Compound Violence Against Women in War Zones: Case Studies of Syria and Sudan
Tuesdays, March 4 – May 6, 2025
10:30 AM -12:00 PM ET
Hosted on Zoom
Course Overview
This 10-week seminar investigates the situation of the Syrian and Sudani women under authoritarian regimes, particularly during wartime. While some autocracies may promote women’s rights to secure loyalty, Syria has a long-standing history of gender discrimination that intensified during the ongoing conflict. Similarly, Sudan is currently experiencing unprecedented levels of conflict, with intense violence in regions like Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan. This ongoing crisis has significantly increased the dangers for women and girls, who face heightened risks of sexual violence, exploitation, and abuse.
This seminar seeks to shed light on the systematic repression of women activists and the difficulties they encounter. It advocates for a comprehensive strategy to empower women and ensure their meaningful involvement on all levels of governance, which is essential for achieving lasting peace in Syria and Sudan.
Topics
- Methods of detention, the
- Use of sexual assault as a weapon of humiliation
- Concepts of protection through the increase of child and minor marriages
- Escalation of crimes of honor
- Challenges of the new life in displacement or exile
- UN SC Resolution 1325 Women, Peace and Security: Issues and instruments
Seminar Leaders
Dr. Nahed Ghazzoul
Visiting Professor
PARIS NANTERRE UNIVERSITY
Nahed Ghazzoul is a linguist with a PhD from Lancaster University. Her doctoral thesis titled, An Empirical Study of Coherence and Incoherence in the English Academic Writing of L1 Arabic Speaking Students, focused on errors in English writing among Arab university students. She has a Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education from Lancaster University, and an MA in Linguistics (TESOL) from the University of Surrey. Nahed graduated with a BA in English Language and Literature from Homs University.
Dr. Andhira Kara
Mellon Research Fellow
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY GLOBAL CENTERS, NAIROBI
Dr. Andhira Kara is a refugee advocate and researcher working with national and international organizations to improve the rights of migrants and displaced people. A refugee from Sudan, she now lives in Kenya and uses her experiences to advise and engage organizations and communities. Having co-founded a youth-led organization, she understands deeply the unique challenges faced by young leaders. Andhira is especially attuned to challenges faced by women leaders and girls in Africa and, more importantly, displaced woman.
Syllabus and Readings
Coming soon!
Course Schedule
Coming soon!
Certificates of Satisfactory Completion
Participants who attend 8 out of 10 complete seminar sessions are eligible to receive a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion signed by the Dean of The New School for Social Research.