Zeina Akar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Zeina Akar
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زينة عكر
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Akar in 2021
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| Deputy Prime Minister of Lebanon | |
| In office 21 January 2020 – 10 September 2021 |
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| President | Michel Aoun |
| Prime Minister | Hassan Diab |
| Preceded by | Ghassan Hasbani |
| Succeeded by | Saadeh Al Shami |
| Minister of Defence | |
| In office 21 January 2020 – 10 September 2021 |
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| President | Michel Aoun |
| Prime Minister | Hassan Diab |
| Preceded by | Elias Bou Saab |
| Succeeded by | Maurice Sleem |
| Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants | |
| In office Ad interim 19 May 2021 – 10 September 2021 |
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| President | Michel Aoun |
| Prime Minister | Hassan Diab |
| Preceded by | Charbel Wehbe |
| Succeeded by | Abdallah Bou Habib |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1964 (age 60–61) Koura, Lebanon |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse | Jawad Adra |
| Alma mater | Lebanese American University |
| Religion | Greek Orthodox |
Zeina Akar (born around 1964) is a politician from Lebanon. She served as the country's Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister from January 2020 to September 2021. She made history as the first woman to be a defence minister in any Arab country.
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Early Life and Education
Zeina Akar was born in Koura, Lebanon. She studied at the Lebanese American University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in marketing and management.
Helping Her Community
In 1998, Zeina Akar and her husband started a group called the Social and Cultural Development Association (INMA). This group is a non-profit organization (NGO). Its goal is to provide help with education, health, and money matters in Kefraya and other parts of Lebanon. She also worked as the executive director for "Information International," a company that does research and offers advice. Her husband founded this company.
Political Career and Achievements
In January 2020, Zeina Akar was chosen to be the Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. She was one of six women appointed to the new government, which had twenty members. This government was led by Prime Minister Hassan Diab.
A Historic Role
Her appointment was very important because she became the first woman to hold the position of defence minister in Lebanon. She was also the first female defence minister in the entire Arab world. Even though she did not have a military background, she was praised for her excellent management and organizational skills.
Working for the People
When she took office on January 23, 2020, Akar spoke about the importance of people's right to protest. She also talked about the government's duty to work for the good of its citizens. She stated that her main goal was to fight against corruption. She asked people to observe her actions before judging her.
After a large explosion happened in Beirut on August 4, 2020, Prime Minister Hassan Diab's government resigned on August 10. Zeina Akar continued to manage her ministries until a new government was formed.
Personal Life
Zeina Akar is a member of the Greek Orthodox faith. She is married to Jawad Adra, who is a businessman. He runs one of the biggest research companies in Lebanon. Together, they built the Nabu Museum, which displays many old objects from his personal collection. They were married in Cyprus.
See also
- In Spanish: Zeina Akar para niños
