Syria bars women from defense and security university programs, sparking rights outcry

In October, Syria's education ministry issued admission guidelines that bar women from the majority of courses at the newly created National University of Defense Sciences and the Syrian University for Security Sciences, limiting them to generalist institutions elsewhere. The policy threatens the plans of students such as 23-year-old Lin Najab, who now faces the prospect of moving to another province despite cultural resistance to women living alone.

Critics, including activists Fatoun Kharbatli, Rana al-Ash and the organization Human Rights Watch, argue the rules violate gender equality and international law. Parallel restrictions were imposed on female enrollment at technical institutes in Aleppo, Rmeilan, Homs, Deir el-Zour, Baniyas and Idlib, while some male-only programs were created for traditionally female fields. The changes coincide with recent textbook revisions that removed images of uncovered women and altered dress codes. Observers note the measures reflect a broader trend of limiting women's participation in Syria's security sector.