Context:

Hind Kabawat, the only female minister in Syria's new government, has been appointed as the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, marking a significant step in inclusivity as she represents both women and Syria's Christian minority. Her extensive background as a conflict mediator and her experience with Syrian refugees and opposition to the former dictatorship have equipped her for the challenges ahead, particularly in a virtually bankrupt country. President Ahmed al-Shara, who rose to power after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, has been acknowledged for incorporating diverse voices into his administration, including technocrats and minority representatives, to ensure a more inclusive governance. Kabawat emphasizes the importance of flexibility and dialogue in leadership, advocating for lifting international sanctions on Syria to alleviate the economic hardships faced by its citizens. Despite the daunting task of reforming a sprawling institution, she is determined to use her experience in conflict resolution to serve the Syrian people and leave a positive legacy for future generations.

Dive Deeper:

• Hind Kabawat has been appointed as Syria's Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, making her the only woman in a lineup of 23 ministers, and her role is significant for representing both women and the Christian minority in Syria's government.

• Her appointment is seen as a positive move by President Ahmed al-Shara to diversify his administration beyond rebel fighters by including technocrats and members of ethnic and religious minorities, which has been welcomed domestically and internationally.

• Kabawat's extensive experience includes working with Syrian refugees and opposition groups, as well as teaching interfaith dialogue and conflict resolution, which she aims to apply in reforming the ministry to serve vulnerable populations.

• Despite the challenges of operating in a virtually bankrupt country with an unclear budget and workforce size, Kabawat is focused on fostering cooperation and trust among her team, comprising former regime bureaucrats and opposition activists.

• She has been a vocal advocate for lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria, arguing that the economic restrictions harm Syrian civilians, particularly women and children, and hinder the country's recovery and development.

• Kabawat's past includes living in exile after opposing Bashar al-Assad's regime and advocating for negotiations during the pro-democracy protests, which led to her forced absence from Syria for over a decade.

• Her leadership style emphasizes listening, flexibility, and collaborative problem-solving, and she is committed to leaving a lasting positive impact on Syria's governance, irrespective of her tenure duration in the government.