Hind Kabawat, dressed in a white pantsuit, made a notable impression as the sole woman among 23 men appointed to the interim Syrian government, recently sworn in under President Ahmed al-Shara. In an interview following her appointment as the minister of social affairs and labor, she expressed the importance of increasing women's representation in the government, highlighting the discomfort of being the only woman in the lineup.
Her appointment has been positively received both domestically and internationally, signifying a move by President al-Shara to include a diverse range of technocrats and representatives from various ethnic and religious minorities in his administration. Al-Shara, who became president in January after a successful rebel offensive against the previous dictatorship, aims to consolidate power while facing international pressure to combat terrorism.
Ms. Kabawat, a university teacher and a daughter of a diplomat, has extensive experience working with Syrian refugees and opposition groups. She voiced her confidence in al-Shara, stating that he is open to listening and discussing issues, which is crucial for governance in a diverse country like Syria.
Prior to her appointment, Kabawat collaborated with al-Shara during his tenure in the rebel-held northwestern province of Idlib. After assuming power, she played a significant role in organizing a national dialogue conference aimed at drafting a new constitution and preparing for elections within five years. She accepted her ministerial role to leverage the opportunity to assist the Syrian populace, despite the challenges posed by the country's economic difficulties.
On her first day in office, she convened a meeting with her department heads, which included former regime bureaucrats and opposition activists, emphasizing the need for trust and cooperation. She aims to transform the ministry into a supportive institution for vulnerable groups rather than one serving a dictatorship.
Ms. Kabawat, who has endured exile since 2011 due to her outspoken views on Syria's multiethnic society, has a strong educational background. She has taught extensively on interfaith dialogue and conflict resolution and co-founded a nonprofit to promote democratic values among Syrians. Notably, she was one of only two women involved in the High Negotiation Committee, a key group representing the Syrian opposition in peace talks.
In her meetings, she has advocated for the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria, arguing that they exacerbate the humanitarian crisis affecting vulnerable populations. She suggested that the Syrian government has met many of the conditions stipulated for easing these sanctions and called for negotiation to resolve outstanding issues. Ms. Kabawat concluded by expressing optimism for moving forward after the ousting of a dictatorship, stressing the necessity of practical governance.