Beirut: On Friday 5 December, the Deputy Head of Mission Victoria Dunne hosted the certificate ceremony for the Rebecca Dykes Changemaker Challenge (RDCC), a youth-led initiative that empowers students across Lebanon to design creative, context-sensitive solutions to end gender-based violence. This year's event coincided with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, reinforcing the UK's commitment to equality and justice.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the RDCC was established in memory of Rebecca Dykes, a beloved colleague whose humanitarian spirit and dedication to justice continue to inspire change. The initiative is organised by Becky's Button, a UK-registered charity founded by Rebecca's mother, Jane Houng. The Challenge reflects Rebecca's legacy of inclusion, youth empowerment, and cross-border solidarity.
This year's theme, 'Challenging Misogyny: Youth-Led Action to End Gender-Based Violence,' encouraged young people to speak openly about misogyny and propose innovative solutions. The 2025 cycle saw 98 students and teams register, with 39 video submissions representing 61 students from eight universities and over thirty schools across Lebanon. Ten finalist teams were selected through a rigorous judging process led by educators, civil-society leaders, psychologists, and youth representatives from Lebanon and the UK.
The finalists' proposals included survivor-centred reporting tools, national student coordination mechanisms, and community-led awareness campaigns. Several teams have already piloted activities in their schools and neighbourhoods, demonstrating early commitment to advocacy and action.
Deputy Head of Mission Victoria Dunne emphasized the impact of Rebecca's life and work, noting that one person's commitment can spark a movement for change. She praised Lebanon's youth for their creativity and courage in driving solutions to end gender-based violence, highlighting that their voices and ideas will shape a safer, more equal future.
Jane Houng, Founder and Chair of Trustees of Becky's Button, expressed pride in the young participants, stating that the Rebecca Dykes Changemaker Challenge is more than a competition; it is a platform for hope and action. She emphasized that empowering youth makes change possible.