MUBS Hosts a Webinar on “Women in Lebanon: Challenges and Opportunities”

Within the framework of the FREE Erasmus+ project activities, MUBS Office of International Affairs in collaboration with MUBS School of Health Sciences organized on March 17, 2022 a webinar about “Women in Lebanon: Challenges and Opportunities”. 

Coordinated by the National Distance Education University-UNED- (SPAIN), FREE (Female Academic Role Model Empowerment, Equality and Sustainability at Universities in Mediterranean Region: towards 2030 Agenda)  Erasmus+ project aims at enhancing the role of female academics in Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria through increasing the number of women present in decision making and senior management level.      

The event started with a welcome speech by Professor Nina Zeidan (Dean of MUBS School of Health Sciences). 

Professor Bassem Kaissi (Vice President for International Affairs at MUBS) then explained the main objectives of the FREE Erasmus+ project and focused on the progress achieved so far at MUBS.

The webinar speakers included Mr. Mohamed Gabris (ABAAD– Resource Center for Gender Equality), Mrs. Assala Jawhary  (ABAAD– Resource Center for Gender Equality) Dr.  Aziza Khalidi (The Collective for Research and Training on Development-Action CRTD.A),   Dr. Noha Ghosseini (The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom –WILPF-), and Dr. Batoul Yahfoufi (CREADEL)

Mr. Gabris discussed Sexual Harassment in the workplace, its different forms (nonverbal, verbal, physical and cyber), its impact and the steps towards eliminating sexual harassment in the workplace and clarified the situation of sexual harassment in Lebanon. Mrs. Jawhary presented Abaad new programs for survivors of domestic violence because the number of complaints due to violence raised 130% during the economic crisis and the pandemic in Lebanon. Dr. Khalidi discoursed on economic gender based violence and gender equality and reflected on strategies for action. Dr. Ghosseini explained how women participation in politics can contribute to sustainable development and spread of peace. Dr. Ghosseini discussed the social and cultural constraints, personal constraints, and legal constraints that forbid women in Lebanon from being involved in politics. Dr. Yahfoufi emphasized the need for economic and social policies ensuring gender equality among women in rural areas specifically in a time where there is a lack of strategies to development in rural areas and the very unstable worldwide economy.  

The webinar was attended by 84 participants representing the relevant public authorities in Lebanon, university representatives, MUBS faculty members and students, and relevant international organizations and NGOs…  

The webinar was moderated by Dr. Joanne Karam (Chairperson – M.U.B.S School of Health Sciences) and Mrs. Hikmat Daou (MUBS Public Relations Director).