ABSTRACT
This chapter seeks to unravel changes in gender dynamics in Syria following the revolution that started in 2011. However, the Syrian crisis has caused a breaking up of many structures and patterns in relation to gender dynamics. To understand changes in gender dynamics in Syria, it is very important to draw parallels to changes in gender dynamics that took place across the region as well as in post-revolution Iran. The regime's encouragement of feminist movements and women's participation came at the expense of creating divisions between Syrian women, as many felt they were being oppressed and silenced by the feminists. Work on gender in Syria must focus heavily on discourses around gender and sexuality, rather than "quick fixes" which often lead to the reinforcement of gender binaries and create an association between women and domestic roles. Rape and sexual violence are only one manifestation of the way in which the Syrian crisis has impacted Syrian women.
