WLA, an NGO established in 2018 as a council within the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, aims to integrate Lebanese women in decision-making and strengthen their role in the development of the economy. The organization has since transformed into an association to improve its effectiveness and attract more funding. WLA's main objective is to move women from limited power to having the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to compete equitably in society.
Our article today is inspired from an interview with Rindala Kassem, secretary General of WLA in Lebanon. As a passionate advocate for women's empowerment and gender equality, Kassem has been actively involved in the organization's efforts to promote women's participation in decision-making processes and strengthen their role in the economic, social, and cultural development of Lebanon.
During the pandemic, many Lebanese women became entrepreneurs and ran businesses from their homes after losing their office jobs. WLA recognizes the significant role that Lebanese women play in the economy and encourages them to fulfill their potential. The association's slogan, "Together we do more," was expressed through the Jazzmin project, which gathered over 120 women to share their talents and expertise in different fields.
Achieving full equality is challenging but attainable. Equality starts from within the mind of the woman. As long as a woman possesses the skills, passion, and knowledge, she needs the motivation to step into the economic world and fulfill her potential. Working towards an equal society challenges women to learn how to successfully maintain a healthy work-life balance that is important for health, relationships, productivity, and ultimately performance.
WLA strongly supports women's participation in economic decision-making, as evidenced by the increasing number of successful women entrepreneurs in Lebanon. Women's involvement in government decision-making is less attainable than in the economic sector, given the limited number of political parties in Lebanon. However, women's presence and involvement in government decision-making have a significant impact, as they tend to place women's issues and concerns on the parliamentary agenda with their know-how, communication skills, resilience, creativity, and diplomatic skills.
In 2023, WLA plans to organize a second version of the Ana Lubnaniya Arabiya conference under Lebanon an Arab Edutainment Hub, scheduled from May 24th to May 26th. The event will bring together women from all around the Arabic world to highlight their achievements, with speakers in diverse fields such as business, economics, leadership, entrepreneurship, media, tourism, and more. There will also be an executive certificate program for two days with Carlos Ghosn and other mentors in collaboration with USEK University, culminating in a dinner ceremony on May 26th. This event will not only provide a unique opportunity for networking but also attract tourists to Lebanon.
Overall, WLA's efforts to empower Lebanese women in economic and political decision-making are commendable. As women's participation in these areas increases, Lebanon will benefit from their skills, expertise, and contribution to the country's economic and political development.
