News

The President of the Union of Fay7a2 Municipalities in Tripoli, Mr. Nader Al-ghazal, inaugurated an exhibition entitled "Ramadan Brings Us Together" at the Abdullah Ghandour hall of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in the North.  The event was attended by the Chamber's Treasurer, Mr.Toufic al Dabbousi, the representative of the Turkish Ambassador to Lebanon and of a number of women and civil society organisations, cultural organisations and scouts associations.
Dabbousi emphasized in his key note address  the efforts extended by participating organisations in promoting traditional handcrafts noting that such activities are part of the public and social interests of the Chamber of Tripoli and the North which seeks through its various programmes to support and encourage micro and small enterprises especially those set up and run by women
At the end of the opening ceremony, Dabbousi and Ghazal also offered prizes to three pioneering women, in appreciation of their achievements in municipal, banking and civil action namely: Leila Chahhoud Tichouri, Maha Mokaddam, Yolande Al-Rassi.
Source: Al-Mustaqbal 5 August 2013
 

The women committee of the Women Academy affiliated to the Safadi Foundation in Kobeh area of Tripoli organised a number of small activities within the framework of its women empowerment programme.  In collaboration with the “hoop and thread” workshop, women academy implemented an activity called the Ramadan Pudding which targeted 165 persons from the Dahr el Mgharr area.  In addition, the committee launched a training course in simple and basic sewing techniques targeting 21 women, and organised a celebration at the Academy's venue which grouped 60 children and 40 women and that within the framework of the “Neighborhood Feast” activity which included the distribution of various food items.
Source: Al-Diyar, Al-Mustaqbal 4 August 2013

As Safir newspaper published a report on a number of migrant women domestic workers who are working with the support of the National Federation of Trade Unions of Workers and Employees in Lebanon to set up their own Union so as to represent MWDW and to protect their interests.  The report highlights a number of testimonials from human rights and worker rights activists who provide details about the plight of MWDW as well as their relations with organizations that support their rights, with their respective churches and embassies.
It is to be noted that the number of MWDW in Lebanon is estimated anywhere between 150 and 200,000workers out of a total workforce of 1.45 million people according to ILO.  This category of workers remains excluded from the provisions of the labor law according to its 7th clause, while the Ministry of Labor requires MWDW to obtain work permits.  As such, MWDW do not enjoy benefits such as minimum wage, maximum working hours and paid leave and are forbidden from their right to engage in trade union work.
The report notes that despite all the efforts extended by the General Security, relevant embassies, international and local organizations as well as churches, MWDW remain unable to defend their own rights and interests.  However, a number of MWDW such as Susanna from Nepal have set up a women group known as NARI (Group of Nepalese Feminists in Lebanon) with the support of Kafa.  Libbie from Bangladesh in order to come with solutions to the similar problems they face and have come to realize that a union would serve their interests best.
The president of the National Federation of Trade Unions of Workers and Employees in Lebanon, Castro Abdullah, indicated that the idea to mainstream the concerns of migrant workers through encouraging them to organize and represent themselves, started during the mobilization for the review of the salary scales.  He indicated that there is no difference between one worker and the other.  He emphasized the importance for MWDW to organise and demand legal protection, through networking with unions in their own countries and lobbying their respective governments to conclude bilateral agreement which will regulate the norms and standards of employments and the work of employment agencies.  
Abdullah noted that the new trade union will be open to Lebanese and non-Lebanon workers as experience has shown that there is indeed a category of vulnerable Lebanese workers who needs to be included in that category.  He confirmed that Lebanese law allows non-Lebanese to become union members on condition that they do not vote or get elected in governance bodies
The newspaper report also pointed out to the findings of a ILO study conducted in 2012 which revealed that there are some 18 NGOs in Lebanon who are active in working with MWDW focusing on different areas and within adopting a mainly service provision/welfare approach. These organisations are involved in the provision of temporary shelters, medical and legal aid to victims of violence.  Four of these organisations are more engaged in advocacy focusing mainly on violence but not addressing issues related to abuses in employment practices.  According to the aforementioned ILO study, capacity building provided by some NGOs does not address support the capacity to organize and work collectively.
Rahel, a migrant woman from Ethiopia, emphasized the importance of communication amongst MWDW across nationalities especially since churches and embassies only allow communication amongst migrant from the same nationality for fear of losing control.
Source: Al-Safir, Al-Safir 2 August 2013
 

Al Mustakbal newspaper published a report on the “Live Lebanon”, a UN initiative which is implemented by UNDP in partnership with Bank of Beirut and the Arab Countries (BBAC) and within the framework of social and local development for a better Lebanon.  The report notes that this current initiative uses goodwill ambassadors who are Lebanese immigrants who promote Live Lebanon projects amongst Lebanese communities throughout the world.  Live Lebanon also uses the support of the private sector and the media and has concluded last March a cooperation agreement with New TV.
The report indicates that the Live Lebanon initiative seeks to develop the poorest and most deprived regions through implementing long term projects in various sectors namely a) health (providing primary health care to all regardless of their income or place of residence through the support and equipping of primary health care centres in remote areas and which provide their services at nominal fees); b) youth (through the implementation of projects that support the youth at the academic, sports and social levels and so as to improve their social integration, their knowledge and skills); c) environment (through the provision of healthier life via environmental projects); and d) women’s empowerment (through the implementation of projects targeting  women and aiming to improve their income and as such, improve the livelihoods of the entire community).  The latter sector is implemented given the importance of creating new work opportunities for both women and men and commitment to the principle of equal opportunities of women and men.  Accordingly, the program aims to create work opportunities through supporting small income generating projects especially in agriculture and rural tourism.
Source: Al-Mustaqbal 31 July 2013

An Nahar newspaper published an article yesterday covering the launch of the campaign seeking to regularize Syrian businesses in the Bekaa.  The report included highlights of the situation of Syrian businesses as well as testimonials of Syrian holders who shared their dismay with the decision calling for the closure of their businesses and livelihoods.  The report highlights confusion with dates since the memorandum in force at the Shtoura police centre calls for an immediate closure of businesses opened by Syrians since the start of the Syrian crisis because they have entered the country as displaced while giving all other Syrian businesses until the end of August to regularize their situation.  However, and according to a number of Syrians, the implementation of the memorandum was rather chaotic and according to the way it was understood by the law enforcers.  In many cases, businesses enjoying the exact same situation were given different notices and treatments.
The report also shows that troupes pertaining to the economy directorate are strolling the streets and alleys of villages and towns in the Bekaa to document and register all Syrian businesses in a desperate attempt to list all these businesses, as many Lebanese are, according to the report, providing false information.
On a related vein, the Lebanese government has started implementing new and tougher security measures on the border crossings including Masnaa, Aboudieh, and Arida, and which entail thorough verifications of IDs of incoming Syrians, so as to limit the infiltration of terrorist groups and others who are antagonistic to the Lebanese army and security forces.  In addition, entry to Lebanon is now limited to those carrying valid IDs or passports as well as affidavits indicating whether the person is a displaced or a worker in a Lebanese enterprise.
Furthermore, was formally confirmed that the Lebanese authorities have extended the deadline for regularizing the legal situation of Syrian businesses until August 31st instead of the 15th in order to allow business holders to secure needed registrations.
Source: Al-Nahar 31 July 2013
 

Makhzoomi Foundation inaugurated yesterday its Beirut Ramadan Souks which offers a number of Ramadan-related activities.  The event is organised within the framework of the association’s policy to encourage traditional crafts through supporting small projects.  The exhibition will open its doors until August 1st, during which visitors will be able to discover Lebanon’s rich heritage through the artistic bazaar which exhibits the work of 60 Lebanese designers and 20 painters and sculptors.  International food products are also on exhibit with the participation of several foreign embassies.  The space includes a replica of a traditional Lebanese village where artists and producers will be showcasing their products on-site. Finally, the Ramadan Souks will also provide musical events with Pascal Sakr, Leila Abou Habib, Paul and Jumana Murad, a caftan show, a one thousand and one night performance as well as the Ramadan recipes of Chef Richard.
Source: Al-Nahar 30 July 2013
 

Al Nahar newspaper published a report last week about ten women who joined the field team specializing in de-mining and as part of MAG organisation, working in South Lebanon under the supervision of the Lebanese army, and despite the lukewarm reception of the community which is still struggling to accept their audacity.  The report highlights the experiences of these 10 women and the various reasons that led them to go into this very dangerous job, which until recently, was the bastion of men.  The newspaper report also focuses on the experiences of these women some six months after joining MAG field teams.  Fatmeh Ghandour (28 years) indicates for instance that she was encouraged to join because she wanted to avenge her father in law who died few years ago because of a landmine.  She does not conceal however that the generous income was also a decisive factor as this will allow her to support her fiancé.  She notes that the task extremely dangerous as the first mistake is generally the last.  She also indicated that the dangerous nature of the job does not make it less interesting.  Fatmeh (30 years), a divorced woman with two children, notes that she did not find any better opportunity than to work in this field to ensure a good livelihood for her and her children.  She adds that this work has given her self confidence and has changed society’s perception as she is no longer seen as the weak divorcee who cannot face life’s challenges.  Amal Nader (32 years) was motivated to join the de-mining job for the same reasons.  She added that working on de-mining in the South has strengthened her belonging to the South and has made her feel heroic.
Source: Al-Nahar 28 July 2013