Invest in Women to Accelerate Progress

Beirut, Lebanon – 8 March 2024 – International Women's Day (United Nations) – Today on 8 March, International Women’s Day, the United Nations rallies behind the call to “Invest in women: Accelerate progress”, aligned with the priority theme for the upcoming 68th Commission on the Status of Women CSW68.

The world today is at a crucial crossroad for gender equality. With increasing conflicts, climate change and polarizing societies, standing up for women’s rights is more important than ever. From Gaza to Ukraine, Sudan or Afghanistan, the number of women and girls living in conflict-affected places currently amounts to over 614 million.^[1] The number of women living in conflict-affected settings has increased by 50% since 2017.^[2]

In Lebanon, since 8 October 2023, the spillover effects of the exchange of fire at the southern border has led to killing and injuring of civilians, including women, children, and media personnel and the internal displacement of over 91,288 residents^[3] until 29 February 2024.

According UN Women’s Gender Alert on the conflict in South Lebanon, the conflict is having a variety of effects on the lives of women and girls. These include socioeconomic hardship, emotional distress, safety concerns and frustrations with inadequate support systems. Despite many challenges, women’s rights organizations are getting involved, and local women are contributing by providing essential assistance and participating in local emergency coordination and planning.

On International Women's Day 2024, through the #InvestInWomen #الاستثمار-في-المرأة campaign, the United Nations in Lebanon is putting a spotlight on the situation of women and girls across Lebanon.

The communications campaign coordinated by UN Women, kicks off on 8 March, with social media assets and a video on the social media platforms of the UN agencies in Lebanon.

“Investing in women and girls means offering them equal rights and opportunities to develop their full potential and the space to use this in the service of the country. Lebanon cannot build a better and stable future without the full contribution of its women in all fields and sectors,” said UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka.

“Investing in women is not just a moral imperative but a strategic investment towards a more equitable and resilient society. In the face of adversity, women in Lebanon and around the world are demonstrating incredible strength and leadership. Their contributions, especially in crisis management and community support, are pivotal. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to support and invest in women to accelerate progress towards gender equality,” said Imran Riza, the United Nations Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon.

UN Women Lebanon's Representative, Gielan Elmessiri said “In south Lebanon, women are engaged in crisis management, registering with relief organizations, and addressing the specific needs of the displaced, while working with the municipalities to find available shelter.”

In 1975, during International Women’s Year, the United Nations began celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March, which is now celebrated in many countries worldwide. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements regardless of divisions, be those national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic, or political.

About the United Nations

The United Nations system in Lebanon comprises 26 agencies, funds and programmes, as well as a peacekeeping mission, a political mission, and a regional commission that cover a broad spectrum of peacekeeping, political, development, human rights, and humanitarian work in Lebanon. The United Nations supports Lebanon to promote the country’s long-term peace and security, development, and human rights priorities.

Media Contacts:

Roula Rached, Communications and Advocacy Specialist, UN Women, phone number: 70351088