As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the presence of Syrian women in leadership positions, the Academic Women’s Empowerment Unit at Damascus University organized a lecture aimed at preparing young women for leadership roles as the country looks toward long-term recovery.
Titled “From University Seats to Leadership Seats: How Can a Student Make an Impact in the New Syria,” the event focused on supporting female students and empowering them to shift from being passive recipients of opportunities to becoming active, initiative-taking members of society.
Building Confidence and Leadership Skills
The lecture was delivered by Dr. Daawa al-Ahdeb from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. She outlined strategies for turning ideas into practical initiatives and discussed the qualities young women need to navigate leadership roles in a rapidly changing environment.
Al-Ahdeb said empowering female students is essential to speeding Syria’s social recovery, describing universities as one of the few remaining platforms able to foster new female talent and encourage innovation.
University Officials See Women as Key to Social Rebuilding
Dr. Ahed Abu Younes, the university’s vice president for scientific affairs, said the institution is working to strengthen the role of women across its academic community. Developing women’s skills and confidence, she said, is critical for rebuilding a society that has experienced years of conflict and disruption.
Turning Opportunities Into Practical Experience
Ghalia Al-Habbal Al-Mujallad, head of the Women’s Empowerment Unit, said the program focuses on helping students turn educational opportunities into real leadership experience, whether they are trainees, staff, or faculty. She noted that the challenges facing Syrian women today make capacity-building programs “more necessary than ever.”
Students Call for More Training and Support
Female students attending the event said training programs have been crucial for helping them plan their careers and build the confidence needed to enter leadership roles. They noted that increased support for women in education and the workforce could open doors to broader professional opportunities.
The Women’s Empowerment Unit is part of FREE, an EU-funded project aimed at strengthening the role of academic women across Mediterranean universities. The initiative supports workshops and training designed to promote equal opportunity, leadership development, and sustainability in higher education.
