Maysaa Sabrine makes history as Syria's first female central bank governor
- Maysaa Sabrine has been appointed as the governor of the Central Bank of Syria, making history as the first woman in this role.
- Her appointment comes after significant political shifts in Syria and ongoing challenges such as poverty affecting a large portion of the population.
- Many view Sabrine's leadership as a potential sign of progress toward inclusive governance in a country recovering from years of conflict.
Syria recently appointed Maysaa Sabrine as the new governor of its Central Bank, marking a historic milestone as she is the first woman to hold this position in the bank's 70-year history. The appointment comes in the wake of a leadership change following the ousting of former dictator Bashar al-Assad, which has led to significant economic turmoil in the country. Currently, approximately 70% of Syria's population lives in poverty amidst ongoing Western sanctions and the impacts of a debilitating civil war that began in 2011. Maysaa Sabrine, who has a master’s degree in accounting, previously served in senior roles within the Central Bank, including as first deputy governor. Her experience is expected to be crucial as she steps into this challenging role where she will oversee monetary policy and manage the national currency amid desperate economic conditions that have left many Syrians struggling to meet basic needs. The country's new leaders, including de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aim to shift towards a more free-market economy, despite significant hurdles posed by ongoing sanctions. The change in leadership is part of a broader strategy by new authorities to project a more inclusive image, with promises of representation from diverse ethnic and religious groups, including women. In addition, Sharaa highlighted a different approach to governance compared to hardline regimes such as the Taliban in Afghanistan, emphasizing educational access for women in regions under their control. He noted that over 60% of university students in Idlib are female, showcasing a potential shift in cultural norms. As Sabrine prepares to lead the Central Bank, she faces the formidable task of rebuilding Syria’s economy, which has significantly deteriorated due to years of war and sanctions. Her appointment might be seen as a positive move towards inclusive governance at a time when the nation is in dire need of stability and economic revitalization. The appointments have been watched closely by the international community, with hopes that changes in leadership can pave the way for lifting sanctions and creating a more stable and prosperous Syrian society.