News

The “Al Fikr wal Hayat” association launched a “women’s empowerment project in Minieh and its vicinity.  The slogan of the project is “yes for respecting women and no for violence against women”. 

The project is funded by Minieh and seeks to empower women and build their capacities.  It entails the setting up of a specialized centre to introduce women to their right and protect them from family and community violence as well as organize training workshop for women as well as ICT training and cultural trips.

Source: Al Mustaqbal

 

The Ministry of telecommunication launche, in collaboration with ZRE and Berytech, the first phase of the “Beirut Digital Zone” project in Bashoura under the auspices of Prime Minister Mikati. The project covers an area of some 5000 square meters and is a first of its kind.  It aims at attracting investments in the ICT sector as well as encouraging ICT businesses to return to Lebanon.  It also seeks to make Lebanon an advanced platform for such forms of investments.

Once completed, the project is expected to provide around 3 to 4000 employment opportunities in the fields of ICT and creation in Beirut.

Original text in Arabic ( Assafir)

According to a study undertaken by “the Aman’s behavioral and social centre” and published by Al Hayat newspaper, the key reason to divorce in Lebanon is related to “poor harmony amongst the couple, abuse and lack of tolerance to certain personal traits”.  Economic factors did not fare as reasons for divorce.  The study reiterates that intolerance of personal traits and the “excessive autonomy” of one partner appears to be amongst the main reasons for divorce.

Original text in Arabic: (Al Hayat)

The general assembly for social affairs at the Maronite Bishopry of Sarba organized a seminar entitle: “Women and Lebanon, the mission…” at the municipal town house in Zouk Mikhael.

The speakers included former Minister of Social Affairs, Mr. Selim Sayegh, who emphasized on the role of women who, according to him “are equal to men in rights and responsibilities and who are the safeguards for values in society”.  He emphasized that “women should be prepared to go into political life whilst emphasizing that women should be protected by law so that they are able to participate in politics beginning at the local and municipal level as well as broader political participation as women are more immune to corruption”

Original text in Arabic: (Annahar)
 

Former Minister Mona Ofeish visited the current Minister of Information, Walid al Daouk, and was accompanied by members of the “Coalition of Child Rights Organisations in Lebanon” in addition to Judge Aline Keyrouz Suleiman, and the director if the Human Rights Institute at the Lebanese Bar Association, Ms. Elizabeth Zakharia Sioufi.  The discussion focused on the issue of stateless children.

The participants in the meeting agreed that this matter ought to be highlighted in the media in addition to organizing awareness raising activities around this matter.

Original text in Arabic: (Al Mustqbal)



 

The Minister of Industry, Vrej Sabounjian, headed the second meeting of the steering committee of the CELEP project which is funded by an Italian grant of 950 thousand Euros and which is implemented by Italian NGO ICU. The project is managed by UNIDO and supports both the Ministries of Industry and Agriculture.  It aims at supporting the development of local rural communities through supporting agro-industrial structures as well as transferring knowledge and technology . The project is also expected to create 230 new jobs

Original text in Arabic (Assafir)

Assafir newspaper published an investigation about the current kidnapping cases in Lebanon lately which reflect an ugly reality and expose a deeper social conflict in Lebanon within the absence of official associations dedicated to manage citizens’ affairs. It also divulges a social and psychological dissociation and a misunderstanding for the concept of citizenship.

Most of the recently kidnapped are men and that is due to many factors. As an Arab, patriarchal society the men symbolize power while the absence of women value insinuates women’s lack of political, economical value.  Further, the gender relations diminish women’s role in the Arab world which means it is dishonorable to kidnap women.  
In addition to the sensitivity of women’s honor issue in the Arab societies, kidnapping a woman may lead to violent and dangerous reactions.

Original text in Arabic: Assafir

Individual Initiative for Human Rights Organization expressed its concerns regarding the stateless children of Lebanese women especially during the current chaotic situations in Lebanon.

Original text in Arabic: Annahar, Assafir

The Together for The Quota national campaign announced through a press conference that the human chain demonstration to surround the parliament is postponed. The new date, yet to be decided, will be announced via the media and social media websites.

Original text in Arabic: Al-mustaqbal