Women in the security forces are pushed into admin bureau work

In its issue of today, the Daily Star highlighted the challenges that women working in the security sector face in Lebanon especially those who interface with criminals and wanted individuals.  The newspaper interviewed First Sergeant in the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces, Paula Uaiss, who was working in the Forces’ investigation bureau. Uaiss spoke of the difficulties she faced notably the traditional mindsets which refuse to see women engage in these jobs.  Uaiss noted that she enjoys her job as an investigator and likes roaming the streets with her colleagues looking for wanted individuals.  However, she decided to move to the administrative bureau after a few years when she realized that she could not strike a good work-life balance which would be suitable to her future plans.  This is so especially since her working hours entail two consecutive working days followed by an off day.  This was not agreeable to her marriage plans.  Also, and as she noted, administrative work is less risky.  Uaiss emphasized the challenges that women face in this sector namely being undermined and having their skills undervalued as well as the criticisms they often face.  Uaiss referred to a personal experience she went through as she had to work as a traffic agent during one of the holidays during which time she was faced with obscenities and insults. (Daily Star, September 16,2016)