Beirut: On November 14, the Brazilian Embassy opened the Brazilian Women's Space (EMuB) in Lebanon. The opening ceremony, held at the Guimaraes Rosa Institute, was attended by Ms. Nehmat Aoun, First Lady of Lebanon and President of the National Commission for Lebanese Women; Ms. Laura Lahoud, Minister of Tourism; Heads of Diplomatic Missions; UN Representative for Women in Lebanon, Ms. Gielan Elmessiri; members of the Brazilian community; in addition to partners of Lebanese institutions and civil society.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, EMuB's creation reflects Itamaraty's commitment to supporting Brazilian women abroad through its diplomatic and consular network, in coordination with local authorities. The initiative is of particular relevance in Lebanon, where the protection of women's rights is among the values shared by the current Brazilian and Lebanese governments. The EMuB-Beirut will act in the promotion of women's rights in three main axes: economic empowerment and empowerment; educational and professional development; and the fight against discrimination and domestic violence. The activities will focus on providing information, guidance, awareness and assistance to Brazilian women in Lebanon, with special attention to those in a situation of most vulnerable.
The Brazilian community in Lebanon is estimated to consist of about 22,000 people, most of whom women with dual nationality. EMuB-Beirut is the first of its kind established by the Brazilian Government in the Middle East. The EMuBs network includes nine others, distributed across Latin America, Europe and the United States.