Syrian Women Suffering Burdens Of War Have Right To Help Shape Country's Future - UNFPA

Syrian women, who have been the most affected by the the country's years-long civil war, have every right to engage in shaping the country's future as decision-makers, Laura London, the deputy executive director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), told Sputnik on Friday

BRUSSELS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th March, 2019) Syrian women, who have been the most affected by the the country's years-long civil war, have every right to engage in shaping the country's future as decision-makers, Laura London, the deputy executive director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), told Sputnik on Friday.

Friday marks the 8th anniversary of the start of the Syrian conflict, which has left around 12 million Syrians vulnerable.

"Syrian women have born the brunt of this crisis and suffered enormously. They have the right to engage as agents in shaping the future of Syria. It is essential that women and girls have their voices heard, that they have an active and meaningful role in response and recovery, and that resilient systems .

.. are established for their special health and safety needs," London said.

She noted that women-led initiatives, including those revolving around their economic empowerment, must be prioritized in 2019.

"The active and meaningful participation of women as decision-makers in all aspects of life is essential to ensure the success at all levels of society, and should be at the forefront of all aid plans," London added.

According to the 2019 United Nations Humanitarian Needs Overview, Syria has a total of 6.5 million women in need. The precarious situation with their access to food, health assistance and other vital goods and services is compounded by gender-based violence.