Rhetoric and activities in commemoration of Mothers’ Day

On the occasion of Mothers’ Day which falls on March 21 of each year, the Lebanese regions held a series of activities and events combined with public statements from politicians and officials. The First Lady, Nadia Chami Aoun, underlined the need to promote the values of peace, democracy and the power of acceptance and tolerance inside the diverse Lebanese society. Aoun who was speaking to a delegation of the World Movement of Mothers- Lebanon, said those values are badly needed during this time in the country’s resurrection at all levels. She emphasized the role of women in general and mothers in particular in bringing up of generations devoted and committed to Lebanon. Likewise, the Roman Catholic Patriarch of Tyre, Michael Abras, appealed, from the Roman Catholic Cathedral, to the government to extend its support to Lebanese women by giving them their rights, particularly the representation quota. For his part, former minister, Wadi el Khazen, questioned if the said quota is adequate for women who are marginalized and deprived of their civil rights, while in reality, they are influential constituents in life and work and at part with men partners. The Progressive Women’s Union sent its greetings to the mothers of Lebanon noting that celebrating the occasion remains void unless women are given their full rights and all forms of discrimination eradicated, and that can be realized through the amendment of unjust legislations. Say No to Violence association also congratulated mothers on this special day demanding through its emigration officer, Abeer Ghanem, the enactment of the nationality law which gives a Lebanese mother married to non-Lebanese the right to pass nationality to her family members. The Future Movement in West Bekaa and Rashaya organized a health mentorship session in Jib Janin, which included conducting medical and lab tests and the distribution of medications, enfant milk and gifts among the beneficiaries. The Lebanese Charity Association for Reform and Rehabilitation held a ceremony for the wives and mothers of the Lebanese Army martyrs. And, last but not least, the National Orthodox School in Shiktabah-Akkar honored the mother teachers at school. (Al Diyar, Al Mustaqbal, March 22, 2017)