According to Hind Kabawat, her initial inquiry upon taking office was about the underrepresentation of women, prompting her to ask, "Why are there no more women?"

As Syria's sole female minister, responsible for social affairs and labour, Kabawat holds a unique position within the transitional government, which is working to guide the country through its difficult transition from conflict to peace.

The early months of the transitional government have been marked by sectarian violence, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives, with many minority communities in Syria attributing the violence to government forces.

Kabawat, formerly an opposition leader in exile, acknowledges that the government has made errors since President Ahmed al-Sharaa's rebel forces took control of the capital on 8 December 2024, bringing an end to the Assad family's decades-long dictatorship.

Kabawat downplays these mistakes, saying they are an inevitable part of the transition process, and that "mistakes happen in transition" is a reality the government must confront.

According to Kabawat, a key error by the president has been the lack of female representation in his cabinet, although he has reportedly informed her that additional appointments are forthcoming.

Kabawat's role in the cabinet, which comprises primarily close associates and former fighters, presents a difficult balancing act.

As part of a special report for the BBC's Global Women, we accompanied Kabawat and observed firsthand her extensive files on Syria's most at-risk populations, including orphaned children, widows, and families of the tens of thousands who vanished under Assad's rule.

Other critical issues that require attention include generating employment opportunities and providing housing for the millions uprooted by nearly 14 years of conflict, as well as alleviating the hardship faced by those fleeing recent communal clashes.

In a country beset by crisis and economic hardship, the sense of urgency is pervasive; the United Nations reports that 90% of the Syrian population lives below the poverty line.

Following a surge in violence between government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in early January, Kabawat traveled to Aleppo to assess the situation in shelters that were providing refuge to thousands of displaced individuals.

During the previous summer, Kabawat attempted to deliver aid to a city in southern Syria that had been affected by sectarian clashes involving Druze, Bedouin, and government forces, resulting in significant loss of life.

Kabawat also extended support to the family of an Alawite woman, a member of the same Shia sect as the Assad family, who alleged that she had been raped by armed men wearing military uniforms.

Some critics argue that Kabawat has not done enough to address the deep-seated divisions within Syria's diverse communities.

When questioned about potential government missteps in responding to sectarian violence, Kabawat acknowledged that errors can occur during times of transition and post-conflict, stating that such mistakes are regrettable and acknowledged by the president himself.

She notes that an investigation was established, resulting in the imprisonment of many individuals responsible for those crimes.

Kabawat's professional career has been marked by a pursuit of understanding the foundations of trust and peace. With a diverse educational background that spans universities in Syria, Lebanon, Canada, and the United States, she has established herself as a skilled lawyer and negotiator, having held a key position in the Syrian opposition in exile during the civil war.

In her approach, Kabawat relies heavily on the power of conversation as a means to achieve her goals.

"Regaining trust after 50 years of authoritarian rule is a time-consuming process," she observes, highlighting the importance of fostering trust both between the government and its citizens, as well as among the population at large.

Accompanying her on a visit to Idlib, the provincial capital in northwestern Syria and former stronghold of the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by Sharaa.

During the civil war, she was actively involved with Tastakel, an organization she established that translates to "becoming independent" in Arabic, reflecting her vision for a newly emerging Syria.

A diverse group of Syrians, including women and men of various ages, have assembled in a crowded, well-lit hall to mark the end of the old regime and discuss ways to enhance women's participation in decision-making at all levels.

According to Kabawat, the key to progress lies in assuming responsibility.

The recent indirect elections for the transitional parliament, also known as the People's Assembly, yielded disappointing results for women in Idlib, with no female candidates securing seats; overall, women accounted for only 4% of the elected representatives.

Kabawat addresses the women, stating, "You should have presented a united front and adopted a more strategic approach to ensure at least one or two women were elected," emphasizing the importance of effective political strategy.

The gathering of articulate women, dressed in various forms of attire, including headscarves, veils, and some without, showcased the diversity of Syrian women, with Kabawat being one of them.

Syria has long been characterized by its multicultural and traditional society, comprising a diverse range of customs and practices. Although there were initial concerns about the potential imposition of stricter Islamist laws by Sharaa and his supporters, who follow a strict Sunni Islamic ideology, these concerns have largely not come to fruition, yet some individuals remain apprehensive.

Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda commander who now leads an Islamist rebel group, has traded his military uniform for a Western-style suit, presenting himself as a pragmatic leader.

According to Kabawat, during the announcement of his government in March of the previous year, the president informed her that more female appointments would be made, saying, "It's coming, we are in transition."

Kabawat strongly disagrees with the notion that she serves as a symbolic female figure in the president's administration, dismissing such suggestions outright.

In a statement of determination, she asserts that her professional identity is not defined by her religion or gender. Instead, she identifies as a Syrian citizen, emphasizing that recognizing herself as a minority or a woman would undermine her authority.

A notable shift in societal dynamics is evident at the Idlib conference, where a group of young women, all former students of Kabawat's Tastakel classes, gather around her with enthusiasm, eager to engage in conversation.

One of the women, Siwar, explains that they are working to put into practice the principles Kabawat taught them, while also seeking to expand their knowledge and skills in preparation for future challenges.

Kabawat expresses her approval as another student, Ghufran, gestures emphatically, stating that they aim to either hold positions of decision-making power or decline to participate altogether.

In Idlib, a region known for its conservative values, women from an older generation have taken on key roles in civil society during the conflict, demonstrating a precedent for female leadership.

Ahlam al-Rasheed, a softly spoken individual with a confident demeanor, currently holds the position of director of social affairs within the provincial government.

In 2017, her efforts to promote women's rights earned her a spot on the BBC's list of 100 notable women, a recognition that highlighted her dedication to the cause.

According to al-Rasheed, during the civil war, women played a pivotal role in various sectors, including politics, humanitarian aid, education, and healthcare, often serving as the primary earners for their families.

A visit to a makeshift camp on the outskirts of the city reveals the harsh conditions that al-Rasheed identifies as a major obstacle for Syrian women, underscoring the severity of their situation.

This camp, along with numerous others throughout the country, is home to millions of Syrians who remain displaced, their homes still in a state of destruction.

Upon arrival, Kabawat exchanges brief greetings with the men waiting to meet her, before turning her attention to a group of children and women, many of whom are dressed in traditional black attire. Her wool cap, covering her honey-brown hair, appears to be a considerate touch, acknowledging both the winter chill and local customs.

Inside a tent serving as a mosque, Kabawat sits among a gathering of women, including numerous widows, who share their struggles with poverty and hardship, emphasizing their need for support.

Kabawat poses a question to the group, inquiring about interest in learning handicraft skills for international sale, and is met with an enthusiastic response, as many hands are raised in interest.

Kabawat then departs, leading a procession of children in a playful "choo-choo train" formation, bringing moments of joy and levity to the scene, although the community's deeper needs remain unaddressed.

In a later conversation, I inquire about Kabawat's response to a man who expressed frustration about his ongoing struggles, despite his efforts in the opposition movement, and his current living situation in a tent.

She acknowledges the concerns, stating that she understands the urgency of the situation and emphasizes the necessity of a collective response from the global community to address the issues at hand.

It is noted that international donors are calling for the government to accelerate its efforts in establishing a new legal framework and increasing transparency.

In response, she counters that the country was left in a state of devastation, and the process of rebuilding and introducing new laws is a time-consuming endeavor, given the circumstances.

When questioned about allegations that Sharaa's inner circle is forming a parallel government by limiting ministers' authority to select their own deputies, her response becomes more forceful.

She asserts that she will not remain in her position if she is unable to appoint her own deputy or develop her own strategy, emphasizing her independence and autonomy in decision-making.

According to Sharaa, a sole reliance on one entity is not viable. She emphasizes that for the government to be effective, it must be inclusive and representative of a broad spectrum of the population, as the current situation is unsustainable.

In the post-Assad era, Syria has received substantial financial assistance, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, from a multitude of countries.

The United States, with the direct support of President Donald Trump, has played a key role in alleviating severe economic sanctions.

However, the World Bank has estimated that the cost of rebuilding Syria's devastated infrastructure will be at least $200bn (£145bn). Some potential donors are exercising caution due to the country's unstable environment and the broader regional volatility, which has been further complicated by Israel's recurring military strikes against its neighbor.

Israel maintains that its actions are a response to perceived security threats posed by armed groups operating within Syria.

In the midst of Kabawat's elegantly decorated living room, surrounded by family photos and the new Syrian flag, her composed demeanor momentarily falters.

Kabawat's voice cracks as she acknowledges the plight of those around her, saying, "I am deeply affected by the people's suffering and feel a sense of responsibility for their hardships." She reveals that her doubts surface when she feels ill-equipped to provide assistance, prompting her to question her decisions.

The sound of movement outside the door signals the arrival of another group awaiting an audience with her.

With renewed determination, Kabawat declares, "Khalas, no more tears." She steels herself for another day of work, leaving her emotions aside.