First Lady reaffirms commitment to women's rights
First Lady Nehmat Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to gender equality and the principles of the Beijing Platform for Action during the sixty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations. Addressing the gathering in New York, Lebanon's First Lady and Chair of the National Commission for Lebanese Women highlighted the resilience of Lebanese women despite economic hardships, political instability, and the aftermath of war.
"In my country, behind every struggling man, behind every migrating man, behind every ingenious man, there resides a great lady," she stated. However, she noted that while Lebanese men take pride in defending the honor of their female relatives, true honor is preserved only by ensuring women's full rights—including education, freedom of thought, healthcare, and employment.
The First Lady underscored the role of Lebanese women as pillars of resilience, balancing careers, caregiving, and household responsibilities while enduring the absence of comprehensive legal protections. Despite these challenges, she emphasized that Lebanese women have withstood wars and economic crises without losing their will to live.
She also acknowledged the ongoing battle against poverty, which disproportionately affects women, and called for further structural reforms to address gender disparities.
While acknowledging persistent challenges, the First Lady highlighted key legislative advancements in Lebanon, including efforts to combat domestic violence and sexual harassment. She credited the National Commission for Lebanese Women's cooperation with Lebanese authorities in driving these reforms forward.
Additionally, she praised the appointment of five female ministers to crucial government portfolios—including education and higher education, social affairs, environment, youth and sports, and tourism—as a testament to the government's commitment to advancing women's rights.
Looking ahead, she noted that Lebanon is set to fill over half of its state leadership positions in the coming months, expressing hope that a fair share of these appointments would go to women to boost their representation in decision-making roles.
From the UN podium, the First Lady urged Secretary-General António Guterres and the international community to support Lebanon in removing obstacles that hinder the advancement of women and girls. She also called on delegations present at the Commission on the Status of Women session to strengthen cooperation and exchange experiences with Lebanon.
With municipal and parliamentary elections approaching, she stressed the importance of electing officials who champion gender equality. "In the absence of a society that recognizes the rights of its women, there can be no peace, security, democracy, or prosperity," she asserted.
Lebanon aspires to reclaim its leading role in gender equality in the Middle East, the First Lady concluded, emphasizing the country's historic mission to promote peace and human dignity.
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