Beirut:The 13th edition of the Women on the Front Lines (WOFL) conference commenced at the Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut, organized by the May Chidiac Foundation in collaboration with UN Women. The event is held under the patronage of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and aims to address women's leadership and participation in Lebanon's recovery, reconstruction, economic development, technology, and decision-making.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, the opening ceremony featured an array of prominent attendees, including former Prime Ministers Fouad Siniora and Tammam Salam, Ambassador Sahar Baassiri Salam, ministers, lawmakers, diplomats, former officials, and representatives of UN agencies, business leaders, and women's rights organizations.
May Chidiac, in her opening remarks, emphasized the need for women's effective participation in leadership and decision-making, moving beyond just celebrating their resilience. She highlighted the importance of women's economic empowerment for Lebanon's recovery and called for equal access to employment, financing, and leadership opportunities. Chidiac also noted the media's responsibility in upholding professional standards and combating misinformation.
Emilie Wahab Harb, General Manager of L'Oréal Lebanon, reaffirmed the company's dedication to supporting women in science, entrepreneurship, and leadership. She detailed three initiatives the For Women in Science program, an economic empowerment program for women entrepreneurs, and the Women of Worth initiative. Harb advocated for stronger cooperation among various sectors to advance women's leadership.
UN Women Representative in Lebanon, Gielan El Messiri, spoke on the persistent gender inequality affecting Lebanese women due to displacement, economic instability, and conflict. She highlighted the low representation of women in parliamentary seats and municipal councils and called for practical reforms to ensure women's equal participation in all aspects of life.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam addressed the conference, stating that women's rights are integral to rebuilding the Lebanese state. He stressed that women should not be excluded from decision-making processes that shape the aftermath of crises. Salam emphasized the need for the state to provide essential services and opportunities, while also addressing technological advancements and their potential impact on gender inequality. He concluded by urging the adoption of fair legislation and genuine opportunities for women in policymaking.
