Carole Salloum, “Akhbar al-Yawm” agency  

Will Women Be Part of the New Government?

No details have emerged from Salam about the upcoming government except for "reform"

As consultations for forming the first government of the new presidential term continue, anticipation is high regarding the ministerial lineup, which is expected to function as a cohesive team to implement the vision outlined in President Joseph Aoun’s inaugural speech. 

It is known that new ministers will enter the "arena of governance" for the first time, though there may be an exception for one or two names. The most likely scenario suggests that this government will consist of 24 ministers, selected based on criteria set by Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam. 

There has been speculation about female representation in the new government, but some have walked back this claim due to the complexities surrounding the cabinet formation process. 

In the outgoing caretaker government of Prime Minister Najib Mikati, female representation was limited to a single minister, Najla Riachi, who previously served as an ambassador. However, in Prime Minister Hassan Diab’s government, the female presence was more significant, with six women serving as ministers: Zeina Akar, Marie-Claude Najm, Lamia Yammine, Manal Abdel Samad, Ghada Chreim, and Vartiné Ohanian. 

In reality, there is no fixed quota for female ministers, and the government could be formed without any female representation. 

So, what’s the truth about female representation in the new government? And why isn't there a dedicated quota for them?

Current information does not suggest a substantial female presence in the cabinet unless circumstances change. So far, most ministerial candidates appear to be men. Meanwhile, no details have emerged from the designated Prime Minister except regarding the government’s shape, which has adopted the slogan of "reform."

However, informed political sources told “Akhbar Al-Yawm” that the cabinet may include more than one woman, based on the principle of the importance of women's participation in governance, a point that Presidents Aoun and Salam have insisted upon. The same criteria apply for their ministership, namely competence, avoiding party affiliations, and not holding a parliamentary position.

These sources also indicate that a few names are already being considered, notably Dr. Rima Karami.   

In parallel, a women’s organization has been compiling lists of academically and financially accomplished female candidates, advocating for their inclusion in high-ranking ministerial positions, with resumes that deserve respect.

Ultimately, women have the right to be represented in the new government, especially if their inclusion serves the country’s reform agenda and institutional development. 

There are numerous women who have made significant contributions across various fields. So why not give them the opportunity, free from political and partisan constraints… While we will not mention specific names, the list is extensive, and what truly matters is ensuring fair and meaningful representation.