On the first day, I asked 'why are there no more women? says Hind Kabawat, Syria's minister for social affairs and labour, embodying the changing tides within the nation’s transitional government.
As the only female minister, Kabawat faces the difficult task of navigating a government that is reeling from sectarian violence while working to rebuild a society shattered by years of conflict.
Despite the challenges presented by the legacy of President Bashar al-Assad and ongoing accusations of government missteps, Kabawat strives to highlight the role of women in governance, calling for more female appointments in the cabinet.
With a sharp eye toward community inclusivity, she advocates for dialogue and understanding among Syria's diverse populations, emphasizing the importance of regaining trust as a fundamental step towards lasting peace.
Mistakes happen in transition, she acknowledges while outlining her mission to create jobs and support vulnerable populations, including orphans and widows.
On a journey across Syria, from Aleppo to Idlib, Kabawat engages with citizens—listening to their plight and seeking ways to empower them through education and job creation in a country where 90% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Despite her determination, Kabawat is realistic about the challenges she faces in a society marked by the scars of war and political turbulence. Yet, she remains resolute: I won’t be here if I can’t appoint my own deputy and create my strategy, she asserts, underscoring her commitment to maintaining her autonomy in the ever-changing political landscape.
