Syria Conflict Response Fund

What is happening in Syria:

More than 15 years after a peaceful uprising against President Bashar al-Assad’s government spiraled into a devastating conflict, Syria is entering a new and uncertain chapter. In December 2024, an offensive by armed opposition groups led to the fall of Assad’s government and opened the way for a new transitional government. For many Syrians, this brought renewed hope for peace, stability and the possibility of returning home. Yet the transition remains fragile, and communities across the country continue to face the consequences of years of conflict, displacement and economic hardship.

The humanitarian crisis is far from over. As of March 2026, an estimated 15.6 million people in Syria still require humanitarian assistance, while around 5.5 million people remain internally displaced. At the same time, more than 1.5 million refugees and nearly 1.9 million internally displaced people have returned to their areas of origin since December 2024. These returns are taking place while housing, infrastructure, livelihoods and basic services remain severely strained, making sustained support essential for people rebuilding their lives.

Years of conflict have left homes, schools, health facilities and other essential infrastructure damaged or destroyed. Economic hardship and limited access to basic services continue to place enormous pressure on families. Women and girls face additional risks, including gender-based violence, exploitation, poverty and barriers to economic opportunity and participation in public life.

As Syria navigates this period of transition, women must be at the center of efforts to rebuild communities and livelihoods. Women for Women International remains committed to supporting Syrian women and girls as they recover from years of conflict, displacement and loss—and as they work to shape the future of their families and communities.

Meeting the Needs of Women Survivors in Syria:

Since 2020, Women for Women International has partnered with Women Now for Development (WND), a Syrian women's rights organization, working to support women and girls affected by conflict and displacement. Through our Conflict Response Fund, we have supported women and adolescent girls in northwest Syria with education, vocational training, psychosocial support and opportunities to build livelihoods.

Our partnership has provided women with practical skills—including sewing, computer maintenance and other vocational skills—alongside business training and small grants to help them start businesses and generate income. WND has also provided online education in subjects including math, English, Arabic literacy and information technology, helping women and girls build skills that can expand their opportunities and support their families.

This work is especially important as communities navigate displacement, return and recovery. Women need more than emergency assistance: they need access to knowledge, resources, support networks and opportunities to earn an income and make decisions about their own lives.

Women Now for Development Program

Through our partnership, WND has delivered a range of programs designed to help women and girls strengthen their skills, wellbeing and economic independence.

Vocational and Business Skills

• Vocational training in areas including sewing and computer maintenance, alongside business skills training.
• Small-business start-up grants to help women turn their skills into sources of income and build more sustainable livelihoods.

Education and Online Training

• Online training in math, English, Arabic literacy and information technology for women and adolescent girls.
• Educational opportunities designed to help women and girls develop practical, marketable skills and expand their access to economic opportunities.

Social and Economic Empowerment

• WND became the first Women for Women International partner to license and adapt our Stronger Women, Stronger Nations social and economic empowerment curriculum for the Syrian context.
• Through an eight-month pilot program, women received training focused on strengthening their social and economic agency.
• Following graduation, participants received small business start-up grants to help them pursue income-generating opportunities.

The first cohort of 233 women graduated from the adapted program in 2023, demonstrating the determination of Syrian women to continue learning and building livelihoods even amid profound crisis.

Emergency Earthquake Response

When devastating earthquakes struck Türkiye and Syria in February 2023, WfWI worked with WND to respond to the immediate needs of women and families affected by the disaster.

• We provided dignity and hygiene kits to 561 households in Aleppo Governorate.
• We supported the continuation of safe spaces where women and girls could access trauma-informed counselling, gender-based violence case management and other essential services.
• WND also provided educational and vocational activities, including handicrafts, math, Arabic literacy, computer skills, English and Turkish language training.

Ongoing Partnership and Support

The needs of Syrian women continue to evolve as the country moves through a fragile period of transition. Together with WND, we are continuing to support women and families affected by conflict, displacement and the long-term consequences of war.

Our partnership focuses on helping women access the support and resources they need to recover, strengthen their livelihoods and participate in rebuilding their communities. This includes psychosocial support, economic opportunities, education and assistance for women facing particularly acute protection and economic challenges.

As more Syrians return to their communities, it is critical that women are not left behind. Safe and sustainable recovery requires access to livelihoods, essential services and protection, as well as meaningful opportunities for women to shape the future of their families and communities.

Our response will continue to evolve alongside the changing context in Syria. Through our partnership with WND, we remain committed to reaching women where they are and supporting them as they navigate this next chapter.

Support Our Mission:

Help us provide critical support to women affected by conflict.

Your donation can help women access the skills, resources and support they need to recover from crisis, build livelihoods and strengthen their families and communities.