Towards a better understanding of the mobilization towards female’s economic empowerment in Lebanon.

Abstract

Objectives: Critical aspects of development priorities have come to center on gender equality and the empowerment of women. The SGDs demands that countries achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls to achieve social and economic stainabilities of societies. This project sought to focus on economic empowerment because of its low ranking across global gender gap index and contribution it has on Lebanese GDP, income, and earnings. Four key objective areas included; understanding different forms of mobilization to achieve economic empowerment, key stakeholders and drivers of mobilization, achievements made up to now, and key challenges that face women economic empowerment efforts in Lebanon. Methodology: The study conducted in-depth interviews through Key informant interviews from 11 groups of people working in NGOs, INGOs, financial institutions, and private businesses. Nviro Version 12 software was used to analyse and present quantitative data. Results: The findings showed that key mobilizations involve providing hands on experience, increase women on boards, fund programs, create educations awareness, capacity building, and scholarship programs. Organizations corporate with different stakeholders including International agencies, NGOs, private companies, embassies, and financial institutions. Major drivers of mobilization include creation of stronger economies, reduce domestic violence, provision of quality education, and create successful leaders. Major beneficiaries of programs are Lebanese women, girls, and SMEs. Major achievements made up to now covers training for women, policy endorsement, brought more women on boards, created jobs for women, signed pledges, and reduced gender gaps. However, participants pointed out that key challenges include insufficient funds, strict rules and policies, logistics reaching remote areas, increased gender discrimination, and political interferences.