local initiatives, and dialogue. They also noted the importance of moving from individual efforts toward more organized and sustainable women-led networks and alliances capable of influencing institutions and decision-makers.

Recommendations

• Strengthen women’s participation in decision-making and public life.

• Support women’s economic empowerment, especially women heading households.

• Develop training programs on leadership, advocacy, civic awareness, and peacebuilding.

• Create safe mechanisms for reporting violations and strengthening protection.

• Expand consultative spaces that amplify women’s voices during the transitional phase.

The session concluded that women are essential partners in building sustainable peace and strengthening social cohesion in Syria, and that their meaningful participation requires protection, capacity building, economic support, and institutional spaces for influence.

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