UNFIL workshop in Tyr to strengthen the role of women in decision-making

The “gender unit” at UNIFIL and the Western Sector Command, organized last Friday a workshop for 70 southern women from the Tyre area.  The event was organized within the framework of the ongoing preparations of the “Open Day for Women, Security and Peace” which UNIFIL celebrates annually. During the event, the commander of the southern sector of UNIFIL, General Ugo Chello, expressed his pleasure in hosting the workshop, underscoring the basic role of women in society, and calling for strengthening their engagement in governmental and local institutions. Chello expressed his intent to unify efforts of UNIFIL and Lebanese women and to support them in order to achieve the desired objectives. On her part, the head of the gender unit at UNIFIL, Afaf Omar, underscored the high participation of women in the event despite challenging weather conditions, pointing out that this indicates the resolve and determination of women to strengthen their role in society, and in assuming decision-making positions. The workshop was concluded with a set of recommendations related to the importance of strengthening women’s participation  in decision-making, and with a discussion of common challenges and priorities to achieve development in communities.  Participants concluded with a discussion on coordination between Lebanese women and UNIFIL women. (Al-Diyar, January 29, 2017)