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The negative impact of micro-finance schemes on women’s economic activity || Newspapers (Arabic)

27-12-2012

As Safir reporter Carole Kerbage, published a critical article on the impact of micro-credits on women while reviewing the relationship between clients with micro-finance institutions and the latter with their staff.  The report looks at the situation of a number of women clients of micro-finance who do not have any form of rights or entitlements or collaterals and who had no choice but to resort to micro-credits to improve their financial situation.  According to the report, women who took on micro-credits have had to borrow money from their family members or from other micro-finance institutions so that they are able to pay their debts.  In addition, and according to the author, borrowers now tend to take on micro-credits from several institutions that apparently do not coordinate amongst each other and do not share information.  The same report alludes to the growing trend of using micro-credits to pay essential household bills such as school fees and utilities as well as essential health services.  Such stories are not often cited in the reports of lending institutions which focus solely on “success stories” that emphasis a repayment rate of 99% often cited by these institutions.  Such indicators are used by lending institutions as indicators of success in combating poverty.
The author notes that such micro credit scheme claim to use flexible and minimal collaterals but in reality have not succeeded in reconciling their concerns about financial benefit and with their combating poverty agenda.  Belated repayment by clients is due, according to micro-credit institutions, essentially to personal circumstances thus ignoring more structural causes related to the context and situation of the informal sector and its overall vulnerability.  Within the same framework, the report indicates that micro-credit system is based on the practice of immediate repayment which does not favor productive projects that require a longer time frame to mature and expand in addition to a penalty system which is quite stringent in dealing with poor clients who default on their payments.  The latter includes court cases where borrowers have to pay for legal fees incurred by the micro-credit institutions.  Such penalties are applied even in cases of natural disasters and armed conflicts.  The report also indicates that micro-credit institutions normally do not offer services which allow the clients to improve their management and production skills and capacities.
With regards to the relation of staff members with micro-credit institutions, the report indicates that the latter use a system of monthly incentives whereby staff need to reach a monthly target of clients otherwise they risk losing their jobs.  As such, staff members become obsessed with securing clients regardless of the possibilities for success.  In addition, the report notes that some of micro-finance institutions are in fact registered as NGOs which makes them eligible to attract grants whereas others are duly registered as profit making outfits and those aiming to attract investors. The article concludes that in both cases profit is the main driving force.

Source: Al-Safir 27 December 2012

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At a critical juncture NCLW reiterates its demand for a 30% women’s quota in politics || Newspapers (Arabic)

27-12-2012

Once more, the National Commission for Lebanese Women called for increasing women’s representation in Parliament to at least 30% as part of the discussions of the new electoral law shortly due to restart.  The NCLW regretted the absence of a clear legal text which ensures that women are adequately represented in all discussions related to law petitions and elections.  The NCLW also reminded decision makers that the 1995 Beijing Platform of Action has endorsed a request for a minimum representation of 30% for women in overall parliamentary seats. The women commission also called on policy makers to include women organizations in all current consultations and discussions related to the electoral laws.


Source: Al-Mustaqbal, Al-Nahar 27 December 2012

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The rights of rural women addressed in a training workshop by Feker Hayat Foundation in Tripoli

27-12-2012

The Feker Hayat Foundation in Minyeh (Tripoli) organized a workshop for women focusing on the importance for rural women to advocate for their political rights and to seek representation at the Parliamentary and Municipal levels.  The workshop was organized within the framework of the organisation’s current programme funded by MEPI and which includes a series of such events as detailed in the opening address given by Ms. Rima Mobayed the head of the organisations’ women committee.  For more information about the organisation’s earlier activities, please check "The National Commission for Lebanese Women calls for women quota in the forthcoming legislative elections", 7/12/2012 and "“Al Fikr wal Hayat” and women’s empowerment in Minyeh with MEPI funding", 5/9/2012.

Source: Al-Mustaqbal 27 December 2012
 

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Integration of Syrian displaced women in Tyre and strengthening their economic capacities || Newspapers (Arabic)

24-12-2012

A training workshop targeting Syrian women displaced was concluded at the Municipality of Teirdebba in Tyre.  The workshop was organized within the framework of the project entitled “Integration of Syrian Displaced Women and Strengthening their Economic Capacities” and implemented by Shield Lebanese Association with funding from the German Friedrich Ebert Foundation.  The project aims to facilitate the social integration of Syrian women displaced and help them secure their livelihoods through income generating activities. It also seeks to break the barrier of isolation, facilitate mobility and help Syrian displaced women acquire new skills.

Source: Al-Akhbar 24 December 2012

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UNDP offers equipment to the Nejmet el Sobh rural women cooperative in Mhaidsseh (Rashayya) || Newspapers

24-12-2012

UNDP project director in the Bekaa, Walid Atallah, attended a celebration to mark the granting of equipment to the Nejmet el Sobh women cooperative in Mhaidsseh and that is within the framework of the UNDP “Live Lebanon” initiative implemented in collaboration with the Bank of Beirut and Arab Countries as well as the Friends of Lebanon association in Monaco. Live Lebanon was launched in 2009 in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and seeks to create links between Lebanese people in Lebanon and outside in addition to encouraging the private sector to contribute to combating poverty and creating new employment opportunities in rural areas.
Source: Al-Nahar 24 December 2012

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“Women’s Rights Academy” opens a public library in Al Ayn (Baalbek) || Newspapers (Arabic)

20-12-2012

A new public library was opened within the premises of the Lebanese Organisation for Studies and Training (LOST) in Al Ayn (Baalbek) under the auspices of the Dutch Ambassador.  The new library is part of the association’s “Women’s Rights Academy” project which is implemented with funding from the Dutch Embassy and which seeks to raise women’s awareness and help them become more active within their communities and within the overall development process.

Source: Al-Safir 20 December 2012

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INSAN association organises a seminar on the protection of migrant workers || Newspapers (Arabic)

20-12-2012

INSAN association organized, in collaboration with the La Sagesse University, its annual conference on the occasion of the International Day for the Protection of Migrant Worker, at the La Sagesse Campus.  The Conference discussed the rights of migrant workers and the gaps in the Lebanese laws especially in relation to regulation and protection from abuse.  The director of INSAN, Charles Nasrallah, emphasized the need to seriously investigate all cases of migrant workers who die in Lebanon and to reform the law so that they can be better protected.  The seminar also discussed the reasons why there is a legal failure in protection and the role of general security forces.  Conclusions drawn were related to the need for legal reform as well as better coordination with NGOs, countries of origin, their relevant embassies and employment agencies.

Source: Al-Mustaqbal 20 December 2012

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Wed, 12/19/2012 - 13:34
Job key data
Job title: Administrative and Advocacy Officer
Organisation: Committee for Employment of Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon (CEP)
Location: Beirut, Lebanon
Working area: Beirut, Lebanon
Deadline: January 14, 2013
Job specifications
Description:

Background
The Committee for the Employment of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon (CEP) was launched in November 2005, to provide objective and reliable information in the debate on Palestinian refugee employment to national and international stakeholders and to advocate for law change which will allow Palestinian refugees to enter the formal workplace.

Key responsabilites:

Under the supervision of the CEP Chair and the Committee members, the incumbent will undertake the following tasks:

  • Support the advocacy efforts for promoting the right to work and to social protection for Palestinian refugees; utilize the social media and innovative channels to sensitize and advocate for the right to work;
  • Build networks and strong connections with the Lebanese and Palestinian civil society organizations; ensure on-going coordination on common initiatives and activities;
  • Connect and liaise with the media and ensure that CEP’s activities and actions are visible and fully covered;
  • Prepare annual work plan for the CEP in line with the CEP strategic plan; Contribute to the implementation of planned activities and provide all needed facilitation and support for their effective execution. Organize the CEP meetings, coordinate with the committee members, and prepare agenda and meeting minutes. Provide administrative support to meetings and carry out logistical preparations. Ensure that relevant documentation is provided to all members in a timely fashion; carry out follow-up actions after each meeting;
  • Follow up with the donors and ensure that CEP work meet the donors’ requirements. Draft progress and annual reports, prepare contracts and follow up on their timely execution. Prepare the CEP annual budget, budget revisions and needed documents for processing of payments; maintain proper documentation of CEP records;
  • Circulate call for proposals to CEP members and report on potential funding opportunities; explore opportunities for resource mobilization and provide support in the development and drafting of project proposals;
  • Organize CEP seminars, workshops, fundraising events and technical meetings. Arrange for venues to hold the events; Review CEP documents and reports before being disseminated or presented during events. Prepare simple presentations in both Arabic and English;
  • Ensure that the CEP database and electronic filing for all CEP papers, research and documents is maintained;
  • Maintain the CEP website and update with relevant information and postings. Ensure that website is regularly updated with recently released studies and reports related to employment of Palestinian.  Disseminate CEP publications and key outputs to concerned stakeholders and partners;
  • Follow up on all administrative and day to day issues related to CEP and provide support to the CEP chair in making appointments, drafting correspondence and other similar duties;
  • Collect on regular basis media clippings and press releases relevant to the Palestinian refugees and to employment rights and share with CEP members;
  • Coordinate – on regular basis – with the Resource Center for Employment Promotion and provide technical and administrative support to the center when needed;
  • Conduct simple translation from and to Arabic or English;
  • Carry out any other duties for the benefit of the CEP.
Key competencies:
  • Good knowledge of Palestinian issues and employment conditions.
  • Strong communication skills, teamwork and ability to establish and maintain positive working relations.
  • A university degree in social sciences or relevant disciplines;
  • Excellent oral and written command of English and Arabic;
  • Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications;
  • Three to five years of relevant working experience.
Contract terms:

CEP promotes gender equality. Thus, both male and female candidates are encouraged to apply.
Interested Candidates are invited to send their CV together with a Motivation letter by e-mail to Ms. Rita Mantoufeh ritam@npaid.org
The email should carry the title “CEP Administrative and Advocacy Officer”.
For any information regarding the position please contact Ms. Rita Mantoufeh on +961-1-702582 ext. 11

Tue, 12/18/2012 - 15:42
Job key data
Job title: Qualitative Researchers
Organisation: CRTD.A
Location: Beirut - Lebanon
Working area: Beirut - Lebanon
Deadline: December 25, 2012
Job specifications
Description:

Background

Key responsabilites:
  • These four researches are expected to run in parallel and will each be conducted in up to 25 days.
  • All the research outputs will be in English
Key competencies:
  • Successful candidates will have the following qualifications:
  • Proven experience and skills in qualitative research methodology including research design, data collection and analysis.
  • Demonstrable experience in carrying out semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and timeline analysis.
  • Demonstrable skills and experience in carrying out desk research and literature reviews
  • Excellent writing skills in English.
  • Excellent reading and research skills in Arabic.
  • Excellent gender analytical skills and knowledge of gender analysis frameworks.
  • At least 5 years of demonstrable research experience
  • Availability to start immediately.
Contract terms:

The contracts are offered starting 2 January and ending on March 30th 2013 and entail up to 25 working days each.
Please send your details CV + three references + a motivation letter indicating how do your skills and past experience meet the requirements of this task to vacancy@crtda.org.lb
Please indicate "REEWP Y4 Researcher" in the subject line.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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