Syria: New Interim govt appoints first female head of women’s affairs

The Syrian Interim Government has appointed Aisha Al-Dabbs as the first woman to head women’s affairs. Al-Dabbs, a prominent civil society figure and humanitarian advocate, brings her expertise and passion for equality to a position that holds great significance for Syrian women during this transitional period.

In a statement following her appointment, Al-Dabbs said, “This is not just about me. This is about the women of Syria—those who have endured the unthinkable and still stand strong. My mission is to ensure their voices are heard and their contributions are valued.” She vowed to champion women’s participation in all facets of society, adding, “We must recognize that the strength of our nation lies in the diversity and capabilities of all its people, including women.”

The Political Affairs Directorate, which announced her appointment, highlighted her role as the sole female figure in the new government. “Aisha Al-Dabbs will focus on rights, cultural, social, and political issues affecting Syrian women,” the Directorate said in a statement, emphasizing the symbolic importance of her leadership in an otherwise male-dominated cabinet.

Al-Dabbs addressed skepticism about the government’s stance on women’s rights, stating, “The creation of this office and my appointment to it are a direct answer to those who doubted the commitment of this government to women’s inclusion. Women are not an afterthought—they are a foundation.”

Her vision for inclusivity extends across ethnic and provincial lines. “This is a new era for Syria, and every woman, regardless of where she comes from or her background, will have a place in this government’s vision for the future,” she said in an interview with *Al Jazeera*. She confirmed plans for a national conference where women from all regions will actively contribute to shaping the new governance framework.

The appointment has drawn international attention, with observers contrasting it against concerns about the new leadership’s ideological roots. Some worry that the interim government, given its ties to groups with extremist pasts, might eventually curtail women’s rights. Addressing these fears, Al-Dabbs stated, “I understand the doubts, but we are determined to prove through actions that this government values women not just as symbols but as active participants in decision-making.”

Aisha Al-Dabbs’ own social media posts have long reflected her belief in the pivotal role of women in Syria’s recovery. Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, she wrote, “Syrian women must not only witness the rebuilding of our nation but must lead it. Their courage and resilience are unmatched.”

Her appointment has been met with mixed reactions domestically. Some activists celebrated the move as a breakthrough. “For the first time, I feel like we’re being seen,” said Rasha, a women’s rights advocate from Aleppo. Others remain cautious. “This is a positive step, but one role isn’t enough. Women must be represented in every sector,” said Lina, a lawyer based in Damascus.

Al-Dabbs has also hinted at the challenges of navigating the political contradictions within the government. While there are calls for progress, traditional mindsets remain a barrier. “There are areas where we will push forward, but there are also areas where we must take gradual steps to bring people along,” she said.

Despite the hurdles, Al-Dabbs remains optimistic. “Syria has suffered too long to exclude half its population from rebuilding the country. Together, men and women will restore Syria to its rightful place on the global stage,” she said.

Her appointment signals a step forward in the fight for gender equality in Syria, but as Al-Dabbs herself noted, “This is just the beginning. Real progress will come when women are not just represented but empowered to lead.”