Islamabad, July 14 (SANA) Syrian Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Kabawat said on Monday that Syrian women played a decisive role in preserving the country’s social fabric throughout 14 years of war, describing their resilience as a cornerstone of Syria’s recovery and reconstruction.
Speaking at the Ninth Ministerial Conference on Women of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, Kabawat said Syria, which recently resumed its participation in the OIC after more than a decade of suspension, would not have overcome the war without the determination and leadership of its women.
She said Syrian women became the country’s main source of support when state institutions were unable to reach many communities, managing their households, ensuring their children’s education continued and establishing community initiatives and social support networks.
Kabawat said Syria is seeking an active partnership with the OIC and called for greater cooperation to support women’s empowerment through development and professional initiatives.
She outlined the government’s priorities during the country’s transitional phase following the 2024 liberation, including the establishment of women’s protection units, training police personnel, restoring education and healthcare institutions, expanding vocational training for young people and accelerating digital transformation.
The minister also highlighted legislative reforms aimed at allowing Syrian mothers to pass their nationality to their children, alongside programs to train community leaders to promote social cohesion, peacebuilding and transitional justice.
Kabawat said Syrian women had borne much of the burden of the war while helping preserve the continuity of society, adding that the country’s reconstruction efforts are focused on building institutions that reflect their sacrifices and contributions.
She also pointed to the growing female representation in public life, noting that women now hold senior positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that President Ahmad al-Sharaa recently appointed two women to the Supreme Constitutional Court.
Kabawat said the newly formed People’s Assembly includes 22 women among its 210 members. While acknowledging that the figure falls short of expectations, she said it reflects the increasing role of women in public affairs and decision-making.
The Ninth OIC Ministerial Conference on Women opened in Islamabad on Sunday, bringing together ministers and senior officials from member states to discuss ways to strengthen women’s social, economic and political empowerment and address common challenges facing women across the Islamic world.
RA H / ABD
