This past month, I had the honor of attending the “3es Assises de la Coopération Franco-Libanaise” conference that took place in Carcasonne, France. In the presence of many prominent mayors and presidents of federations from Lebanon and France, several meetings were held to strengthen the cooperation and ties that already exist between the two countries that have interwoven histories over the course of decades.

For a period of two days, I had the privilege of meeting with various leaders of local communities and learning about their plans for their prospective municipalities. What I truly cherished about this conference above all, was the opportunity of meeting Mrs. Raya El Hassan, Lebanese Minister of Interior and Municipalities.

 

I have been following Minister El Hassan’s career via local news and social media for quite some time, but in all honesty, nothing prepared me for the magnificent woman I met face to face. People say that you do not really know a person until you have spent a significant amount of time with them. Well, contrary to what they say, from the little interaction I had with Mrs. El Hassan, I was able to touch on several attributes and characteristics that she possesses…attributes that I am certain were important factors that have won her the reputable ministries of Finance in the past, and more recently the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities. 

 

An Example to Follow
A woman of strong character and appeal, yet exuding warmth towards those she meets, Mrs. El Hassan is modest, transparent, and a great listener to those she converses with. A woman with strong values and sustainable culture, it was an honor to have met and sat with her, seen how interactive and close she was to all attendees at the conference.

Since my return from the conference, I frequently visit Minister El Hassan’s Facebook page, and now when I scroll through it, I do not only see the strong female politician who has gone where no other Lebanese woman minister has gone… I now see the compassionate mother, wife, and friend of the people.

As such, I hope I will get the chance to cross paths with Minister El Hassan again in the future, as she is truly a remarkable and impressive Lebanese woman and politician, who should be an example for other Arab women in general, and Lebanese women in particular, to emulate.