The Interview Hind Kabawat, Syrian Minister: It's hard to be the only woman, I feel lonely
Jan 30, 2026
Hind Kabawat, Syrian minister for Social Affairs and Labour and former opposition leader and women's empowerment activist, speaks about running ministries amid war-torn recovery. She discusses funding shortfalls, returning refugees and reconstruction, practical support like vocational training and cash aid. She also reflects on being the only woman in cabinet and pushing for greater female representation.
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Funding Shapes Trust And Reconstruction
- Hind explains reconstruction and public trust are entwined with funding and the lifting of sanctions.
- She argues lifting sanctions is a priority because without funding rebuilding and visible results remain impossible.
Teach Skills Before You Build Homes
- Provide vocational training and small cash transfers to jump-start incomes for vulnerable Syrians.
- Use skills training as a shortcut to create livelihoods when large-scale reconstruction funds aren't available.
Speed Is Not The Only Barrier
- Hind rejects claims the government is too slow and stresses rebuilding a destroyed state from zero takes time.
- She highlights mistrust and social fragmentation as major non-financial barriers to progress.