5.6.1. A policy of non-discrimination against women
Lebanese University promotes Gender equality for the sake of enhancing Students' performance.
Equality, enhancing trust and developing the language of communication to build positive relationships in the societal environment and the workplace, are all included in the plan developed by the Center of Profession, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Centre MINE) at the Lebanese University to contribute to strengthening the academic and professional role of women, complementing the ERASMUS+ program of the European Union and “FREE PROJECT” signed with the Lebanese University:
“Female Academic Role Model Empowerment, Equality and Sustainability at Universities in Mediterranean Region: towards 2030 Agenda”
In order to implement this plan in its programs and activities, Centre MINE initiates from some of the criteria included in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development set by the United Nations, including the following points:
Developing a language of communication to build positive and supportive relationships in the workplace between men and women;
Identifying and addressing the main issue of gender equality, demonstrating confidence in challenging inequality and supporting female and male colleagues;
Working on broad partnerships to provide leadership and support to change harmful gender norms, policies and practices and improve gender equality;
Achieving full and productive employment opportunities and securing decent work for all women, men, youth and people with special needs;
Whereas social norms and stereotypes were the barrier to women's advancement and the perpetuation of discrimination against them, the "change of standards" item will be the basis of Center MINE’s work, through projects, activities, jobs and strategies giving women opportunities that include rights and skills in order to serve the following goals:
Empowering academics and professional women through a series of training workshops to develop their capabilities;
Improving the management and operation of higher education by introducing equality and sustainability centers and services;
Developing research and innovation by supporting women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial ideas;
Promoting partnerships for broad-based and inclusive economic development for women, as well as encouraging sustainable business and ideas to achieve this type of growth;
Providing integrated, quality, rights-based and gender-diverse services without discrimination;
Mainstreaming gender equality in all job opportunities announced by the Center MINE and in all fields and sectors
In cooperation with a number of partners, including “Progressive Energy”, the Center of Profession, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Centre MINE) at the Lebanese University, offers a student leadership program specifically designed to empower young men and women and possess the appropriate skills and tools to “Unleash the Leader Within”.
The Leadership Program helps students :
Learn the basic and essential skills of a successful leader.
explore the characteristics of an Emotionally Intelligent Leader.
Acquire the proper tools for effective communication.
Develop their critical thinking by learning how to face obstacles and adapt to change
Learn the steps of problem solving and conflict resolution through real-life scenarios
Understand the ethics, morals and values which relate to their leadership dilemmas
Gain knowledge on how to become better citizens by being more responsible and socially engaged
Practice team building through diversified activities
Grasp the importance of decision-making in different situations
Absorb the importance of vision and goal setting through hands on experiences.
Build a comprehensive set of practical skills and tools to apply in their leadership practice and in their everyday life.
The Lebanese University student – Faculty of Law and Political and Administrative Sciences (Branch 1, 2nd year), Sally Mahmoud Moussa presented a project on "Women’s Rights" to the Embassy of France in Beirut. The project was ranked first among fifty projects submitted from Lebanon and the Arab world.
In an attempt to win the representation of the universities of Lebanon and the Arab world in raising women's awareness of their rights, Sally Moussa initially submitted a written briefing paper on her project to the Embassy of France. She was then contacted with four others to submit their projects orally before a Specialized Human Rights Committee and was selected to attend workshops on Women’s Rights to be held in France in June.
Sally Moussa project included ideas and posters on "Women's Rights" in terms of strengthening their legal culture on the subjects of the right to nationality, marriage of minors and equality with men.
In addition to her specialization in law, Sally is pursuing Economics (3rd year) at the Lebanese University - Faculty of Economics and Business Administration.
The presentation explores the concepts of gender equity and empowerment as they relate to women in higher education (and other contexts) around the world and specifically in Lebanon. Achieving equity and empowerment requires that we reflect more purposefully on the structures and organizations that maintain the status quo. Together we will discuss our thoughts on empowerment and share ideas on strategies and steps that might be needed to empower Lebanese women.
In terms of working for equality and protection from violence, women in Lebanon enjoy protection under the Law No. 293 of 2014 on the Protection of Women and Other Family Members from Domestic Violence.
On its 66th Founding Day, the Lebanese University raised the slogan of sustainable development to build a cohesive society committed to values and human dignity, away from the traps of politics, sectarianism, confessionalism and all forms of discrimination.
