Women of Lebanese parties demand electoral women quota

“Lubnaniyoon” association, held yesterday a large meeting at Phoenicia Hotel, Beirut, to discuss the electoral laws in the presence of a big number of political, social and media figures. During the meeting which was run by journalist Gisele Khury, a documentary was screened introducing the organization and the notion of women’s quota. Afterwards, the president of Lubnaniyoon, Nadine Daher, underlined the importance of commitment to international conventions to which Lebanon is a signatory and which instates the incorporation of a representation quota in all elections-related legislations. Several interventions by political parties’ women representatives were made on the subject. Wafa Farhat from the Progressive Socialist Party, for example, called for the development of an elections law that allows participation of all the components of society, endorses the principles of democracy and meets the higher national goals. Similarly, Mirna Zakharia from Tayar al Marada, called for “launching an alternative strategy that keeps with our current times while respecting the particularities of the nation.” Speaking on behalf of the Lebanese Forces (LF), Maya Zighrini, pointed out that women in LF handle responsibilities in various sectors and departments and are efficient members in the Central Council and Executive Committee. And while Maryam Chami from Amal Movement, criticized the rift in the stand of the Lebanese women which prevents them from reaching decision making positions, her colleague in the Kataeb Party, Mira Wakim, described women’s quota as a form of positive intervention which facilitates their participation in political life. Afifa Sayyid from the Future Movement, recalled Saad Hariri’s pledge to give women and the youth a representation quota inside the Tayyar by 40% during the upcoming general conference in November. Finally, Rana Saadeh, speaking for “Jama3a Islamiyya”, underlined her group’s efforts to uplift the representation of women in all fields. (Al Mustaqbal, October 14, 2016)