MOSA project for promoting women’s participation in governance and development

The project entitled "Promote Women's Participation in Governance and Development" implemented by the Ministry of Social Affairs and with funding from the development aid office at the Italian Embassy seeks to provide equal opportunities for women so as they are able to participate more actively in decision making processes at the local level as well as increase women’s participation in national political life.
At the local level,. The project will implement 18 small initiatives run by women members of local councils in different governorates of the country.  Work on this project has started in September 2013 and will continue for six months.  The focus of these small projects will be determined according to local needs.  In the area of Ryak for instance, an awareness raising campaign on discrimination against women will be initiated.  In Baalbak and Bebnayel, the emphasis will be placed on health nutrition.
On the national level, the project will aim at encouraging political parties to nominate women for the next legislative elections as well as to seek popular support for these women candidates.  The related campaign will extend over 12 months during which the project will organize an awareness raising seminar for media representatives focusing on the importance of women’s role especially in decision making.  The project also includes a component for building the capacity of MOSA staff in gender mainstreaming with a view towards transforming the Ministry into a real ministry for social development.
Source: L’Orient Le Jour 2 October 2013