The United Nations Celebrates Women Leaders of Change in Lebanon on International Women’s Day
On March 8, International Women’s Day, the United Nations honors women who are on the frontline of their fight against COVID-19.
Today, on International Women’s Day, the UN pays tribute to the countless women in Lebanon, striving in their communities to combat the far-reaching impacts of COVID-19, its health, economic and social effects on the country. While trying to mitigate the effects of this deadly pandemic, these women are working to build a future of equality, rights, and opportunities for all, as health care workers, caregivers, innovators, and community organizers. Today, we shine a spotlight on some of these women leaders actively working for social and political change, in a country that too often fails to recognize their important contributions.
In 2021, to recognize International Women’s Day, the United Nations System in Lebanon, coordinated by UN Women, funded by the United Kingdom Government and in collaboration with the Arab Institute for Women at the Lebanese American University (LAU), comes together around a joint campaign building on the global theme, Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.
Dr. Martin Longden Chargé D’affaires, of the British embassy in Beirut, said “On International Women’s Day, the UK celebrates the achievements of the women of Lebanon. This has been a desperately tough year here, with women bearing much of the brunt of the pressures – as they seek to protect their families, communities, and country from the tumult. But crises also present opportunities for change; and it’s time for meaningful action to reduce gender inequalities and unleash the full potential of Lebanon’s extraordinary women.’
The campaign, conceived around combating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and Lebanon’s compounded crises, includes a map of Lebanon showcasing female community leaders who are responding to the multiple crises facing the country. The map will remain as a permanent feature on the website of the UN in Lebanon. In parallel, a social media campaign will run from 8 to 14 March on the social platforms of the UN agencies in Lebanon. The campaign will also include Arabic and English social media cards and stories of women leaders in Lebanon.