Linda Matar honored on IWD

The League of Lebanese Women’s Rights in Mount Lebanon and Al Risala Social Association held an event at Al Risala’s Hall in the town of Alley to commemorate the International Women’s Day. The occasion was held in the presence of Agriculture Minister, Akram Chehayeb, and Minister of the Displaced, Alice Shabtini, as well as representatives of various civil society groups. The ceremony devoted some of its time to honor leading women activist, Linda Matar, for her decades-long fight for women’s rights in Lebanon, who Chehayeb described as “the seeker of a bay for humankind in a world that has almost lost its humanity and kindness.” The Minister went on to say, “Matar is a defiant fighter for justice and equality and a fearless advocate for the dignity of working women, struggling mothers and women partners in citizenship.” He brought to mind some other distinguished women figures, like Wahida Sharafeddine, Jamal Obeid, Salma Sfeir, Anissa Najjar, Hayat Al Nakadi and Hayat Arsalan, pointing out that “honoring Matar is an honoring for all pioneers in the fight for equality”. For her part, Matar hoped that women can gain influential in the Cabinet so as to support their rightful demands. To conclude, Matar received a symbolic shield of appreciation before signing her latest book, “Landmarks of My Life”. (Al Mustaqbal, 30 March 2015)