Lebanese Forces (LF) in favour of gender fairness

The Apparatus for Activating the Role of Women in Society at the Lebanese Forces (LF), organized a conference under the heading, ‘Together for fairer laws’ with the participation of some 18 women organizations namely, The National Commission of Women, Abaad, Kafa Enough Violence and Exploitation, the Lebanese Women Democratic Gathering, the Lebanese Council of Women, Women on the Front Lines, Loubnaniyoun association, the Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections, UNDP, YWCA, the National Democratic Institute, Fe-Male, the National Committee for the Follow-Up of Women’s Issues, Justice Without Borders, Ghadan Lubnan, Smart Center for Media and Advocacy, UNFPA and the Lebanese Council to Resist Violence Against Women. On the occasion, MP Elie Kayruz, pointed out that the LF concern about women’s issues is building momentum with the support of its president, Samir Geagea, and all LF deputies. In terms of legislation, Kayruz suggested reviewing the Lebanese Penal Code which contains texts that substantiate and condone discrimination and inequality. For her part, the head of the LF Apparatus, Lawyer Maya Zighrini, underlined the roles political parties should play to help change the unjust reality for women. Along with the majority of components of the Lebanese Parliament are representative of the different political parties, Zighrini urged MPs to closely cooperate in order to adjust, develop and amend or sometimes abolish laws or articles that are discriminatory against women. Women, members or non-members of political parties, suffer in the same way and share the same goals and aspirations, Zighrini said. “And if we really want to realize these aspirations, it is not enough to invent catchy slogans or stage protests and release statements. What is needed is serious work, solidarity, perseverance and follow up at the different levels,” Zighrini maintained. When the LF Party adopts women’s causes, it can, in the end, not only propose amendments, but also participate in leading the campaigns to put them into effect, Zighrini concluded.  (Al Diyar, Al Mustaqbal, January 5, 2017)