Damascus, 16 July 2022 (TDI): The European Union (EU) head delegate in Syria, Dr. Dan Stoenescu, hosted a roundtable discussion on women’s role as local mediators in Syria.

The roundtable discussion was held in Damascus on Friday. Regional Advisor Women, Peace and Security in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region, Aleksandra Dier, was also in attendance. In addition, UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir O. Pedersen, and members from Syria also attended the discussion.

The roundtable was held to discuss UN Women Arab’s recent report on women’s participation as local mediators, drawing a case study from Syria. The EU head delegate in Syria expressed his full support for recognizing the role of women in Syria in the mediation process, thus strengthening prospects for peace.


In 2022, the UN Women Arab report was published. It covers subject areas including peacebuilding, peace and security, and mediation and conflict resolution. In addition, the report also draws case studies from Iraq, Libya, and Yemen.

The report discusses the types of conflict women mediate and women’s roles throughout the mediation process. Furthermore, it highlights women’s participation as a connection between local mediation and the national process.

UN WOMEN Arab report 2022

Drawing upon case studies from four conflict areas, the report demonstrates how women have mediated ceasefires.

Additionally, the report highlights diverse mediation roles women have played to restore social cohesion in their communities in the Arab region.

The report notes how women’s contribution to the peace goes largely unrecognized. The marginalization of women’s efforts means their work is less documented and understood.

In the end, the report also provides a series of recommendations to support women’s local mediation.

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