تطورات جديدة من وكالة أنباء عُمان: رؤى رئيسية للمستثمرين ورجال الأعمال في عُمان
Women’s Bulletin from the National Media Agency: A Focus on Women’s Issues in Arab News Agencies
Lebanese Women as the Phoenix: They have faced the harsh challenges of war, endured violence, and are now rising amidst crises while awaiting fair legislations.
Beirut, July 11 – Lebanese women encountered severe challenges during the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025. From October 2023 to late November 2024, Lebanon experienced intensified Israeli hostilities, resulting in casualties and mass displacement, exacerbating social and economic vulnerabilities among the population.
During these turbulent times, women suffered from a lack of essential services and faced violence while lacking access to healthcare and psychological support. Despite these hardships, they took a proactive role in humanitarian efforts, strengthening community ties and contributing to the rebuilding process, which earned them the description of a “Phoenix.”
The resilience, strength, and leadership of Lebanese women during the war have been remarkable. However, their efforts require acknowledgment and the removal of barriers limiting their participation in decision-making to unlock their potential in future recovery efforts.
Despite some positive developments and equal civil rights with men, women in Lebanon still confront significant challenges. Their participation in the workforce is low, facing issues like wage and employment discrimination, particularly amid ongoing economic crises. Furthermore, domestic violence and sexual harassment remain pressing issues, despite some legislative efforts to combat these problems.
In response, a vigorous women’s movement has emerged, seeking greater equality and justice, which has led to the introduction of new laws aimed at protecting women from domestic violence and sexual harassment, although implementation challenges persist.
Addressing Challenges: Naamat Aoun assumes leadership of the National Commission for Lebanese Women, emphasizing the commitment to continuing reforms and awareness initiatives regarding women’s rights.
During the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York, she expressed hope that women would have significant representation in upcoming government appointments, presenting a real opportunity to strengthen their positions in decision-making roles. Aoun also urged the UN to support Lebanon in removing barriers facing women and girls, aspiring to restore Lebanon’s pioneering role in gender equality in the Middle East.
In the inaugural meeting of the National Commission for Women, Aoun reaffirmed the necessity to build upon achievements and protect women’s rights in Lebanon. She highlighted the pivotal role of the Commission in coordinating policies and supporting national initiatives to ensure impactful changes in women’s and human rights.
Strategic Initiatives: Amid preparations for the 2025 municipal elections, the UN Development Programme, UN Women, and the “Fifty-Fifty” organization, supported by the Canadian government, signed the “Salma” (Together for Equality) agreement in Beirut. This initiative aims to enhance women’s representation in municipal councils, striving for at least 30% female representation. It also encourages elected members to ensure gender parity in mayoral and deputy mayoral positions.
This agreement has garnered widespread support, with 105 stakeholders signing on, reflecting growing momentum toward achieving gender equality in local governance. The Lebanese Ministry of Interior announced women’s winning percentages in the 2025 elections, revealing significant disparities in their representation across local councils and positions. Official statistics show that women won 16.40% of elective positions, the highest proportion compared to other roles, with 10.37% in municipal councils, while representation in the municipal heads remains low at 2.42%.
A Continued Struggle: Lebanese women have consistently been at the forefront during crises, serving as leaders, first responders, and peacebuilders. Yet, they remain excluded from crucial decisions affecting their lives and futures. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a key to achieving a more just Lebanon. Despite ongoing challenges, there are continuous efforts to enhance women’s status in Lebanon, necessitating further legislative and community work to pave the way for a more equitable future.
تحليل خاص من عمانت | تصفح سوق عُمان
The ongoing challenges faced by Lebanese women underline significant opportunities for businesses in Oman to invest in gender-inclusive initiatives. Smart investors should recognize that empowering women not only enhances workforce participation but also mitigates existing economic vulnerabilities. As stakeholders engage in systemic changes, entrepreneurs should prioritize initiatives that promote gender equality, potentially positioning themselves as leaders in an emerging socially responsible market.
المصدر: أخبار عُمان
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