Thousands of Syrian women work in domestic cleaning under fragile and unsafe conditions. This is mainly because there is no clear legal system that protects their rights or ensures safe and fair working conditions.

Syrian Labor Law No. 17 clearly excludes domestic workers from basic protections. These include minimum wage, working hours, paid leave, end-of-service benefits and social security. As a result, many women, most of whom have only a basic education, are placed in a weak legal and emotional position. They often face exploitation related to wages, long working hours and poor treatment.

Because there are no written contracts, limited oversight and weak legal penalties, many domestic workers cannot claim their rights. Many are afraid to speak about their working conditions due to fear of social stigma or losing their only source of income.

About the “My Right Is in My Hands” Campaign

“My Right Is in My Hands” is a campaign launched by a local Syrian group to support women working in domestic cleaning and to strengthen their legal and social awareness. The campaign focuses on empowering women who support their families by helping them understand their rights and responsibilities under Syrian law. This is done through safe and simple digital tools, as well as in-person awareness sessions that create a safe space for sharing and participation.

Campaign Tools

The campaign uses a set of practical and easy-to-use tools, including:

• Simple awareness content explaining Syrian labor law and how it applies to domestic workers
• Psychological and legal support sessions designed for domestic workers
• Written and visual work contract templates that fit the nature of domestic work and protect both workers and employers
• Individual legal consultations for women facing problems with employers or needing help with negotiation
• A digital platform that allows safe and suitable access for women working in domestic cleaning

Campaign Activities

The campaign began with awareness sessions, referred to as “lectures” rather than “workshops,” to alleviate fear and stress. Initially, many women were hesitant to discuss their work openly. Over time, the sessions became a safe and supportive space where women could share their experiences and concerns.

The early sessions focused on building trust and emotional safety. Women were encouraged to speak freely about their daily challenges at work. The sessions also discussed practical ways to improve working conditions and provided simple legal information to help women protect themselves and negotiate better.

As the sessions continued, the campaign team gained a clearer understanding of the real challenges faced by domestic workers. Based on this learning, the campaign launched an innovative digital platform. The platform helps Syrian domestic workers access clear and simple information about their rights and duties under Syrian labor law.

Using this digital tool helped the campaign overcome common barriers such as limited access, fear of accountability and low legal awareness. The platform offers content that is simple, safe and easy to use. It allows women to learn about their rights privately, without attending physical spaces that may put them at risk. This made the platform a strong tool for legal empowerment and a first step toward women-led efforts to improve working conditions and dignity.

Results

The “My Right Is in My Hands” campaign achieved clear and meaningful change. It increased legal awareness among domestic workers and helped them better understand their basic rights and what should be included in work contracts.

The sessions also provided a safe space for psychological and social support. Many women regained confidence and began to feel that their voices matter and that their rights should be respected.

The campaign also helped build a strong support network among participants. Through shared communication channels, women were able to exchange experiences and ask for help. For the first time, many felt that there was a group that represented their needs and spoke on their behalf.

In November 2025, the campaign published a report of recommendations and proposals. The report documented key lessons, main needs and suggested solutions to improve the situation of Syrian domestic workers.

The report was submitted to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor in the Syrian Arab Republic. After this, work began on reviewing and updating the labor law, taking into account the issues raised in the report.

Why Is This Campaign Innovative?

• It focuses on a highly vulnerable group that is legally and socially marginalized
• It combines legal awareness, psychological support, and digital empowerment
• It uses approaches sensitive to fear and stigma, such as changing “workshops” to “lectures.”
• It relies on safe and accessible tools, which is critical when working with at-risk groups
• It creates a sustainable path through ongoing monthly meetings requested and led by the women themselves