Social Issues

This post isn’t about inclusivity and is only sharing about the experiences of the many Syrians that are “white passing” both abroad and in Syria. Likewise, the post sheds light on issues of colourism/prejudice within the Syrian community. Oftentimes abroad, light skinned/“white passing”/“European looking” Syrians are faced by racist or frustratingly ignorant comments because they look “too white to be Syrian!”.

Syrian mothers face many challenges and inequalities, both in their home country and abroad. They often lack education, empowerment, and independence. They are isolated, dependent, and marginalized. How can we celebrate Mother’s Day when this is their reality? How can we support and empower Syrian women and mothers?

This post is simply a response to the ridiculous remarks being made by reporters and western media about Syrians in the context of the invasion of Ukraine; we advise you to look into it. Please don’t take the post out of context- no racism or superiority/nationalist sentiment is intended, unlike the reporters whose comments sadly reflect the general ideas people in the west have about us.

According to the English Language Proficiency Index, Syria is listed in the very low proficiency category. Amongst all Arabic speaking countries in this (low proficiency) category, Syria fares the best, sitting at 89/112, and surpassing Yemen, Libya, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Sudan, and Jordan. However, Syria is far behind Lebanon (34th) & Tunisia (52nd).
English, French, and Russian are taught in Syria. Despite that, on an educational and societal level, Syria lacks proficiency in foreign languages. Why is that? Here is a look at the history of teaching foreign languages in Syria.

Syria’s segregated education system lacks discourse on the social impact. Studies show coeducation fosters equality, breaks stereotypes, and enhances understanding. Do walls truly ensure safety or hinder learning equality?

The story of a revolutionary Damascene woman. Nazik Al Abid reminds us how damaging patriarchal oppressive customs hinder us from any progress, how feminism not only empowers women, but creates a just society. Her struggle for a better Syria, which largely was achieved at the time, did not come without the pointing fingers of insecure men and women who were too intimidated by her. We remember her legacy today with the current state of Syria as we have much to improve and many voices and issues that have been ignored.

“Happy Eid” messages have yet again bombarded my phone… Year after year, I look at the messages sent by family and friends whom I haven’t seen in years, and the irony of these two words leave me staring back at them wondering, we are not happy.

Syrians in the diaspora face a dilemma: how to keep their identity alive while adapting to a new environment. This article explores the struggles and joys of being Syrian in Canada, through the lens of personal stories and reflections.

“She knew everything all these years.” Mama and my Queer Identity- an anonymous submission from Aleppo.

In the bustling streets of Tartus, Syria, a disheartening reality confronts women daily. Catcalling has become an accepted norm, a twisted form of compliment, infesting markets, universities, and even religious greetings. This disturbing norm prompts a reflection on the unequal treatment between men and women, where a girl named Zeina, who once catcalled, faced merciless judgment, while the constant harassment by boys remained unaddressed. The exhaustion and frustration with this societal surrender to such behaviors resonate deeply, questioning the endurance of enduring this ongoing injustice.