News updates

The rate of female participation in the US labor market remains lower compared to that of males, An Nahar reported on Saturday. The gender pay gap, however, has been significantly reduced in the period between 1980 and 2018, according to a study published on Thursday by the independent Pew Research Center. The author of the report pointed out that improvements women made in their wages resulted from the rapid growth in jobs that require social skills and female specialization in the areas of guidance, counseling, trade and therapy. In less than 40 years, the average hourly wage of women jumped from USD 15 to USD 22 (that is 45%) against USD 23 to USD 26 (only 14%) for men, the report said. In conclusion, the researcher associated the gender pay gap with multiple factors, that can be measured like professional skills, educational achievement, professional membership in unions and working hours. Other factors which cannot be measured, include discrimination, network of professional relationships and maternity and household responsibilities. (An Nahar, January 31, 2020)
 

A delegation from YWCA Lebanon took part in the YWCA World Council meeting held from November 17 to 22 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The theme chosen for the event, which included 500 representatives of some 125 worldwide members, was ‘Young women transforming power structures for gender equality’. Discussion stressed the importance of the participation of young women in leadership and decision-making, prompting the election of a new administrative body, 60% of which are females under 30. Mira Rizk (Palestine) was elected as president of the world board, after Nagham Nassar (Lebanon) who was in the global executive committee in the past three years. YWCA’s work involves partnership between volunteers and staff members from various sects, religions and levels who plan and implement programs according to local community needs. (An Nahar, January 31, 2020)
 

Under the patronage of the Federation of Tyre Municipalities and the presence of MP Inaya Ezzedine, Women’s Club (Ibhar) organized on Friday “Bil Shatwiyeh” (in winter) exhibition at Basel Assad Cultural Center in the city. The 3-day event showcased home-made traditional mouneh and soaps, crochets works, organic honey and various artisan crafts. In the opening, Ezzedine called on the new cabinet to adopt strategies that will boost national production sectors, notably, agriculture and industry, as well as support small enterprises and community initiatives to this end. She stressed the need for the government to develop an economic vision that guides the ministerial statement and national policies. Ezzedine pointed out that handcrafts and rural products displayed in the exhibition constitute the basket for daily food and household needs, which means it can contribute to strengthening domestic production and creating jobs for local labor. In addition, it can reduce unemployment rates and help in building an internal economic cycle that props local currency and secures liquidity for middle and low income families. (Al Mustaqbal, February 1, 2020)
 
 

Under the patronage of Sheikha Shamseh Bint Hamad Bin Mohamad Sharki, daughter of the ruler of Fujairah, UAE, Platform 09 launched its 7th edition aimed for the empowerment of women entrepreneurs in the Middle East. This year’s forum celebrates Arab women artists, designers and entrepreneurs who will share their experience and work with the audience. During the opening ceremony, Sheikha Shamseh said the platform reiterates the goal of this annual event which celebrates and promotes the success of Arab women from the heart of Fujairah to the Arab world. She invited the public to visit the exhibition and participate in praising those women “who inspired us in our journey to establish ourselves in our communities.” For his part, Sheikh Hamad underlined the importance of enhancing the role of women in exhibiting their capacity to pilot their ventures in the service of their nation. (An Nahar, January 30, 2020)
 

The fourth edition of the Aswan International Women Film Festival (AIWFF) will be released on February 10 with the opening feature film, “Certified Mail” which has taken part in several international festivals and is screened for the first time in Egypt. The story of the movie revolves around Hala who faces her suicidal thoughts alone after her husband is detained.  The festival’s administration said in a statement that it has chosen 31 films from around 29 countries to compete for the award within two competitions for short and feature length films. On the sideline, a competition will be held for the best Egyptian film that portrays women’s issues among four films, and they are: “Certified Mail”, “Let’s Talk”, “When We’re Born” and “You Come from Far Away”. AIWFF screenings and activities will take place until February 15, and will be concluded with the honoring of three filmmakers, namely, producer Nahid Farid Shawki, editor Rahmah Muntasir and digital video editor Leila Sayis. The AIWFF, to note, is organized with the support of the ministries of culture and tourism and under the sponsorship of the National Council of Women and the Cinema Syndicate. (An Nahar, January 29, 2020)