UN Women concerned about impact of economic downturn on women's work in Lebanon

A UN Women study published on Monday has warned about a possible impact of the current economic downturn on women’s work in Lebanon that could reduce their participation in the labor market by 14% to 19% against the current rate of 29%. The study entitled, “Gender-Responsive Recovery in Lebanon: Recommendations for Fiscal, Social and Labor Policy Reform” was announced in a statement by UN Women on its policies in the reforms projected to alleviate the loss in terms of women’s participation in national economy. The study called for supporting and investing in reform and social protection systems in the country, in addition to giving priority to addressing gender-based discrimination still prevalent within the social protection tools and laws. It also endorsed extending the period of paid maternity leave and adopting a paid paternity leave, as well as developing a maternity insurance program to be covered by the Social Security Fund in order to reduce employers’ incentives in giving priority to male recruitment. In conclusion, the study advised reforming the kafala (sponsorship) system in Lebanon to the end of protecting the rights of migrant women domestic workers. (more on the following link: https://bit.ly/3ewkydA). (NNA, July 13, 2020)