In Northwest Syria, women-led organisations (WLOs) and women’s rights organisations (WROs) have been at the forefront of the humanitarian response for over 13 years, delivering lifesaving assistance to marginalised and underserved communities and disadvantaged and marginalised groups, who often remain invisible to traditional aid distribution channels. Despite numerous challenges—including safety and security risks, limited access to sustainable funding opportunities, and limited representation in decision-making bodies—WLOs and WROs have continued to uphold the principle of “leaving no one behind” through their day-to-day work. Their deep-rooted community presence and extensive on-the-ground experience have made them invaluable contributors to humanitarian efforts.

Since 2021, UNFPA’s cross-border operations have engaged actively with WLOs and WROs, collaborations that have been expanded since 2024. These partnerships have showcased the essential role of WLOs and WROs in reaching women and girls experiencing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, such as persons with disabilities, older women, and widowed or divorced women. By recognising and leveraging their expertise in social justice and gender equality, these organisations have amplified systematic efforts to localise humanitarian response strategies, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need. Furthermore, the enhanced involvement of WLOs and WROs signals a shift from the “business as usual” humanitarian model toward a more progressive, feminist, and sustainable approach—one that fosters resilience and peacebuilding.

To scale up this critical partnership, UNFPA’s cross-border operations in Northwest Syria have created an inclusive and safe forum where WLOs and WROs collaboratively develop key recommendations for future action.

This document showcases the challenges and opportunities that some WLOs and WROs have shared with UNFPA, based on their experience in providing gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in the humanitarian setting in Northwest Syria (NWS). It also provides key recommendations for donors, UN organisations, and international NGOs to support greater involvement and engagement of WLOs and WROs in the humanitarian response, and for WLOs and WROs seeking to enhance their resources and leadership capabilities in order to continue playing a pivotal role.