Lebanese women welcome the appointment of a woman as minister of the interior

Lebanon has named the first female minister of the interior of the Arab world in her new government, opening the door to women on the male-dominated political scene.

Raya al-Hassan is one of four women in the ministerial portfolios of the new government, more than ever in Lebanon, and three more women ministers than in the previous government, whose men have filled all the portfolios, including the Minister of Status of Women.

Although Raya has already held leadership positions, including that of finance minister in 2009-2011, her appointment as head of the Ministry of the Interior has been widely hailed as a breakthrough for women in politics Lebanese.

"I've been appointed premier of the Interior," she said. "I think not only in Lebanon, but even in the Arab world, it's a source of pride for all women and people who believe in their abilities."

"Many women have held the position of Minister of the Interior or Defense in the world and have proven their worth, which seems to be a new phenomenon for Lebanon and the Arab countries, and God willing, repeats itself, "said the president.

The other three government ministers, made up of 30 ministers, are responsible for the Ministries of Energy, Administrative Development and Economic Empowerment of Women and Youth.

Although Lebanon is widely considered liberal by regional standards, with women playing a leading role in public life, some of its laws continue to maintain the dominant social order.

Many Lebanese civil laws, including personal status issues such as marriage, divorce and inheritance, are enforced in accordance with the religious community. In some cases, women are treated differently from men and in Lebanon from 17 recognized Muslim and Christian communities.

In 2017, Parliament repealed an old law that exempted male rapists from marrying their victims, but marital rape and child marriage were still not considered to be against the law.

"You can not follow the international community and say that you are a civilized country, while the world is moving towards gender equality and that Lebanon still lives in the old male mind," he said. May Chidiac, new Minister of State in charge of Administrative Development.

Violett Safadi, Minister of State for Women and Youth Economic Empowerment, said greater representation of women in the government allowed them to break the fence.