For the first time, Syria’s interim government has appointed a woman to an official position. Aisha al-Dibs has been selected as the head of the Women’s Affairs Office, an appointment that has not only garnered international media attention but has also become a significant development in the framework of the interim government.
Aisha al-Dibs, a human rights and social activist, previously worked in humanitarian aid in Idlib and supported Syrian refugees in Turkey. She now holds one of the most sensitive governmental positions, tasked with enhancing women’s roles within the new governmental structure.
In her first interview after the appointment with Al Jazeera, al-Dibs announced her aim to create equal opportunities for women across all social spheres. She emphasized that women, based on their capabilities, can play a crucial role in Syria’s reconstruction.
Al-Dibs highlighted the upcoming National Future Conference, where women from all Syrian communities and ethnicities will come together to shape the framework of the new government. She described the establishment of the Women’s Affairs Office and her leadership as a clear response to concerns regarding the future of women in Syria.
According to her, this move demonstrates the interim government’s commitment to recognizing women’s positions in decision-making arenas.
Al-Dibs’ appointment comes amid widespread concerns about the future of women’s rights in Syria. The backgrounds of some interim government leaders, including affiliations with groups like Al-Qaeda, had raised fears of policies restricting women’s freedoms being replicated.
Interim government leaders, however, have repeatedly asserted that Syria’s circumstances differ from other countries like Afghanistan. They have stressed that tribal culture does not dominate Syria, and women’s roles in society are undeniable.
Despite these assurances, some analysts argue that this appointment may be more of a strategy to garner international support than a genuine shift in policy.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Syrian citizens participated in demonstrations in Damascus and other areas, demanding secularism, democracy, and the guarantee of women’s rights. Women played an active role in these protests, carrying slogans such as “No nation is free without free women,” delivering a strong message to the interim government.
These demonstrations underscore the expectations of Syrian society, particularly women, that symbolic actions like the appointment of Aisha al-Dibs must translate into tangible changes in laws and governmental structures.
Ultimately, al-Dibs’ appointment as the first woman in an official position in Syria marks a potential turning point. However, its success depends on the genuine implementation of promises and the provision of equal rights for women.
Time will reveal whether this appointment is merely a political tactic to gain international favor or a model for building a new and equitable Syria.
