THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN LEBANON - Sara Aoun

Lebanon, a small Mediterranean nation with a rich cultural tapestry, has a history that is deeply entwined with the contributions of its women. In recent decades, the role of women in #Lebanon has evolved significantly, reflecting broader social and cultural shifts. In our #organization Dawn of Right, 4/5 of the administration council are women. This article explores the multifaceted role of #women in Lebanon, considering both historical context and contemporary developments, while acknowledging the unique challenges and opportunities they face as well as their role in the legal filed and public sector.

I. THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE LEBANESE SOCIETY

A. Historical Perspective and The Changing Landscape

Lebanon's history is replete with strong, influential women who have played pivotal roles in shaping the nation's identity. It was the women of Lebanon who actively participated in the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), defending their communities and maintaining a sense of normalcy amid chaos. In this period, many women assumed leadership roles in their families, businesses, and communities. Traditionally, Lebanon has had a mixed record when it comes to women's rights. While women have had legal rights such as voting since the 1950s and were encouraged to pursue education and work, traditional gender roles persisted. The societal expectation for women to balance career with family responsibilities often led to their underrepresentation in politics and corporate leadership. However, Over the past few decades, Lebanese women have made significant strides in breaking down traditional gender norms. They have entered various professional fields, including #medicine, #law, #engineering, and #business, often earning advanced degrees. However, women in Lebanon continue to face challenges such as wage disparities and glass ceilings in corporate and #political spheres. In 2020, Lebanon appointed its first female Minister of Interior, Raya Haffar El Hassan, a testament to the growing recognition of women's capabilities and leadership in high-stakes #government roles. Women have also played a vital role in civil society and humanitarian efforts, particularly in the aftermath of the Beirut explosion in August 2020.

B. Challenges and Women’s Resilience

Despite the progress, Lebanese women face numerous challenges. One significant issue is domestic violence, which has escalated in the wake of economic and political crises. NGOs and activists have been working tirelessly to raise awareness and provide support for survivors. Additionally, the economic challenges in Lebanon have had a disproportionate impact on women. Inflation, unemployment, and a crumbling healthcare system have placed an immense burden on women who are often the primary caregivers in their families. Despite all these challenges, Lebanese women have shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. They are actively participating in protests, advocating for political change, and amplifying their voices on social media. Organizations like The Lebanese Women's Network have been instrumental in promoting women's rights and gender equality. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of women in healthcare and caregiving. Lebanese women in the medical field, including doctors, nurses, and researchers, have been at the forefront of the fight against the virus. Also, our organization Dawn of Right is participating but also organizing awareness campaigns about #gender equality and strengthen the role of women in #society.

II. THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE LEGAL FIELD AND PUBLIC SECTOR

A. Women in the Legal Field

The legal field in Lebanon has witnessed a noteworthy increase in the participation of women. Historically, the sector was male-dominated, reflecting a pattern seen in many parts of the world. However, over the past few decades, Lebanese women have broken barriers and entered this arena in significant numbers. Lebanese women have made substantial inroads into legal #education. They now constitute a significant portion of law school graduates, demonstrating their commitment to pursuing careers in the legal field. Many Lebanese women have successfully established themselves as lawyers, working in various legal specializations, including civil, criminal, corporate, and human rights law. They provide legal counsel to clients, organizations, and individuals, contributing to the country's legal framework. The inclusion of women in the judiciary is a notable achievement. Lebanon has seen the appointment of female judges, with women presiding over various legal matters, thereby ensuring that women's perspectives are heard in legal decisions.

B. Women in the Public Sector

Women in Lebanon have played a crucial role in the country's public sector. They have actively engaged in various government positions, both elected and appointed, advocating for policies and reforms that promote gender equality, #human rights, and economic development. Firstly, in Political Representation, despite facing challenges, women in Lebanon have broken through in the realm of politics. Lebanese women have been elected to the parliament and have served in municipal councils. Their involvement is pivotal in advocating for women's rights and gender-sensitive policies. Secondly, Lebanese women have taken on significant roles within government administration. They work as civil servants, policy advisors, and administrators, contributing to public service and governance at various levels. Thirdly, Lebanon's diplomatic corps has also seen increased participation from women. Female diplomats represent Lebanon on the international stage, working to address global issues, foster #diplomatic relationships, and promote the country's interests abroad. Finally, both men and women in Lebanon are eligible for military service, and there are women serving in various branches of the Lebanese Armed Forces. Women in the Lebanese #military have been serving in a variety of roles, including administrative and support positions. There have been efforts to expand the roles available to women, but there may still be limitations on certain combat roles.

The role of women in Lebanon is dynamic, reflecting the nation's historical legacy and its evolving socio-cultural landscape. While progress has been made, challenges remain. Lebanon's women have proven to be a driving force behind societal resilience, highlighting the importance of their continued empowerment and the promotion of gender equality. As the nation works towards political and economic stability, acknowledging the vital contributions of Lebanese women is essential to building a more inclusive and prosperous future for all. The increasing presence of women in Lebanon's legal field and public sector is a positive development for the country. It reflects the nation's commitment to gender equality and inclusive governance. While challenges persist, the determination and resilience of Lebanese women in these domains continue to shape the legal landscape and public policy in ways that are more equitable and responsive to the diverse needs of the population. The empowerment of women in these sectors is not only a significant step towards gender equality but also a vital component of Lebanon's progress and development.