In brief
In an exclusive interview, Hind Kabawat discusses her position as a minister of social affairs and labor in Syria's new government, emphasizing the importance of women in leadership roles amid the country's complex sociopolitical landscape post-civil war.
Hind Kabawat, the first and only woman among 23 male ministers in Syria's freshly installed interim government, is eager to bring change. Dressed in a striking white pantsuit, Ms. Kabawat made her presence known during her swearing-in alongside President Ahmed al-Shara, who recently took the helm after leading a successful rebel offensive against Bashar al-Assad's regime."There should be more women," she expressed in a recent interview just days after her appointment. "I conveyed this to the president right away, as it’s essential for me to feel more comfortable in this setting." Appointed as the minister of social affairs and labor, Kabawat's inclusion in the government is seen as a hopeful step forward, both nationally and on an international scale. Her role not only represents women’s voice in the Syrian political sphere but also symbolizes the inclusion of the country’s Christian minority—a demographic that has faced its share of adversities during the conflict.Since his rise to presidency in January, following the ousting of a long-standing dictatorship, President al-Shara has faced immense pressure globally to combat terrorism and moderate his governance. However, with Kuwabat’s pluralistic approach to his cabinet selections, many see an opportunity to bridge gaps between various sects within a war-torn nation.Ms. Kabawat’s credentials are impressive; a daughter of a diplomat and an experienced university educator, she has dedicated years to working with Syrian refugees and contributing to the opposition against the former regime. Despite the challenges ahead in her new role, she expressed commitment to serve the Syrian people and spearhead initiatives that tackle social issues.With her voice now resonating in a space long dominated by men, Hind Kabawat remains optimistic about the impact she can make in Syria’s recovery and future development while striving for a government that embraces diversity and fosters equality.
