Beirut: Under the patronage and in the presence of H.E. Minister of Social Affairs, Ms. Haneen Al-Sayed, L'Or©al Lebanon, in collaboration with the Keyany Foundation, hosted a ceremony to celebrate the graduation of 123 women from its Beauty for a Better Life program at the Fran§ois Bassil Auditorium - Saint Joseph University, Innovation and Sports Campus, Damascus Road.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the event was attended by over 200 guests, including officials, diplomats, academics, media representatives, L'Or©al partners, friends of the Keyany Foundation, and families of the graduates. The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates, a group photo, and a reception in the university courtyard.
Launched globally in 2009 by the L'Or©al Foundation, Beauty for a Better Life is a humanitarian and social initiative that empowers individuals by providing free vocational training in beauty professions such as hairdressing, makeup, and nail care. The program operates in over 21 countries through 46 partnerships with local non-profit organizations and 329 specialized training centers, having trained over 67,000 women worldwide.
During the ceremony, H.E. Minister Haneen Al-Sayed highlighted the importance of women's empowerment, stating that it is a critical investment in the future of Lebanon. She emphasized that when women are given equitable opportunities, they uplift their families and communities, contributing to a more productive economy. She expressed appreciation to L'Or©al and the Kayany Foundation for their partnership and initiatives.
This celebration marks L'Or©al Lebanon's efforts to provide women with professional training for the labor market, fostering self-confidence and independence. The program serves as a platform for discovering talent, acquiring employable skills, and achieving economic autonomy, enabling women to overcome social and financial challenges.
Emilie Wahab Harb, Managing Director of L'Or©al Lebanon, spoke on the program's impact, emphasizing that beauty is a language of freedom, dignity, and hope. She celebrated the 123 women who chose to change their reality with determination, becoming an inspiration for others.
In Lebanon, the program launched in 2014 with SOS Children's Villages and expanded in 2018 through a partnership with the Kayany Foundation. L'Or©al Lebanon opened its third academy in 2022 in Taanayel - Bekaa, creating opportunities for women in underserved regions and providing a pathway toward stable careers.
Since its inception, the program has trained over 1,000 participants, demonstrating that beauty can lead to dignity, opportunity, and empowerment. Nora Jumblatt, Founder and President of the Kayany Foundation, expressed pride in the partnership with L'Or©al Lebanon, highlighting that cooperation between the private sector and civil society is key to building a stable future.
Graduates shared testimonials about the transformation the program brought to their lives, from acquiring new skills to launching businesses. These women, from diverse backgrounds, share a common goal: to build a better future for themselves and their families, exemplifying that empowerment starts with knowledge.