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Labor Minister Sajaan Azzi discussed with his Liberian counterpart, Nato Zarzarliff, who heads a delegation from the ministries of labor, justice and interior, issues of common interest between the two countries, particularly the issue of Liberian workers in Lebanon. Following the meeting which centered on the bad conditions of Liberian domestic workers, Azzi said, “Liberia hosts some 5,000 Lebanese expatriates who live, work and contribute to building the Liberian economy and at the same time assist their families and communities back home.” He noted that the Liberian minister’s visit to Lebanon comes in the wake of a series of incidents involving Liberian workers in Lebanon, the last one occurred four months ago. As a result, of that last incident the Labor Ministry decided to close two recruitment agencies and the case is now in the hands of justice, according to Azzi. The minister added that several arrests were made and investigation is still underway. Azzi also indicated that the two parties reached an agreement on three points: 1) temporarily stop issuing work permits for Liberian women workers; turn down any applications for migrant workers from Liberia in the massage and other related professions, and, finally prepare a memorandum of understanding on exchange of labor between the two countries. (As Safir, An Nahar 12 March 2015)

The International Labor Organization, ILO, noted in a report that 126 countries signed in 1995 the Convention C100 on equal remuneration for women and men workers for work of equal value, adding that 122 countries have signed the 1958 Convention No. 111 concerning discrimination in respect of employment and occupation. The ILO report indicated that 20 years later the number of signatory member states to the above two agreements rose to 171 and 172 respectively. However, and according to ILO, at the present very slow rate of progress in bridging the gender gap, equality in pay between men and women will not be achieved until the year 2086. Lebanon is an early signatory of the two fundamental ILO conventions which have become effectual by virtue of the legislative Decree No. 70 in 25/6/1977, but the Lebanese authorities has not indicated commitment to their enforcement. According to a banking sector human resources report published in 2013 by the Association of Banks in Lebanon, the total number of workforce in the said sector reached 18949 employees, including 8803 women who account for 46.5% of the total number of workers. The report indicated that the average salary rate of the female worker is lower by 15.2% than that of their men co-worker as an overall average of all categories of jobs. According to bank sources this disparity can be traced to the fact that women occupy a lower number of managerial positions as compared to men. However, the bank report does confirm that the average salary of a female worker is 10% behind her male colleague even within the same job title. As for senior positions, the average basic monthly salary of an assistant general manager stands at LBP 13,904,000 for a men against a LBP 11,94,000 for a woman of the same grade. The male central director of branches earns around LBP 6,461,000 against only LBP 4,601,000 for his female counterpart. Similarly, the male human resources director earns LBP 8,333,000 against LBP 5, 651,000 for the female co-director. The difference sometimes can exceed twice the salary, as in the case of the average salary of the bank’s organizational development manager which reaches LBP 7,369,000 for men compared to only LBP 3,192,000 for women of the same title. In conclusion, if one calculate on the basis of the average basic salary of all jobs for men which is estimated at LBP 2,657,000 and taking into account the total of 8803 women employees, one can clearly estimate that the banking sector is making an extra monthly profit of 3 billion and 565.215 million Lebanese pounds as a result of the gender pay gap and that is according to the calculations of Al Akhbar. (Al Akhbar, 9 March 2015)

Most women throughout the year are denied their basic rights to equality and full citizenship, and live in the shadow of violence and daily life challenges, namely those in low income communities. However, in early March of each year they suddenly become the focus of attention of various activities, television stations and newspapers, in celebration of International Women's Day. Racing to speak on that occasion are senior politicians and sometime businessmen who continuously impede women’s access to positions of leadership and act to obstruct the development of their capacities all throughout the year, seem metamorphosed on Women’s Day, praising their merits and acknowledging their contribution. Rituals commemorating this day vary from the convening of special events, conferences and seminars to awards and honoring ceremonies, whereas regretfully the reality for most women (and for many men) is far different.
Women in the world today occupy leading positions, 10 of them are heads of state and 14 are prime ministers, but not a single women top leader in the Arab World. On the contrary, women in the Arab countries are largely relegated to their domestic or to marginal economic roles. Our region is noticeable for its lowest ranking in the world, in terms of women political and economic participation. Regarding activities on IWD in Lebanon, we have noted more than 10 events since last Friday, namely:

• A celebration in tribute to women activists in public affairs in 2014 organized by the Green Party, Lebanon,

• National forum organized by the National Commission for Lebanese Women to follow-up on legislative reforms aiming at ending discrimination against women in economic and social fields,

• Training workshop on dealing with problems related to the marriage of minors organized by the Lebanese Council of Women, in collaboration with the Higher Council for Childhood at the Institute for Women's Studies in the Arab world, the Lebanese American University,

• A film entitled "By the law" featuring true stories of women subjected to domestic violence and found refuge in the Law No. 293 issued by Kafa Association,

• A seminar around the subject of unified personal status law organized by “Association for Equality – Warde Butros for Women's Action” held in cooperation with "Vlama" Spanish Association at the UNESCO Palace

• A ceremony honoring lawyer Sonia Ibrahim Attia during the Lebanese festival in Antelias,

• A popular march in Ain al-Helweh camp organized by the General Union of Palestinian Women in Lebanon and Palestinian women's committees,

• A ceremony organized by the Young Women Christian Association honoring woman activist and campaigner, Linda Matar,

• The launch event of a project entitled: Women's Access to Justice in the Middle East and North Africa, organised by the Lebanese Council to Resist Violence against Women, and funded by the Finnish Foreign Ministry in partnership with "Oxfam",

• Distribution of flowers to working women in public institutions and shopping centers in the southern port city of Saida, carried out by young men and women from the Literature and Culture Association.

Coinciding with the International Women’s Day, and as part of the development of a feminist agenda which constitute a roadmap for boosting woman’s role in public life, the women sector in the Future Movement (FM) concluded the round of general assemblies which it held in the different regions and provinces across Lebanon in order to review the current situation and identify priorities accordingly. Following the two assemblies which targeted the Movement’s women sector in the areas of Beirut, South Mount Lebanon, Hasbaya-Marjeyoon, Tripolo, Akkar, Al Koura, Al Minyeh, Al Dinneyeh and Byblos-Batroun-Zgharta, the last one of the round was organized in Central Beqaa with participation of FM women coordinators and members of the coordination committees of Central, Western Beqaa as well as of Baalbaq and 3rsaal. The General Coordinator of the women’s sector, Afifa Al Sayyed, outlined the primary objectives of the agenda which are as follows: end all discrimination against women in laws and rights and also in practices and behavior; develop a vision which is in line with the liberal orientation of the Future Movement; while highlighting women-related issues that will improve women’s conditions and positions. The General Coordinator of Central Beqaa, Ayyoob Qaz3oun, outlined the central role of women in March 14 Movement back in 2005 and their active and outstanding participation in those events. Qaz3oun also noted that the feminist agenda is part of an overall drive to mobilize women, promote their participation and support them at all levels. For his part, Ahmad Rabah from the organizing committee said that the main objective of the proposed agenda is to help women of Lebanon break isolation and take a more active part in society at large. (Al Mustaqbal, 9 March 2015)

Despite the current bleak reality in Lebanon and the Arab World, yet several events have taken place to celebrate the International Women’s Day on March 8 particularly the following : 1) a conference entitled “Voices of Arab Women” which was held at the ESCWA House, downtown Beirut, 2) a symposium on the situation of women in Lebanon at the House of the Lawyer, 3) the release of a communiqué following a meeting for the National Commission for Lebanese Women, 4) a conference on women and peace organised at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, 5) and finally a conference entitled “Women on the Frontlines” organized in Beirut by May Chidiac Foundation.  The symposium organized at the Order of Attorneys stressed the fact that despite arduous struggles, there were little improvements in the status of women in Lebanon, also highlighting the negative impact of a divided civil society on women. For its part, the National Commission for Lebanese Women appealed to all civil organizations and authorities concerned to unify efforts to promote the rights of women and to implement laws that protect women against abuse, marginalization and violence. The Commission reiterated its demands for gender equality and for women rights, particularly in the area of electoral law and the right to nationality. The plethora of events also included a conference entitled “women and peace” organized by the School of Law at Kaslik University. Participants agreed on the active role of women in society, particularly in the process of building peace and education, and denounced the discriminative treatment and abuse they are subjected to. They underlined the need to engage women in decision making and in political life, as well as empowering them economically, educationally, physically and morally. School of Law Dean, Father Talal Hashem underscored the significance of UN Security Council Law No 1325 and the need to ensure a greater representation of women in conflict prevention and resolution and in peace building. Also observing International Women’s Day, the May Chidiac Foundation held a conference entitled “Women on the Frontlines”, in which US Ambassador David Hale highlighted the importance of gender equality in American foreign policy, and his government’s investment in women and girls around the globe.  Finally, Lama Tammam Salam, who sponsored the event, focused on the issue of protection from domestic violence and granting women married to non-Lebanese the right to pass on the Lebanese nationality to their children. (As Safir, An Nahar, Al Mustaqbal, Al Diyar, 5 March 2015)

On the occasion of Women’s World Day on March 8, the EU-Eurostat published a report which revealed that gender inequality in terms of salaries still prevails in the European Union, while averaging 16.4 % in 2013 among EU member states. According to this report, Estonia showed the biggest gender gap with 29.9%, followed by Austria (23.0 %), the Czech Republic (22.1 %) and Germany (21.6 %). On the opposite side, these differences reached record lows in the following countries: Slovenia (3.2 %), Malta (5.1 %), Poland (6.4 %), Italy (7.3 %) and finally Croatia with 7.4%.  Compared with 2008, Eurostat figures indicated a reduction in the gap in most EU member states. Furthermore, Eurostat Office pointed out that the gender gap is not limited to salaries only, as two thirds of senior management posts in the EU are still male-dominated. (L’Orient Le Jour, March 6 2015)

In its last Friday’s edition, L’Orient Le Jour daily published an interview with Ahmad Gharbi, a student who took the lead in setting up a club on women issues, last November at the Lebanese University campus. Strongly in favor of the vital role of youth in making change, Ahmad sought to promote awareness among students of both sexes on the importance of respecting and protecting the rights of women. Ahmad, who is a chemistry graduate student from the southern port city of Saida, cited the difficulties he faced while attempting to get the approval for forming the club, adding that he was asked to select a “more relevant cause”. He also criticized the recent move to cancel an activity planned to take place at the university campus and focusing on the issue of political participation of women. “Protecting the rights of women,” Ahmad went on to say that “promoting women’s rights cannot be approached without the participation of their men partners”. He seeks to orient his fellow student young generation, in such matters as choosing the right partner, particularly women, who he emphasised, should be well educated and have a clear career orientation so that both parties can cooperate in their livelihoods. He also noted that many women students are themselves not aware of their rights. It is to be noted that the Women’s Club presently consists of 22 students of both sexes and from different religious and political affiliations. (L’Orient Le Jour, 27 February 2015)

Al Diyar newspaper published an article highlighting the socio-economic significance of eco-tourism, and chose for that purpose Jabal Mussa natural reserve (APJM) which is located in Kesrwan-Jbail area. Speaking to the newspaper, Media and Eco-tourism Officer of the Jabal Mussa association, Christel Abu Chabake Al Hawa, outlined the three-tier program of the reserve which consists of eco-tourism, reviving and preserving the environmental heritage and a program targeting local communities and aiming at building their capacities, increasing their income and enhancing their welfare. Al Hawa described some of the projects carried out by APJM, mainly the agricultural nurseries located in nearby villages of Mashati, Kuhmoz and Yahshoush. The association, she maintained, rents land from the locals and employ them in the planting of seeds and other agricultural activities. Moreover, APJM assisted in the creation of additional jobs, like for example, forest and tour guides, who are trained in tourism workshops. Al Hawa added that the organisation all seeks to revive the concept of guesthouses and cafes in order to financially benefit inhabitants of nearby villages. Guesthouses, for example, provide accommodation and meals as well as tour bookings to visitors at a set price. Another project launched by APJM is a socio-economic initiative involving more than 50 women who are active in the production of traditional Lebanese food, Mooneh, like thyme (zaatar), kishk (dried labneh), jams, as well as handicrafts. For that purpose it has established a local production unit in the town of Gebalah, in cooperation with Al Habal Bila Danas nunnery. APJM is responsible for marketing the agro-food and handicraft items with profits being returned to the working women. As to the role of public institutions in supporting the Reserve, Al Hawa revealed that it was almost nil, aside from that of the Ministry of Tourism who assists the association through promoting APJM website, and inviting it to participate in various marketing exhibitions. (Al Diyar, 2 March 2015)

Al Mustaqbal newspaper published a feature about Ahluna Association which aims at empowering women economically and helping disadvantaged families in the southern port city of Saida. The article outlined the various projects undertaken by the association, namely its agro-food production unit which provides work opportunities to socially and economically marginalized women. Ahluna, it noted, established the factory after training some 50 women who work there now producing a variety of specialty cookies, jams and Lebanese popular cuisine. The association also trained some 100 underprivileged women in professional household care services aimed at creating job opportunity for them. As far as educational projects, Ahluna launched its university loan program which presently touches some 307 students of both sexes. The psychological support program  works with beneficiaries who need help in overcoming social and learning problems or need psychological treatment. One of its sub-programs is the “Dream Center” which consists of organising summer camps where stress-relief psychodrama method in music and theatre are applied by specialists for the benefit of some 60 children. Ahluna also runs an interactive learning program for family orientation which targets drop-out students so as to help them to either reintegrate schools or guide them towards vocational education. As a result, some 53 beneficiaries are currently enrolled in courses in mechanics, electricity, makeup and hairstyling, kindergarten and business administration. The group also targets orphans through its orphan sponsorship program which benefits about 144 persons. Furthermore, it supports 44 disabled children and 40 widows by organizing psychological, health, rehabilitation and awareness workshops as well as field recreational trips.  Another 50 men and women elders benefit from regular home visits. Furthermore, the association is an active member in the Women Economic Empowerment Resources Center, which was established in 2012 and is closing this year, and to which it has channeled some 100 women. Ss for in-kind aid assistance, Ahluna distributes Mooneh food parcels every three months to some 1210 registered households and every two months to 248 families suffering form acute poverty. In terms of financial resources, the association depends on community donations, grants from Arab and international embassies and organizations as well as the surplus income from its food production unit which is now financially self-sufficient. (Al Mustaqbal, 2 March 2015)

Al Iktissad Wal Aamal Group and Al Hasnaa Magazine opened the 7th annual Arab Women Forum on February 27 at the Four Seasons Hotel, Beirut. The event was held under the patronage of MP Bahiya Hariri and Minister of Social Affairs, Rashid Derbas, in the presence of 400 participants from the Arab region and beyond, including former First Lady, Wafaa Michel Suleiman and former Minister Nayla Mouwad. The Forum was structured around four sessions; the first traced the history of women entrepreneurship, the second focused on financing, the third on innovation and the last on women success stories.
In her opening speech, Hariri highlighted the need for adopting innovation as a lifestyle and a pattern of thinking, and called for stepping up efforts and productivity to achieve this end. Hariri also pointed out that the Arab world “is presently losing enormous potential”, and bluntly said she wished “all this money and capacities that are spent on the destruction of man be spent in his service”. For his part, Minister Derbas said that “the most beautiful of women are dynamic women and those active in social work”, warning of what he described as a “serious menace threatening his country as a result of the Syrian refugee crisis”, adding “now is the time to act independently and not wait for outside solutions”. He called for mobilization and preparedness on the domestic front to deal with the refugee problem, otherwise, he said, “Lebanon would prey on outside solutions”. He spelled out his faith in the civil society which he described as “the hidden pillars for Lebanon’s endurance and steadfastness.” Also speaking at the conference was former Minister Maurice Sahnawi who noted that the loans allocated for women entrepreneurs have grown by 69% in three years. For her part, editor of Al Hasnaa magazine, who is also the CEO of NAWF, Nadine Abu Zaki, said that the empowerment of a new generation of pioneer women entrepreneurs has become an “urge and a fundamental economic concern, and not just a subject of equality between the sexes”, as she put it. (An Nahar, Al Mustaqbal, 27 February, 2015)