The Women’s House, affiliated with the Zenubiya Women’s Community in Raqqa Canton, has become a key social center for resolving family issues. In situations where legal solutions are lacking, the Women’s House serves as a place of resolution. Offering an alternative model to the courts, the Women’s House relies on social dialogue and aims to preserve family unity.

The Women’s House was established at the end of 2017. It consists of three members and one spokesperson. It operates through 17 committees in Raqqa and its countryside. Committees are active in the neighborhoods of Rimelan, Al-Diriya, Al-Mashlab, and Madina; in the southern countryside (Al-Kesrat, Al-Akirshi); in the eastern countryside (five committees); in the western countryside (Al-Khatuniya, Al-Silhebiya); and in the eastern countryside (Al-Hikumiya, Al-Hizma, Al-Asadiya). Each committee consists of two members.

Speaking to ANHA, Newal Al-Jawhar, spokesperson for the Women’s House, stated that the aim of the houses and reconciliation committees is to resolve family issues through dialogue and mutual understanding. She said, “We record the complaints, summon the parties, and initiate dialogue to find a solution that satisfies everyone.”

According to Newal, the most critical issues addressed by the Women’s House are early marriage and drug use. Therefore, they work to raise awareness among all parties about their responsibilities towards the family and children.

A resolution mechanism

Newal Al-Jawhar explained that issues are not always resolved in the first session and that, depending on the situation, a period ranging from one week to one month is granted. During this time, several meetings are held to ease tensions. “With time and support, things improve, and many people abandon decisions they made in anger,” she added.

Not only for women

Newal remarked that the center does not deal exclusively with women’s issues, and that 30 percent of the cases are brought by men who request reconciliation. The Women’s House also handles sensitive matters such as child custody, marital disputes, financial disagreements, and inheritance issues.

Figures and statistics

In the past two years, the Women’s House has received over 2,000 family cases. Around 1,500 of these were resolved peacefully, while 700 cases were referred to the courts.

Newal Al-Jawhar concluded: “Today, women turn to the Women’s House with confidence because they find solutions here that protect their dignity and their families. Our goal is to reach agreements that foster understanding and preserve family unity. Agreement is our principle, and when it is achieved, it is a success for all of us.”