Efforts to end the crisis in Syria are missing some of the country's most important champions for peace — women. Worse, current peace negotiations threaten to exclude issues important to women from the country's post-conflict future.
Women and girls from all walks of life have suffered greatly from the Syrian conflict. And, as more and more husbands and sons are lost, it is increasingly young women and female heads of household — "everyday" women, just like me and you — who will shoulder the burden of rebuilding Syria.
The United Nations has spelled out a process for including women leaders in peace negotiations. But peace talks involve only a handful of people — what about all of the other women? Will women and girls be included in efforts to rebuild their communities? If there are elections, will women be encouraged to vote, to run for office, to speak out on the issues?
Solving the crisis demands that women not only have a seat at the formal negotiating table, but a real voice in shaping Syria's future at all points in the process. If not, this chance for peace will be thwarted from the start.
Only powerful and sustained international pressure can ensure that women are included in a new Syria — and only with the leadership, talent and will of all of Syria's women and girls can true peace and stability be achieved.
Stand in solidarity with Syria's women in their campaign for peace. Add your name to this petition to demand that women be included in a meaningful way in all negotiations and peace processes — from the bottom up.
