The rebuilding of Syria is a monumental task, but I am confident that we will succeed with our collective willpower, intellectual resources, and the resilience of our women.

After decades of authoritarian rule, under which basic human rights felt like nothing more than an unattainable dream, Syria is finally standing on the brink of hope. The Assad regime, which began in 1970 under Hafez al-Assad and continued in 2000 under his son Bashar al-Assad, persisted for more than 50 years. One can only imagine the levels of oppression endured by the Syrian people during this time.  

But now, Syria has been liberated, and I am confident that our country will emerge stronger than ever. We possess a robust pool of human capital and exceptional intellectual resources. Our people are highly educated, skilled, and resilient. 

Rebuilding Syria 

The rebuilding of Syria will not take long because both Syrian and international actors are now actively planning to invest in the country’s future. The potential economic revitalization is enormous. The diaspora community—Syrians who were forced to leave their homeland due to war and instability—have been gaining valuable experience and resources abroad. Many of these expatriates are eager to return and contribute to rebuilding the economy, bringing with them not only financial investments but also global expertise and innovative ideas. 

Before the conflict began in 2011, Syria had a diverse economy, with significant contributions from agriculture, oil, manufacturing, and tourism. In 2010, the country’s GDP was approximately 60 billion USD. The war decimated the economy, shrinking it by more than 60%, with an estimated loss of over $250 billion in GDP since the conflict started.  

Despite these immense setbacks, there is a foundation upon which to rebuild. The country’s youthful population—approximately 33% of Syria’s population is under the age of 24—represents a dynamic and motivated workforce ready to lead the nation into a new era. 

Moreover, the return of families to their homes is not just a symbolic act but a psychological and social necessity. The displacement of millions of Syrians has fragmented communities and torn families apart. Reuniting in real homes—not tents or temporary shelters—is crucial for healing and rebuilding social trust. The United Nations estimates that over 6.8 million Syrians are internally displaced, while another 5.2 million had fled to neighboring countries as refugees. The arduous journey of seeking asylum, adapting to foreign cultures, and facing socioeconomic challenges has left many with a profound yearning to return home. 

I have recently graduated with a degree in economics, specializing in business administration. The Syrian job market is in dire need of qualified professionals like me to revitalize industries, enhance commerce, and stimulate economic growth. My family is planning to return soon to renovate our home and start a small business, which will serve as our primary source of income—my mother’s idea. 

Women’s leadership  

My mother is a woman with exceptional strategic thinking skills. While my father is more emotionally driven, my mother approaches situations with a rational and calculated mindset. She is not alone in this; Syrian women are known for their resilience, intelligence, and strategic thinking. The war has, tragically, led to the loss or displacement of many men, leaving women to shoulder responsibilities they never anticipated. Many men have been imprisoned, gone missing, or forced into exile. In their absence, women have had no choice but to rely on themselves and each other. They have taken on roles as heads of households, business owners, and community leaders. 

Syrian women have shown strength that defies expectation. They have not just survived; they have adapted, taking on roles that once seemed impossible. They have led families, managed finances, started businesses, and fought for education in the face of unimaginable adversity. In a world where options were stripped away, they created new paths. Syrian women’s resilience isn’t just about endurance—it’s about innovation, courage, and an unwavering determination to thrive. Every obstacle they faced became an opportunity to forge something new, provide for their families, and build a future their children could believe in. 

I am incredibly proud of every Syrian woman. Their patience, strength, and determination have nurtured a new generation grounded in resilience and hope. Syrian women have raised children amidst unimaginable hardship, instilling in them the values of perseverance and ambition. They have held together the very fabric of society, even as the world around them crumbled. 

Now, when I hear people from Jordan, Palestine, and other nationalities say to me, “You are lucky to be Syrian,” I truly understand what they mean. Yes, I am lucky. I am lucky to come from a nation of courageous people and a country where women embody strength and strategic wisdom. This pride in my identity is deeply rooted in the collective endurance and aspirations of the Syrian people. 

As Syria enters a new chapter, the role of women in shaping the country’s future cannot be overstated. According to a 2021 report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), women’s participation in the labor force and political sphere will be essential for sustainable recovery. Women’s empowerment and gender equality will not only contribute to economic growth but also foster a more inclusive and resilient society. 

The rebuilding of Syria is a monumental task, but I am confident that we will succeed with our collective willpower, intellectual resources, and the resilience of our women. We will rebuild our homes, economy, and communities. We will reclaim our identity and dignity. Syria will not only recover but will emerge as a beacon of hope and strength for the world to witness. 

Malak Farouq is a Syrian refugee living in Zaatari Refugee Camp, Jordan. 

This piece has been translated from Arabic. 

The views represented in this piece are those of the author and do not express the official position of the Wilson Center.  

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Image Credit

Courtesy of MTHS