Voices of resilience: Civil society and community perspectives on gender-based violence in conflict-affected Syria

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) has escalated during the Syrian conflict, yet the responses of local civil society organizations (CSOs) remain underexplored. This article examines how Syrian CSOs conceptualize and respond to GBV amid institutional collapse and fragile governance. It argues that these organizations have evolved resilience-based, gender-responsive mechanisms that function as informal governance systems, filling institutional voids and fostering grassroots peacebuilding distinct from international top-down approaches. Bridging feminist theory, resilience studies, and conflict governance, the research shows how community-based actors operate as de facto governance institutions. Employing a mixed-methods design, it integrates survey data from 1,212 respondents across three Syrian regions with interviews from leaders of women-focused CSOs. Quantitative results reveal regional and demographic variations in GBV awareness, with younger, educated women expressing stronger opposition to violence. Qualitative insights highlight that CSOs provide legal aid, psychosocial counseling, and economic initiatives enabling women to regain agency amid cultural and legal fragmentation. These organizations act as resilience hubs translating feminist principles into localized action and gaining societal legitimacy. The study urges international stakeholders to strengthen—rather than replace—local initiatives by prioritizing indigenous knowledge, women’s leadership, and sustainable, context-sensitive support for inclusive recovery and long-term resilience.