Hind Kabawat, Syria’s sole female minister, is championing reform and rejecting symbolic roles in the country’s fragile transitional government. As Minister for Social Affairs and Labour, she confronts daunting challenges from sectarian violence to economic collapse while insisting on genuine influence rather than token representation.
Kabawat’s appointment in March 2025 followed President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s rise to power after decades of Assad rule. She brings a background as a lawyer and former opposition figure, now tasked with addressing Syria’s profound social wounds. With 90% of the population in poverty and rebuilding costs estimated at $200 billion, her ministry focuses on the most vulnerable, including orphans, widows, and millions displaced by war.
Her work involves hands-on engagement, such as recent visits to Aleppo to aid those affected by clashes and efforts to deliver assistance in southern regions torn by communal violence. Kabawat emphasizes dialogue as her primary tool, striving to build trust in a society fractured by long-standing dictatorship and conflict. ‘It’s taking time for people to say “we trust you” after 50 years of dictatorship,’ she explains, highlighting the personal connections needed for reconciliation.
A key aspect of her advocacy is increasing women’s participation in governance. In a recent conference in Idlib, she scolded female attendees for not uniting to secure more electoral seats, noting that only 4% of parliamentary positions are held by women. Kabawat encourages strategic political action, insisting that women must occupy decision-making spaces or not be involved at all, reflecting her broader philosophy of independence and empowerment.
Despite her determination, Kabawat faces skepticism from some who view her as a token appointment. She firmly rebuffs this, stating, ‘I don’t feel that I am a Christian or a woman when I do my job. I feel like I am a citizen of Syria.’ Her stance is backed by actions, such as threatening to resign if her autonomy is undermined, particularly regarding the appointment of her deputies.
The minister also addresses international dimensions, calling for united global support while acknowledging domestic hurdles like establishing a new legal system. Donors have expressed concerns over transparency and volatility, exacerbated by regional tensions. Kabawat argues that Syria’s government is working to adapt laws and structures, though progress is slow in a devastated context.
Looking ahead, Kabawat’s role is pivotal in shaping Syria’s post-conflict trajectory. Her efforts to mend community fractures and promote inclusivity, even in conservative areas like Idlib, offer glimpses of potential change. However, the path remains fraught with challenges, from ongoing sectarian strife to economic dependency on foreign aid. Her resilience, coupled with calls for more female representation, may inspire broader societal shifts in a nation yearning for stability and renewal.
