#16 Days: Women’s Resilience And Hope In Lebanon

Lebanon is known for its resilience, cultural richness, strength and beauty of its people despite its tumultuous history. As a Lebanese human rights activist, I have witnessed the resilience and courage of women facing unimaginable hardships and the strength of my fellow activists firsthand. My work with survivors of domestic violence in NGOs and women led organizations profoundly impacted me. We documented numerous accounts of women overcoming domestic violence. Their stories are both deeply moving and incredibly inspiring, serving as a powerful call to action for systemic change.

During my University Years in Beirut,I joined many women's and human rights organizations as a volunteer, starting my activism journey from there.

Us, young activists along with the rest of the team stood proud in every demonstration and awareness campaign. I am proud to say that our persistent efforts and public demonstrations pressured the Lebanese Parliament to adopt Law 293. This law provides legal protection for victims of domestic violence. Our efforts pushed for provisions that criminalize abuse and establish mechanisms for victim support.

Survivors continue to face barriers like societal stigma and prolonged legal procedures, particularly in rural areas dominated by patriarchal norms. Our domestic violence crisis is exacerbated by war. Lebanon’s economic collapse, compounded by war, has magnified women’s risk. Displacement, loss of resources, and instability leave women with fewer options for safety. Over 500,000 women and girls are in urgent need of shelter and protection. Financial dependency on abusers' forces women to stay in violent homes, when the alternative is homelessness and poverty.

The recent Israeli war on Lebanon has disrupted access to healthcare, education, and legal support. Many women have lost their livelihoods, pushing them into precarious jobs and increasing their risk of exploitation.

According to UN Women, There are an estimated 11,600 pregnant women in Lebanon, around 4,000 of whom are expected to deliver in the next three months. They have urgent and unique nutritional and health needs, as well as intensified needs for safety, protection, and psychosocial support. “My little daughter needs milk and diapers, and I am pregnant,” says Ghadir, a 23-year-old mother who fled the southern city of Kfar Roummane for Borjein, further north.Health care for Ghadir will be hard to come by.

As of November 26, Israel attacked 94 medical centres and 40 hospitals,251 ambulances, killed at least 73 health care professionals, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health. For the overall number of Martyrs to be 3961 and injured 16520 during the war.

Conflict disproportionately affects women and girls by increasing risk of domestic violence, sexual exploitation, and trafficking. Overcrowded shelters and strained resources leave many without the protection they need. Mental health challenges from exposure to violence and displacement further deepen the crisis.

Yet, women are also leading change. Their involvement in peace building and community mediation has been instrumental in fostering dialogue and rebuilding fractured societies. Lebanese women’s resilience shines. Lebanon has one of the most active feminist movements in the Arab region and women-led and staffed grassroots organisations provide shelter, legal aid, and psychological support.

Going back in time to the Lebanese civil war ,Lebanese women participated in peace actions such as hunger strikes, humanitarian work and reconciliation ceremonies to tame the war’s fury.

At that time, Lebanese women, individually and collectively, played a major role in creating a semblance of normalcy, becoming the saviours of the fabric of Lebanese society.

“Our daughter was killed on the stairs of our building... Three weeks after my daughter's death, I had a meeting to prepare for the handicapped demonstration, and I attended it... I can’t say we stopped the war, but even though we were a minority, it helped us overcome the war”. Despite her tragedy, during war Laure Moghaizel, was one of the backbones of the peace building movement. 

In the most recent Lebanese revolution, commonly referred to as the October Revolution or Thawrat Tishreen,in October 2019, one of the slogans that gained traction was:"الثورة أنثى" "The revolution is female.” Women protestors faced a serious sexual objectification This has not held women in Lebanon back; they resisted these misogynist attacks in the best way possible: by remaining perseverant, powerful and vocal in support of their political and socio-economic demands.

Yet as a nation, facing another recently ended Israeli aggression, women have been central to providing relief and support to affected areas, playing vital roles in delivering humanitarian aid, addressing urgent needs such as shelter, health care, and protection for displaced families proving their power, resilience and resistance.

Call to Action

Despite Ceasefire announced, the aftermath of war has made it even more urgent to address this crisis.

I urge all governments, organizations and individuals to call for immediate and sustained action to ensure no woman is left behind.

• Protect Women in Crisis: Prioritize gender-sensitive humanitarian aid, including shelters and mental health services. 

• Support Economic Empowerment: Provide vocational training, financial support, and job opportunities for women impacted by conflict. 

• Address Gender-Based Violence: Strengthen protective services and enforce laws against exploitation. 

• Include Women in Peacebuilding: Actively involve women in local, regional and national conflict resolution and rebuilding efforts. 

In times of war and peace, the safety and empowerment of women are indicators of our collective humanity. Amplifying women’s voices ensures their strength builds a brighter future. In Lebanon, my fellow feminist activists remind me daily with their strength, perseverance and relentless commitment to the betterment of all, that even in darkness, there is a glimmer of light. Hope persists.

Written by Amani Chehade

Amani is a passionate advocate for Human rights and social justice, with over seven years of experience in the private and humanitarian sectors. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Law and a Master's Degree in European Union Law. Her academic focus was on restorative justice and domestic violence. She has pursued extensive human rights studies and actively participated in various initiatives.