Women of Sweida: Women must play an active role in shaping the new Syria
“The nomination of Muhsina Saleh al-Muheithawi for the position of governor in Sweida will pave the way for women to participate in decision-making positions. Women must play an active role in shaping the new Syria.”
ROCHELLE JUNIOR
Sweida- In the Druze majority city of Sweida, a woman named Muhsina Saleh al-Muheithawi has been nominated for the position of governor with the support of political and religious groups. Many think that her nomination is important for women’s political participation in Syria. Women participating in the peaceful protests at the Karama Square think the nomination of a woman for the position of governor in Sweida is first of its kind in Syria.
“Muhsina Saleh al-Muheithawi is one of the women participating in the protests since August 2023,” said Dareen Azzam. “Her nomination is first of its kind in Syria and paves the way for women to participate in decision-making positions.”
In the interview broadcast on the Lebanese channel Al-Jadeed, Obeida Arnaout, Spokesperson for the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), suggested that women’s biological composition made them unsuitable for positions such as Minister of Defense or roles within the judiciary. “His statement was actually a message, saying women would be excluded from politics and public life. His statement sparked protests in Damascus,” said Raja Areej. “We hope the nomination of Muhsina Saleh al-Muheithawi will promote women’s political participation. We also think that Women must play an active role in shaping the new Syria.”
‘She has fought against corruption’
“Muhsina Saleh al-Muheithawi is known for her experience because she served as the head of the Department of Finance in Sweida for years. However, she resigned from her position in 2017 to protest the spread of corruption. She played an important role in fighting corruption by participating in the protests that erupted in Sweida in August 2023.”
‘It will be a unique experience for us’
Lina Abu Hamdan, a lawyer in Sweida, said she supported the nomination of Muhsina Saleh al-Muheithawi. “She is an honest person having experiences. If she becomes the governor of Sweida, it will be a unique experience for us. Her nomination will pave the way for women to participate in decision-making positions.”