Beyond Survival — Unpacking The Nexus Between Conflict, Gender and Natural Disasters

Join us for a screening of a powerful docu-series highlighting the experiences of Syrian women at the forefront of the 2023 earthquake disaster and response in Syria and Turkey, followed by an insightful panel discussion. The event will unpack the critical intersection of conflict, gender and natural disasters, underscoring the need for a comprehensive feminist approach to disaster response and management, especially in conflict-affected countries.

The screening will showcase the diverse challenges Syrian women have faced after the earthquake, while celebrating their resilience and leadership in navigating this intersectional crisis, particularly within an increasingly challenging context for women. A panel of Syrian women leaders, activists and experts will then discuss the complex dynamics of natural disaster response in conflict-affected areas, addressing gendered challenges, militarization, politicisation of aid, and the shortcomings of current humanitarian mechanisms. The discussion will highlight how women-led organisations and feminist actors, even when not primarily focused on humanitarian work, have often demonstrated exceptional knowledge and capacity in complex crisis contexts. It will also emphasise the vital role of a feminist approach in navigating crises within armed conflict settings, and the importance of local knowledge and grassroots leadership. Additionally, the event will explore funding and support mechanisms for more effective and localised crisis response and management in challenging contexts.

By examining an unprecedented natural disaster intersecting with a long-standing conflict in Syria, this event aims to deepen the conversation on peace by emphasising the crucial importance of a gendered and feminist perspective in crisis response within conflict settings.

Opening Remarks

• Yasmine Hassan and Sally Shamas - The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)
• Rebecca Falcon-Taylor - Campaign Director, The Syria Campaign (TSC)
• Karen Tse - Founder and CEO, International Bridges to Justice.

Speakers

• Hayma Alyousfi - Feminist Researcher,General Program Manager at Syrian Female Journalists Network (SFJN), Syrian Female Journalists Network (SFJN) 
• Hanadi Alloush - Program Manager at Damma (Hug), Damma Hug
• Zena Halawi - Co-founder of the Free Aleppo Lawyers Association (FABA), Free Aleppo Lawyers Association (FABA) 
• Dalal  El Taher (Online Participant via Zoom) - Board Member at Syria Civil Defence, The White Helmets, Syria Civil Defence, The White Helmets

Moderator

• Lubna Alkanawati - Syrian feminist and women's rights activist, serving as CO executive Director at Women Now for Development, Women Now for Development

Interpretation

Interpretation services are available for all events during Geneva Peace Week, both on-site and online, through Wordly AI  

Live streaming

All events during Geneva Peace Week will be available on-site and online.

Main organiser

• The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)

Co-Organizers

• The Syria Campaign (TSC) 
• International Bridges to Justice (IBJ)