In this compelling video, Muzna Duried, a former Syrian refugee and current Advocacy and Partnership Manager at Noble Women’s Initiative, shares her extraordinary journey from war-torn Syria to a safe haven in Canada. Muzna provides an in-depth analysis of the ongoing conflict in Syria, emphasizing that despite the lack of media coverage, the situation remains dire with ongoing bombings by Russia and the Syrian regime, and the presence of various militias. She explains how Syria is currently divided into three parts, each facing its own unique set of challenges.

Muzna recounts her personal journey to safety, facilitated by the Noble Women’s Initiative's Sister to Sister program, through which she left Turkey for Canada just before the military coup in Turkey. She discusses the difficulties she faced in seeking asylum in Canada and the emotional toll of survivor’s guilt as her family remained under siege in Damascus. Despite these challenges, Muzna has continued her advocacy work, focusing on supporting refugees and mobilizing resources for their aid.

Her activism began during the Syrian uprising in 2011, driven by the injustices her family faced under the regime. She organized protests, ran campaigns to release detained family members, and worked with international human rights organizations. Her efforts extended to women’s rights, launching campaigns to combat forced and child marriages among Syrian refugees and promoting women’s participation in shaping Syria’s future through the Syrian Women’s Political Movement.

Muzna’s humanitarian efforts include collaborating with the White Helmets, a group providing rescue services and documenting atrocities in opposition-held areas of Syria. She now works with the Noble Women’s Initiative, supporting peace efforts and women-led organizations in conflict zones worldwide, from Bangladesh and Yemen to Ukraine and Sudan.

In Canada, Muzna has also been instrumental in shaping refugee policies by participating in the Network for Refugee Voices and the creation of the Refugee Advisory Network Canada (RAN). She emphasizes the importance of including refugee voices in policy discussions and has contributed to seminars and UN meetings advocating for systemic changes.

Muzna reflects on the internal challenges faced by refugees, such as survivor's guilt and balancing life in exile with ongoing mental conflicts. She underscores the importance of small, sustained efforts over time rather than seeking immediate, large-scale changes. Looking ahead, Muzna anticipates further global challenges due to resource scarcity, climate change, and ongoing conflicts, and stresses the importance of collective networking and accumulated knowledge for future advocacy.

Finally, Muzna issues a call to action, encouraging viewers to be active citizens, fight misinformation, support refugee integration, and advocate for human rights.