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
- 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
Researcher and Linguist
PARIS NANTERRE UNIVERSITY
Dr. Nahed Ghazzoul is a Syrian academic who was Pause Laureate at Paris Nanterre University. Dr. Ghazzoul holds a PhD in Linguistic from Lancaster University (UK. 2008); a Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, from Lancaster University (UK); an MA in Linguistics (TESOL), from University of Surrey (UK). She has held positions different institutions and universities including Syria, UK, Jordan, Columbia University, and Paris Nanterre University. Dr. Ghazzoul is the author of a number of articles in indexed Journals in the field of linguistics, sociolinguistics, psycholiguistics, Internet in Pedagogy, woman support, and a chapter on the situation of Syrian academic in Exile.
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
Readings available in this Google Folder.
Course Schedule
MAR
4
Week 1: What is Gender-Based Violence (GBV)?: Historical Overview
Hosted on Zoom
MAR
11
Week 2: Syrian Women under the Authoritarian Regime and the Impact of War
Hosted on Zoom
MAR
18
Week 3: Understanding Women’s Experience of Violence: Types and Nature of GBV under Syrian Local Authorities
Hosted on Zoom
MAR
25
Week 4: Measures to Stop GBV in Conflict Zones: Issues and Instruments
Hosted on Zoom
APR
1
Week 5: Gender-Based Violence in Conflict Zones: the Case of Sudan
Hosted on Zoom
APR
8
Week 6: Social Norms and Traditional Practices Contributing to Gender-Based Violence
Hosted on Zoom
APR
15
Week 7
Hosted on Zoom
APR
22
Week 8: The Role of NGOs and International Aid in Addressing GBV in Africa
Hosted on Zoom
apr
29
Week 9: Legal Frameworks and Gender-Based Violence: Challenges in Sudan
Hosted on Zoom
MAY
6
Week 10: Mental Health Consequences of Gender-Based Violence
Hosted on Zoom
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.