International Women’s Day event focuses on how to make Lebanese institutions more gender-responsive
Date:
Beirut, Lebanon – 7 March 2025 (Prime Minister’s Office and UN Women). To mark International Women’s Day 2025, UN Women, in collaboration with the Institut des Finances Basil Fuleihan, hosted a high-level panel discussion at the Grand Serail, entitled “Towards Inclusive, Accountable and Gender-Responsive Institutions”. The event examined ways for the public sector to advance gender equality, addressed the challenges in managing public institutions during crises, and showcased women-led initiatives that have influenced policy, strengthened governance processes, and promoted inclusive decision-making.
Photo: UN Women Lebanon
“I salute every Lebanese woman who fights for her rights, to every man who believes in and supports her cause, and to everyone who works to achieve justice and equality. Women’s month is not a celebration, but a reminder of what we have not yet accomplished. Let us all pledge to move forward, not just for them, but for all of us”, stated the President of the Council of Ministers, His Excellency Nawaf Salam, in his keynote address.
His Excellency Nawaf Salam. Photo: UN Women Lebanon
As Lebanon navigates a critical period of reconstruction and reform, this event aims to catalyse discussions and actions that will institutionalize human rights principles and achieve gender equality and women’s participation in the public sector to enhance transparency and accountability.
“Lebanon stands at a critical juncture where meaningful reforms can strengthen its institutions to be more inclusive and responsive to the needs of women and men citizens. UN Women advocates for and supports the achievement of gender-responsive public institutions and institutional mechanisms, in areas including gender-responsive budgeting, policy reform and service-delivery,” said Gielan Elmessiri, UN Women Representative in Lebanon, in her opening remarks.
Gielan Elmessiri, UN Women Representative in Lebanon. Photo: UN Women Lebanon
In his opening remarks, Imran Riza, UN Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, highlighted the strength, resilience, and leadership of women who have been at the forefront of addressing Lebanon’s crises. He noted, "I've had the privilege of working with exceptional women whose expertise and dedication have driven impactful initiatives. However, an enabling environment for more women to thrive remains missing. We must prioritize greater political representation, economic participation, and equal legal rights through inclusive policies and addressing restrictive legal frameworks."
Imran Riza, UN Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon. Photo: UN Women Lebanon
This year’s International Women’s Day theme – For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment – calls for action to unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all. The 2025 celebration is particularly significant as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), the most comprehensive global framework for advancing women’s rights. In 2024, Lebanon, alongside 158 other Member States, contributed to a global review of progress made on implementing the BPfA’s 12 critical areas of concern. The findings underscore the importance of gender data and financing for gender equality as fundamental pillars for driving meaningful progress.
The Lebanese Government has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality through its adherence to international frameworks such as the BPfA and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The country’s constitution, national laws and policies – including the National Strategy for Women’s Empowerment and the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security – serve as key instruments for fostering gender-inclusive governance.
The high-level panel discussion, moderated by Lamia Moubayed Bissat, President of the Institut des Finances Basil Fuleihan, within the Ministry of Finance, focused on women’s leadership in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in the public sector. Moubayed Bissat said “Institutions play a crucial role in promoting gender equality by designing and implementing policies that remove barriers to women's advancement in areas such as education, employment, healthcare, and more. To achieve this, institutions must ensure legislation that protects women's rights and enhances their representation in leadership positions, contributing to sustainable development and justice for all".
His Excellency Nawaf Salam and Gielan Elmessiri, UN Women Representative in Lebanon, alongside panel members. Photo: UN Women Lebanon
Distinguished panelists included Lena Dargham, Director General of the Lebanese Standards Institution (LIBNOR); Najat Abou Chacra, Investigative Judge at the Military Court in Beirut; Nimat Kanaan, the first woman Director General of the Ministry of Social Affairs; and Wahida Ghalayini, Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) Manager at the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH). Discussions explored the challenges of managing public institutions in times of crisis, as well as women-led initiatives that influence policy, strengthen governance and promote more inclusive decision-making at all levels. Strong, coordinated public institutions are essential for integrating gender equality into governance, budgeting and performance monitoring.
With recent political momentum offering a unique opportunity to implement long-overdue reforms for gender equality in Lebanon, this event highlighted how aligning international commitments with national priorities will enhance post-conflict reconstruction, sustainable development and lasting peace.
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For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
Roula Rached, Communications and Advocacy Specialist, UN Women phone number: 70351088