The side event discussed mechanisms addressing and combating all forms of VAWG highlighted by women and feminist organizations in the specific context of early recovery in Syria. It will unfold the main needs and gaps in addressing VAWG, including the current food insecurity, while highlighting concrete recommendations to improve the range and quality of services for victims of VAWG. The discussion will spotlight recommendations originating from the report from the mapping of services forvictims of VAWG in Syria (2023), and the study “Violence against women and girls in Syria: Laws, Knowledge Awareness,Attitudes” (2023) conducted by EFI in partnership with Gender Advocacy Group.

The event, held at the Thon Hotel in Brussels, featured esteemed speakers and experts who passionately delved into the challenges and solutions surrounding VAWG in Syria. Ms. Agne Gleveckaite, Head of Political, Press, and Information section at the European Union Delegation to Syria, initiated the discussion with insightful opening remarks, stating that "Combatting violence against women and girls is key and it constitutes a major barrier for women’s participation in decision-making and peace building processes in Syria."

The panelists, representing diverse backgrounds and expertise, contributed invaluable insights 

Ms. Ruba Ghanem - Executive Director, NORDMOND Dynamics -Dignity in Community
Ms. Sema Nassar - Research Consultant, London School of Economics and Political Science
Ms. Roula Roukbi - Director for the Beirut Office, Women Now for Development Organisation Lebanon

In her closing remarks, Ms. Birgit Van Hout, Director of the Representation Office in Brussels for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), emphasized, "We must acknowledge the profound and disproportionate impact that the conflict has had on women and girls." Her statement reaffirmed the commitment of international organizations to supporting initiatives combating VAWG.

The event not only highlighted the multifaceted nature of VAWG in Syria but also offered concrete recommendations to address the existing gaps in services for victims. It emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between local and international stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions and support the resilience of Syrian women and girls.