Women in refugee camps in Syria have been forced to offer sexual favours in return for food, that is the sad reality.
–

In the aftermath of over a decade of devastating conflict, Women, children and men of Syria finds themselves grappling not only with the scars of war but also with the relentless torment of natural disasters. For the resilient Syrians who have endured unimaginable suffering, the emergence of a free Syria feels like a distant dream as they confront the harsh realities of displacement, deprivation, and natural disasters.

Vulnerable groups, including women and children, are among the hardest hit by the crisis. They face heightened risks of exploitation, malnutrition, and inadequate healthcare, and often endure the psychological trauma of displacement and loss. The reliance on humanitarian aid has become a necessity for survival, yet aid efforts are frequently hampered by security concerns and logistical challenges.

Key Aspects of the Suffering of Women in Syria

1. Sexual Violence: Women and girls in Syria have been subjected to widespread sexual violence, including rape and sexual assault, by various actors involved in the conflict. Sexual violence has often been used as a weapon of war to terrorise and control communities.

2. Domestic Violence: The conflict has exacerbated domestic violence, with many women facing increased risks of abuse within their homes. The stress and trauma associated with war, combined with economic hardships and displacement, have contributed to a rise in domestic violence.

3. Sexual Exploitation: Women, particularly those in camps or informal settlements, are often at risk of sexual exploitation and abuse, including “survival sex” where they may be coerced into sex in exchange for basic necessities (sex for aid).

4. Trafficking: Many Syrians, especially women and children, have been trafficked for forced labor in agriculture, construction, or domestic work, as well as for sexual exploitation. This often occurs in neighbouring countries where Syrian refugees have sought asylum.

5. Organised Crime Networks: Organised crime groups have exploited the chaos in Syria to traffic people across borders, often promising false opportunities for work or asylum in Europe or other regions.

6. Economic Hardships: The collapse of Syria’s economy has had a devastating impact on women, many of whom have been left as primary caregivers and breadwinners due to the loss or injury of male family members. This has forced many women into precarious and underpaid work or even forced marriage to survive.

7. Health and Psychological Impact:  The war has severely disrupted healthcare services, making it difficult for women to access reproductive and maternal healthcare, leading to increased maternal mortality and morbidity. Women and girls have also face psychological trauma due to the violence, loss, and displacement. Mental health services are often inadequate or unavailable, compounding the suffering.

Syrian women are and have been coerced into sex in exchange for humanitarian assistance, a new report has revealed. In the latest sex abuse scandal to hit the charity sector, aid workers have detailed how men working on behalf of the UN and international charities are trading food and lifts for sexual favours.

A report titled, Voice From Syria said, “Examples were given of women or girls marrying officials for a short period of time for ‘sexual services’ in order to receive meals; distributors asking for telephone numbers of women and girls; giving them lifts to their houses ‘to take something in return’ or obtaining distributions ‘in exchange for a visit to her home’ or ‘in exchange for services, such as spending a night with them’.”

–
Women and girls ‘without male protectors’, such as widows and divorcees as well as female IDPs are regarded as particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
–

This is the sad reality in most disaster zones, we are doing our best to provide aid in a safe manner by delivering aid for women by women, Forgotten Women has a strict ethical code of conduct which has zero tolerance to sexual exploitation of the weak and vulnerable.

What We Are Doing

Our efforts are addressing critical needs for women in Syria, particularly by focusing on both immediate humanitarian aid and long-term empowerment. This dual approach is essential for supporting the dignity and resilience of women in conflict-affected areas. Here’s a breakdown of how these efforts can make a significant impact:

Immediate Humanitarian Aid: Food & Toilets for Women

1. Severe Food Insecurity: Many Syrians face extreme levels of food insecurity. The massive displacement of people has put immense pressure on resources. Refugee and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps are often overcrowded, making it challenging to distribute food effectively. The conditions in these camps can also lead to malnutrition and other health issues especially for women as it becomes survival of the fittest.

2. Dignity and Privacy: Access to private toilets helps maintain the dignity of women and girls, offering them a safe space for personal hygiene needs. This is particularly important in crowded settings like refugee camps or shelters, where privacy can be scarce. In the context of conflict, women are at increased risk of sexual violence and harassment. Providing safe sanitation facilities reduces the risk of women having to venture into unsafe areas, especially at night.

Long-Term Business: Rebuilding

We aim to make businesswomen from those suffering deep poverty, especially those in Syria, so they can earn with their own hands which in-turn will make them independent and protect their dignity. The purpose of our project is to enable women to escape the poverty trap for good. We believe in our hand-up policy and do not want women to be dependent on handouts every month. This initiative has a 95% success rate of women leaving the crippling poverty trap and not having to turn to desperate measures including selling their bodies to put food on the table. We are currently working to create life changing opportunities.

Your work in providing emergency aid and long-term economic opportunities for women in Syria is crucial for both immediate relief and sustainable recovery. It not only addresses urgent needs but also lays the groundwork for rebuilding a more equitable and resilient society.

Emergency Food Pack (7 weeks) £60
Safe Toilet £395, Shower Unit £395
Women In Business £1000