All-women's cafe in opposition-held Idlib stirs controversy
Syria’s northwestern city of Idlib, which is under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, witnessed the opening of its first female coffee shop in what some deemed a type of discrimination against women. Others saw it as an outlet for women to escape the prevailing patriarchy in the Syrian opposition areas.
A coffee shop dedicated to women opened in Syria’s northwestern province of Idlib on May 8 with only female workers, waitresses and female clients allowed in.
The opening of the coffee shop sparked controversy on social media outlets among the Syrian opposition. While some lauded the concept, others dismissed it as a step that could empower women.
Many social media users praised the idea and said it gives women a safe space in a conservative society, as it contributes to combating harassment and avoiding dirty looks in public markets and cafes.
Other more radical Syrians attacked this step and called for closure of the cafe, arguing that it contributes to abandoning the veil and disrespecting Islamic law and comes in defiance of society.
