Wronecka meets women's groups in Tripoli ahead of International Women’s Day

Ahead of International Women's Day, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Joanna Wronecka, accompanied by U.N. Women representative in Lebanon Gielan Elmessiri, has met in the northern city of Tripoli with youth, women-led groups and non- governmental organizations active in empowering women and girls, peacebuilding efforts and the promotion of social stability through inclusive political dialogue, social inclusion and economic empowerment.

"All across Lebanon, I have met with inspiring women who are playing leading roles in trying to make their communities more peaceful, inclusive, resourceful and involved in contributing to a more sustainable future for their country," Wronecka said Wednesday. "Creating a conducive environment for enhancing women and girls’ rights and participation is even more necessary during times of crisis so that Lebanon can benefit from the full potential of all its citizens," she added.

The Special Coordinator met with a group of young women and men at the Azm university who shared how Lebanon’s socio-economic crisis was impacting youth in their education and employment opportunities, particularly in Tripoli. They also shared their aspirations for change and for building a better future in all the regions of Lebanon. At the Ruwwad Al-Tanmeya Center, the Special Coordinator was briefed on the peacebuilding efforts, including in offering a space for engaging youth across sectarian divides.

In a separate discussion with local women NGOs funded under the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), the Special Coordinator, U.N. Women and the participants highlighted the need to improve the political participation of women and their engagement in matters of peace and security. The Special Coordinator also attended the play “I dream of dreaming” involving Lebanese and Syrian women organized by Seenaryo, Women Now for Development and U.N. Women as part of a project to empower women in facilitating peaceful dialogue and inclusion in their communities.

U.N. Women representative in Lebanon Elmessiri said “the courage and commitment of the women and men we met in Tripoli today stands as a beacon of hope towards a more just society that empowers, uplifts, and advocates for every woman's voice to be heard and her rights respected."

The U.N. said in a statement Thursday that it remains committed to supporting the inclusion and empowerment of women and girls as part of its overall efforts to support Lebanon’s peace, security and development.