“As a woman with an education, it is my duty to support women as long as they require it.” – Rasha Alshahad
Meet Rasha Alshahad, a beacon of resilience and compassion in the Syrian revolution. Displaced by the war, she never wavered in her commitment to education. As the founder of SETF’s Tomorrow’s Dawn Women’s Center, she empowers women and girls, offering vocational courses and educational opportunities to rebuild their lives. Rasha’s legacy is a testament to the power of inclusion and the difference one person can make.
On this International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate Rasha and the countless inspiring women who break barriers and pave the way for a more inclusive future by inspiring others to understand the value of women’s inclusion.
Full Story:
In the midst of the Syrian war, a remarkable woman emerged as a symbol of resilience, courage, and inclusion. Rasha Alshahad, born in 1986 in Damascus, exemplified the power of education, compassion, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity.
As a young girl, Rasha’s childhood was filled with the joys of sports and learning. Her passion for knowledge led her to pursue a college education at Damascus University, where she studied various subjects, specializing in Arabic literature. Rasha’s thirst for knowledge was unquenchable, and she never missed a single class throughout her four years of university.
The outbreak of the war in 2011 forced Rasha and her family to flee their home in Damascus. Displaced and surrounded by harsh conditions, Rasha witnessed the devastating impact of the war, particularly on women and children. Determined to make a difference, she began teaching Arabic to children in mosques and later transitioned to teaching in regular schools when they reopened.
However, Rasha’s vision extended beyond education. She recognized the urgent need for a safe space for women affected by the war, particularly widows who had lost their breadwinners. In 2017, Rasha met Natalie Larrison and Mouaz Moustafa, the Syrian Emergency’s Task Force’s Humanitarian Director and Executive Director, who shared her passion for empowering women. Together, they established Tomorrow’s Dawn Women’s Center in northern Idlib Province.
Tomorrow’s Dawn quickly became a beacon of hope for women and girls in the region. The center offers vocational courses for war widows, providing them with skills and opportunities for self-sufficiency. Additionally, secondary students who had missed years of school due to the war could access educational courses, igniting their dreams of a brighter future.
Under Rasha’s dedicated leadership, Tomorrow’s Dawn flourished, impacting the lives of over 200 students each year. From wool workshops to nursing classes, the center provided a diverse range of free courses, empowering women and girls to reclaim their lives and contribute to their communities. Rasha’s unwavering commitment to the center’s mission has benefited over 600 women and girls to date, restoring their hope and confidence.
But Rasha’s impact extended far beyond the walls of Tomorrow’s Dawn. She became a powerful voice in the media, using her platform to raise awareness about the Syrian war and advocate for the rights of her people. Her plea for assistance to the American government resonated deeply, garnering support for the Syrian people. Rasha’s appearances in major news outlets and interviews in podcasts amplified her message and shed light on the struggles faced by Syrians.
In 2023, Rasha faced a new challenge: fighting against the normalization of the Assad regime. As the regime was reaccepted into the Arab League, Rasha vehemently spoke out against the lack of consequences for the regime’s repression and human rights violations. Her unwavering dedication to justice and inclusion fueled her determination to create a free Syria, where all voices are heard and respected.
Rasha Alshahad’s story is a testament to the power of education, compassion, and resilience. She has inspired countless individuals, proving that through education and empowerment, inclusion can be achieved even in the most challenging circumstances. Her legacy continues to inspire and serve as a reminder that every voice matters, and every person has the power to make a difference. On this International Women’s Day, let us celebrate Rasha Alshahad and the many women like her who inspire inclusion and change in the world.
ARTICLES AND VIDEOS THAT FEATURE RASHA:
Video played in Congress —
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/3/shared-with-me
PBS article —
Going Global Podcast —