As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting civic participation and gender inclusion, the Advancing Civil Society (GLOCA), in collaboration with Nour Al-Hayat Charity Association, organized a focused dialogue session in Aleppo on Thursday, October 16, 2025, titled “Women’s Roles in Public Life.”
The session was facilitated by Malak Touma and brought together 14 active women from civil society and local organizations to discuss challenges, social perceptions, and opportunities for women’s engagement in public and political life.

Exploring Barriers and Social Norms

Participants discussed the persistence of social norms and cultural attitudes that continue to limit women’s participation in decision-making spaces.
Several interventions highlighted that political and civic arenas are still perceived as male-dominated domains, and women who express political opinions often face stereotyping and reputational pressure.
Others noted that family expectations and community perceptions still discourage women from taking on leadership roles, while logistical and social barriers—such as mobility constraints and safety concerns—further restrict their engagement.

Strengthening Participation and Continuity

The dialogue emphasized the need for clear collective goals, collaboration, and visible impact to ensure the continuity of women’s engagement in public life.
Participants stressed that success depends on strategic cooperation, long-term planning, and shared learning among women leaders.
They also discussed the importance of breaking away from the victim narrative, building self-confidence, and recognizing that leadership can take multiple forms beyond formal politics.

Tools and Pathways for Engagement

Participants explored various approaches to enhance women’s visibility and participation, including:

• Utilizing digital platforms to share stories and amplify voices.

• Promoting freedom of expression and civic education as foundations for participation.

• Encouraging youth involvement in civic and political spaces.

• Fostering knowledge exchange and peer learning among women across different fields.

Toward Inclusive Local Partnerships

The discussion also touched upon the importance of inclusive collaboration within the city—bringing together both women and men to advance community goals.
Participants agreed that achieving meaningful participation requires awareness, training, and legal protection, alongside an environment that values diversity of perspectives.
They highlighted the need for codes of conduct, institutional support, and capacity-building programs to sustain such initiatives and ensure their long-term impact.

Key Takeaways

The session concluded with a shared understanding that strengthening women’s roles in public life requires a multi-dimensional approach—combining cultural change, institutional support, and personal empowerment.
Participants emphasized that women in Aleppo are ready to take active roles in shaping their communities and influencing public policy when provided with safe spaces, knowledge, and opportunities.

Through this dialogue, GLOCA and Nour Al-Hayat Charity Association reaffirmed their joint commitment to supporting women’s participation in community leadership and decision-making, as a cornerstone for social progress and inclusive development in Syria.