Beirut: The May Chidiac Foundation - MCF Media Institute organized its 12th annual 'Women on the Front Lines' (WOFL) conference in collaboration with UN Women, under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon, and the First Lady of Lebanon, Mrs. Nehmat Aoun. The event took place on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, and focused on reviving women's roles in Lebanon and the Arab world, celebrating female figures who have made significant impacts across various fields.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the conference aimed to foster discussions on strengthening women's presence in politics, the economy, and the media. It explored female leadership's role in driving institutional reform and the importance of narrowing the digital divide to achieve gender equality. The event also examined the influence of media and elections on national policymaking.
The conference was hosted by Youmna Naufal, Director of APCO Institute, and featured opening remarks by H.E. Dr. May Chidiac, Founder and President of MCF and MCF-Media Institute. Dr. Chidiac emphasized women's participation in leadership and social change and highlighted Lebanon's resilience despite recent crises.
Gielan Elmessiri, UN Women Representative in Lebanon, stressed that women's participation in decision-making is essential for stability. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam recognized pioneering Lebanese women and called for reforms and gender-responsive legislation, noting the low representation of women in Lebanon's Parliament and workforce.
The event included a video report on MCF's achievements and the evolution of the WOFL conference. Panels discussed women's influence on social policies, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship. Speakers from various countries shared insights on women's empowerment and leadership, highlighting efforts in areas such as social protection, digitalization, and media influence.
The conference concluded with a summary of recommendations from Carmen Nohra, Senior Public Policy Consultant, who emphasized the importance of including women for Lebanon's growth and development. Participants praised the event's organization and content, expressing enthusiasm for future editions.