Statement by the Women Peacebuilding Network in Lebanon (WPNL)

In Lebanon, women have played key roles during conflicts, crises, and demonstrations, contributing significantly across various fields. Yet, they still face major obstacles that prevent them from fully participating in decision-making and holding leadership positions.

Guided by our firm belief that women are essential partners in promoting peace and establishing a state built on justice, equality, and equal opportunities—and drawing on Lebanon’s international commitments, particularly the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, which emphasize women’s inclusion in decision-making and peacebuilding processes—we issue this statement addressed to His Excellency the President of the Lebanese Republic, General Joseph Aoun, acknowledging his dedication to enhancing women’s roles in building resilient national institutions. The members of the Network hereby call for the following:

• Ensuring Women’s Representation in the Upcoming Government

With the formation of a new government on the horizon, the Network emphasizes the importance of achieving equal representation of women in ministerial portfolios. Assigning them to sovereign and strategic ministries will harness their expertise to address major national issues and help the country progress.

• Establishing a Gender Unit within the Presidency and all State Institutions

Building on His Excellency’s previous efforts to encourage women’s participation in the military prior to his presidency, the Network urges the creation of a “Gender Advisory Board” under the auspices of the Presidency and all state institutions. Such a board would ensure that all presidential policies and directives are gender-responsive, thereby fostering transparency and equality in national governance.

• Collaboration with the Network of Women Active in Peacebuilding as an Advisory Partner

The Network stands ready to offer technical and advisory expertise to support the Presidency and all state institutions in incorporating a gender perspective in national policies, thereby enhancing women’s roles in safeguarding civil peace.

Promoting women’s participation in upcoming political processes is a critical step toward building a fairer and more sustainable Lebanon. The Network of Women Active in Peacebuilding calls for a genuine commitment to upholding gender equality across institutions and national undertakings, recognizing that women’s capabilities are integral to Lebanon’s future stability.

Together, let us strive for a Lebanon that firmly upholds the values of civil peace and sustainable development—one that benefits from the energies of all its citizens, men and women alike, to build a stable and secure tomorrow.

Lebanon deserves peace.