𝐑𝐀'𝐄𝐃𝐀: 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡

LLWB Celebrates the Graduation of 45 Women Entrepreneurs, Advancing Women’s Economic Recovery in Post-War Lebanon

In the aftermath of the war in Lebanon, rebuilding livelihoods has become as critical as rebuilding infrastructure. Women entrepreneurs, particularly those operating in underserved regions, continue to face disrupted markets, reduced purchasing power, financial uncertainty, and limited access to business support. Recognizing that resilient businesses are fundamental to resilient communities, the Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB), in partnership with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), implemented the project “Empowering Women Entrepreneurs – Capacity Building for Sustainable Startups in Lebanon.”

The initiative concluded with the graduation of 45 women entrepreneurs from Chouf, Beqaa, and the North, who successfully completed an intensive six-week programme designed to strengthen their entrepreneurial capacities and enhance the sustainability of their businesses during one of Lebanon’s most challenging economic periods.

LLWB believes that when women entrepreneurs gain practical business knowledge, strengthen their resilience, expand their professional networks, and access continued support, they become better equipped to sustain their enterprises, create economic opportunities, contribute to local recovery, and generate lasting social and economic impact within their communities.

To translate this vision into action, participants completed four specialized training modules covering Business Planning, Crisis-Resilient Mindset and Financial Recovery, Marketing and Brand Strategy, and Green Business Practices and Sustainability. The programme combined practical learning with peer exchange, enabling participants to develop realistic business strategies adapted to today’s rapidly changing economic environment.

The graduation ceremony featured a panel discussion moderated by Mrs. Rita Chemaly, bringing together the LLWB president, Mrs. Abir Chebaro, KAS Projects Manager, Mrs. Cyrine Farhat, Expert and Trainer, Dr. Lara Macaron, H.E. Engineer Mrs. Gloria Abou Zeid, Director General of Cooperatives at the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture, to explore the evolving challenges and opportunities facing women-led enterprises in Lebanon’s recovery phase. The discussion highlighted the importance of resilience, innovation, access to networks, and continuous learning as essential drivers of sustainable entrepreneurship.

The event culminated in the presentation of certificates to the 45 graduates, recognizing their commitment, perseverance, and successful completion of the programme. The ceremony concluded with a networking reception that fostered new professional connections among entrepreneurs, experts, partners, and stakeholders.

The project reflects LLWB’s long-standing commitment to creating sustainable pathways for women’s economic empowerment.

For two decades, LLWB has championed women’s entrepreneurship as a driver of inclusive economic development. Its approach goes beyond supporting individual businesses; it focuses on strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering leadership, promoting innovation, and enabling women to become active contributors to economic recovery and community resilience across Lebanon.

The “Empowering Women Entrepreneurs – Capacity Building for Sustainable Startups in Lebanon” project demonstrates how targeted, localized interventions can generate lasting impact when they respond directly to the realities faced by women entrepreneurs. By investing in women’s capacities today, LLWB and KAS are contributing to stronger enterprises, more resilient local economies, and a more inclusive and sustainable future for Lebanon.

The Ministry of Social Affairs’ Action Plan under the National Strategy for Economic and Financial Inclusion.

The President of the Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB), Mrs. Abir Chebaro, participated in the launch of the Ministry of Social Affairs’ Action Plan under the National Strategy for Economic and Financial Inclusion.

In her remarks, Mrs. Chebaro emphasized that women’s economic empowerment is a key driver of sustainable growth, enabling women to become active contributors to productivity, innovation, and inclusive prosperity.

She highlighted the strategic partnership between LLWB, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and partner organizations in advancing institutional reform, strengthening governance, and promoting transparency.

Mrs. Chebaro also underscored LLWB’s role in supporting the Ministry through capacity building, professional training, the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and the integration of gender-responsive approaches across institutional practices.

LLWB remains committed to collaborating with public and private sector partners to advance women’s economic empowerment and contribute to a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Lebanon

شاركت رئيسة الرابطة اللبنانية لسيدات العمل (LLWB)، السيدة عبير شبارو، في إطلاق وزارة الشؤون الاجتماعية لخطة عملها ضمن استراتيجية الشمول والإدماج الاقتصادي والمالي.

وفي كلمتها، أكدت شبارو أن التمكين الاقتصادي للمرأة يشكل ركيزة أساسية لتحقيق نمو اقتصادي مستدام وشامل، لا سيما في المجتمعات الأكثر هشاشة، مشددةً على أن الاستثمار في النساء لا يحقق العدالة الاجتماعية فحسب، بل يعزز الإنتاجية، ويقوي الاقتصاد، ويدعم استقرار الأسر والمجتمعات.

كما شددت على أهمية الشراكة الاستراتيجية بين الرابطة والوزارة وسائر الجهات المعنية، باعتبارها أساسًا لتحقيق أثر مستدام من خلال الإصلاحات المؤسسية، وتعزيز الحوكمة، وترسيخ مبادئ الشفافية.

وأشارت إلى أن جهود الرابطة تمتد إلى دعم الكوادر وتدريبها، وتطوير الإجراءات التشغيلية المعيارية لحماية لحماية متلقي الخدمات ومقدميها، إلى جانب بناء القدرات وتعميم المنظور الجندري دعمًا لخطة الوزارة في تحقيق المساواة بين الجنسين.

تواصل LLWB التزامها بالعمل مع شركائها لتمكين المرأة اقتصاديًا، وتعزيز مشاركتها في مواقع صنع القرار والقيادة، والمساهمة في بناء اقتصاد أكثر شمولًا ومجتمع أكثر ازدهارًا.

Championing Women In Entrepreneurship

Empowering women entrepreneurs requires more than ambition ; it requires collaboration.

LLWB was pleased to participate in the Lebanese Women Empowerment Program (LWEP), represented by its President, Mrs. Abir Chebaro, Treasurer Ms. Zakie Karam, and Advisor to the Board, Mrs. Asmahan Zein, supporting a journey dedicated to strengthening women-led businesses and fostering entrepreneurial growth.

Congratulations to the eight inspiring founders who completed this remarkable journey.

At LLWB, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that open doors, strengthen women-led businesses, and contribute to a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Are you a woman leading a business in Lebanon?

The Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB) is conducting a rapid impact assessment survey to better understand the challenges facing women-led MSMEs and SMEs in the context of the 2026 war and its ongoing aftermath. This survey also aims to inform the Gender in the Humanitarian Action (GIHA) and the Livelihoods sector programming by identifying the evolving priorities, protection concerns, and economic recovery needs of women-led businesses in Lebanon.

Your experience matters! And your voice will directly shape supporting policies and programs designed to help businesses like yours.

We encourage you to share the survey widely with other women entrepreneurs in your network.
https://forms.gle/QkpKPiGq97dUWmfy5

For assistance, reach out to us at program.manager@llwb.org or contact our MEAL Coordinator Ms. Ghady Zaayter via WhatsApp at +961 71 504 699.

Thank you for your contribution!
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هل تقودين مشروعاً تجارياً في لبنان؟

تُجري الرابطة اللبنانية لسيدات العمل استبياناً لتقييم الأثر، بهدف فهم التحديات التي تواجه المؤسسات التي تقودها النساء في ظل تداعيات حرب 2026.يهدف هذا الاستبيان أيضاً إلى المساهمة في توجيه برامج النوع الاجتماعي في العمل الإنساني وقطاع سبل العيش، من خلال تحديد الأولويات المتغيرة، ومخاوف الحماية، واحتياجات التعافي الاقتصادي للمؤسسات التي تقودها النساء في لبنان
خبرتك مهمة! وصوتك سيساهم مباشرةً في تشكيل السياسات والبرامج الداعمة المصممة لمساعدة شركات مثل شركتك

نشجّعك على مشاركة الاستبيان على نطاق واسع مع رائدات الأعمال الأخريات ضمن شبكتك
https://forms.gle/QkpKPiGq97dUWmfy5

للمساعدة أو الاستفسار، يُرجى التواصل معنا عبر البريد الإلكتروني: program.manager@llwb.org

أو مع منسقة الرابطة، السيدة غدي زعيتر، عبر واتساب على الرقم:
699 504 71

شكراً لمساهمتكِ!

𝗟𝗟𝗪𝗕 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗻

Honored to share that Lebanese League for Women in Business Treasurer Mrs. Zakie Karam has been nominated as a 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻 under the National Digital Women Inclusion Policy and Strategy project in Lebanon a joint initiative led by the Ministry of Telecommunications, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and OGERO.

This important initiative brings together leading women from Lebanon’s digital, technology, AI, and innovation ecosystem to contribute to the development of a national policy and 5-year strategy aimed at advancing women’s digital inclusion, leadership, and participation across the sector.

As a membership-based organization, Lebanese League for Women in Business is also proud to see its members Ms. Nada El Mais, Ms. Sara Abdalla, and Ms. Grace Harb represented within this national effort, reflecting LLWB’s continued commitment to women’s leadership, inclusive innovation, and shaping more equitable digital futures in Lebanon.

Congratulations to all the inspiring women contributing their expertise, leadership, and vision to this impactful journey. The future of inclusive digital transformation is built through collaboration, representation, and action.

𝐀 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐂𝐃𝐑) 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦.

In the presence of LLWB President Corine Kiame , the Lebanese League for Women in Business had the opportunity to present and discuss the social media strategy developed for CDR, building on the Gender Action Plan designed under the Women on Boards project, in collaboration with the UK Embassy in Beirut.

The strategy was developed through a gender-responsive lens, aiming to strengthen CDR’s visibility while ensuring more inclusive, balanced, and representative communication. By highlighting the human impact of projects and showcasing the role of women alongside men, the approach supports stronger engagement and reflects the diversity of communities served.

This exchange reaffirmed the importance of institutional communication as a key driver for transparency, public trust, and inclusive development.

Supporting Our Community: AI Mapping Report & NUMŪ Initiative

Dear LLWB Members,
In light of the current situation and the challenges our country is facing, we hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe. As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting our community during this critical period, LLWB would like to share with you a resource developed by the Ministry of Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Lebanon (MITAI). The Ministry has launched NUMŪ, Lebanon’s national digital and AI skills initiative. Through this platform, a series of specialized training pathways will be rolled out in phases to support individuals and institutions in strengthening their capabilities and resilience. We encourage you to explore the platform, access the report, and take advantage of the upcoming learning opportunities. Now more than ever, connecting and using AI and technology is key for LLWB members. Five training tracks will be rolled out by MITAI, with some already live, such as the AI Academy, and others are coming soon, including Coding, Cybersecurity, Technical Leadership, Digital Literacy and Inclusion, and National Cybersecurity.

To access the report and explore training programs and the five tracks, please click on the link below: https://www.mitai.gov.lb/numu

Tele Liban | Women’s Leadership, Economic Empowerment, and UNSCR 1325 in Lebanon

This episode on Tele Liban features Rita Chemaly, Executive Director of the Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB), alongside social and political activist Faten Zein, with a special intervention by Dr. Rima Karami, Minister of Education and Higher Education.

The discussion highlights the importance of advancing women’s leadership and participation in decision-making processes in Lebanon, particularly amid ongoing social, economic, and institutional challenges.

During the episode, Rita Chemaly shed light on the role of LLWB in promoting women’s economic empowerment and inclusive leadership, while also discussing the importance of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), and the need to ensure women’s meaningful participation in peacebuilding, recovery, and public life.

The conversation also addressed the role of civil society organizations and national initiatives in fostering gender equality and creating more inclusive opportunities for women across different sectors in Lebanon.
Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/pfkeZTesbVY

𝐀 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐫?

Through its President, Corine Kiame, LLWB carried out an intervention on LBCI to highlight its campaign supporting women-led businesses affected by forced displacement due to war, an initiative implemented in collaboration with the British Embassy in Beirut.The intervention addressed the devastating impact of conflict on families, including forced displacement, the rise in gender-based violence, and the increasing pressures placed on women as they take on expanded responsibilities in care work, employment, and household duties during times of crisis.

President Kiame posed this powerful and thought-provoking question, inviting reflection on leadership, peace, and the role of women in shaping more just and resilient societies.

LLWB remains committed to advancing women’s economic empowerment, protection, and resilience especially in times of uncertainty.

The Lebanese League for Women in Business had an intervention on Télé Liban through its Executive Director Rita Chemaly, highlighting the realities faced by women and girls during the current war.

The intervention addressed the forced displacement, the rise in gender-based violence and the increased pressures on women in care work, jobs, and household responsibilities during times of conflict.

It highlighted the importance of joint action among LLWB members, especially women-led businesses, in facing challenging times, as well as the critical need to include women in decision-making positions to ensure effective and inclusive responses.

The discussion also featured the campaign “War is Not Gender Neutral,” initiated in collaboration with the British Embassy, emphasizing the gendered impacts of conflict and the need for targeted support for women and girls.

It reinforced LLWB’s role as a convenor, bringing together stakeholders to coordinate support and develop collective solutions for women affected by the crisis.

Click here to watch the full episode: https://lnkd.in/dX8eX_nq

LLWB Executive Director Rita Chemaly Discusses Women’s Leadership, Workplace Equality, and Decision-Making Representation in Lebanon | Mish Aal Hamesh Podcast

What Happens When the System Doesn’t Want Women to Reach Leadership?

In this episode of the podcast “Mish Aal Hamesh” (Not on the Margins), the discussion focuses on gender discrimination in the Lebanese labor market, the barriers women continue to face in employment and career advancement, and the challenges preventing their access to leadership and decision-making positions. The conversation also sheds light on existing legal and structural gaps that continue to hinder gender equality in the workplace.

Representing the Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB), Executive Director Rita Chemaly highlighted the importance of advancing women’s leadership and increasing their representation in decision-making roles across both the public and private sectors. She also emphasized the need for more inclusive policies, supportive work environments, and systemic reforms that enable women to fully participate and thrive in the workforce.

The episode also features Vivian Akliki, Executive Managing Editor of Sifr, and is moderated by lawyer Ghida Frangieh from The Legal Agenda.

The discussion was aired on the podcast “Mish Aal Hamesh” and explores critical issues related to women’s economic participation, workplace equality, leadership opportunities, and the structural challenges that continue to impact women’s professional advancement in Lebanon.
Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hlaBaAYCOc

𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀… 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S Day- 08 March 2026

International Women’s Day 2026 comes at a time of deep challenges in Lebanon. Many women are facing the loss of jobs, businesses, and financial security, while opportunities continue to narrow and poverty deepens.At the same time, unpaid care work is increasing, with women supporting families and holding communities together under immense pressure, while reports of violence and insecurity continue to rise.

Yet even in crisis, women remain at the forefront :
leading, rebuilding, and innovating.

Today is not only a moment to reflect, but a call to action for economic justice, safety, equal opportunity, and the recognition of unpaid care work.

𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐧!
It is a necessity for recovery, resilience, and a just future for Lebanon.

Scale Up Program: Advancing Women’s Leadership in Public Institutions

Consolidating a pipeline of pioneering women aiming to shape Lebanon’s future.

As part of the Women on Board project, supported by the British Embassy in Beirut, the Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB) delivered a comprehensive series of in-person trainings across four key public institutions: the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA), the Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR), and the Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI).

Over 20-half days of training, seven expert trainers covered five topics, providing practical knowledge and tools to strengthen women’s leadership, inclusion, and well-being in the workplace. These included: Gender Mainstreaming in Programs trainer (Francesca El Asmar), Leadership and Management trainer (Sarah Al Charif), Women’s Legal Rights trainer (Chantal Bou Akl and Sandy Tanios), Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion trainer (Joumana Merhi), Mental Health and Well-being trainer (Chantal El Khoury), and Women on Boards trainer (Lara Macaron). These trainings engaged participants in meaningful dialogue, hands-on exercises, and practical strategies to enhance governance, women’s active participation on boards, and in decision-making roles across Lebanon’s public sector. These trainings also reinforced LLWB’s long-term mission to expand women’s presence on boards, promote gender equality in decision-making spaces, and scale up the capacities of high-level women across Lebanon’s public sector.

Gender Mainstreaming in Social Development Programs of the Ministry of Social Affairs

LLWB conducted a specialized training session for the Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA) on Gender Mainstreaming in Programs, led by trainer Francesca El Asmar. As one of the country’s key ministries responsible for social development, MOSA plays a critical role in shaping policies and services that directly affect communities across Lebanon throughout the SDCs, the AMAN Program, the Inclusion of People with Disabilities and Elders strategy as well as children and refugees.

The session equipped eighteen MOSA participants with practical tools, including gender action plans and analytical frameworks, enabling them to more effectively integrate gender perspectives throughout the project cycle. Participants engaged in rich discussions, shared institutional challenges, and explored concrete approaches to enhance gender-sensitive programming. Feedback was highly positive, with participants underscoring the importance of deepening this collaboration with LLWB to ensure that gender equality becomes a stronger pillar within MOSA’s policies, programs, and nationwide impact.

Mental Health and Well Being Training

LLWB facilitated three well-being workshops for women in CDR, LARI, and the Ministry of Justice, led by trainer Chantal El Khoury, as part of its commitment to empowering women leaders in Lebanon’s public sector. The sessions introduced practical diagnostic tools, including the Eight-Dimensional Well-being Wheel and the Wheel of Feelings, enabling participants to assess their emotional literacy, resilience, and overall well-being. Through reflection on workplace challenges, participants developed actionable strategies to strengthen personal sustainability and navigate professional and personal pressures with confidence. These workshops had a meaningful impact, equipping women with the skills and self-awareness needed to enhance their well-being and effectiveness in leadership roles, demonstrating LLWB’s role in fostering resilient, empowered women across Lebanon’s public institutions.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Training

As part of its mission to empower women leaders and strengthen inclusive governance, LLWB conducted the first training unit on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion for 70 participants from LARI, MOSA, CDR, and the Ministry of Justice (MOJ). The sessions focused on human rights principles, gender equality, inclusivity, and Lebanon’s commitments under the CEDAW Convention, encouraging participants to reflect on workplace challenges and share personal experiences. Using an interactive and participatory approach, the trainings fostered open dialogue and critical reflection on institutional practices. Participants expressed strong interest in further capacity building on gender equality, inclusive policies, and leadership, reinforcing LLWB’s impact in raising awareness, scaling up high-level women leaders, and promoting greater women’s representation on boards and in decision-making roles across Lebanon’s public sector.

Women on Boards Training Program

LLWB delivered a four-day Women on Boards (WOB) training, led by trainer Lara Macaron, for 70 women in senior positions across CDR, MOSA, LARI, and the MOJ. The program addressed trends in women’s board participation, leadership competencies, corporate governance principles, gender stereotypes, and strategic recommendations for inclusive governance. Participants engaged actively throughout the sessions, providing positive feedback on the content’s relevance and applicability. They expressed interest in additional sessions to further strengthen governance practices and leadership skills.

Leadership & Management Training

As part of its mission to empower women leaders and strengthen inclusive governance, LLWB delivered four Leadership & Management training sessions, led by trainer Sarah Al Charif, for senior women from MOSA, CDR, LARI, and the Ministry of Justice, with the support of the UK Embassy. The sessions introduced participants to essential leadership concepts, including authentic leadership, self-awareness, stakeholder analysis, and creative problem-solving, blending reflective tools with practical, hands-on exercises. Participants described the training as eye-opening and empowering, appreciating the interactive learning environment and expressing strong interest in extended leadership development programs. These sessions highlighted LLWB’s impact in building high-level women leaders, fostering peer networks, and providing strategic coaching to advance women into board positions and decision-making roles across Lebanon’s public sector. Through the Scale Up Program, LLWB empowered women across Lebanon’s public institutions by delivering engaging and practical training sessions that strengthened leadership skills and understanding of gender equality. The program enabled participants to develop new skills, share experiences, and build stronger networks to advance inclusive governance and effective decision-making. With the continued support of the UK Embassy in Beirut, LLWB is committed to preparing more women for leadership roles through the upcoming mentorship program, shaping a new generation of high-level leaders and driving lasting change. Together, these efforts are not only transforming individual careers but also redefining the governance landscape of Lebanon’s public sector, ensuring that women’s voices, expertise, and vision guide the country’s future.

اضغط هنا للمزيد من القراءة

General Assembly 2025

LLWB held its 2025 General Assembly at the Khalil Fattal & Fils Auditorium in Sin El Fil, bringing together 243 members, non-members, partners, and key stakeholders. The General Assembly served as a powerful moment to reflect on our collective achievements and shape the strategic path forward.

It was a space for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and planning, reinforcing our shared commitment to advancing women’s leadership and empowerment across all sectors.

Step into the moments – explore the photo album

Feel the impact – recap it all in our GA’s video

#I Commit To The Women On Boards’ Journey

The Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB) hosted the high-level panel discussion “I Commit to the Women on Boards Journey”, marking the successful completion of the Women on Boards Law Project implemented under the BINA’ Project Subgrants Programme, funded by the European Union and managed by Transparency International Secretariat (TI-S) and Transparency International Lebanon (TI-LB).

The event celebrated more than eighteen months of advocacy, research, stakeholder engagement, and awareness-raising efforts aimed at advancing gender equality and increasing women’s representation in leadership and decision-making positions across Lebanon.

The conference brought together government representatives, public and private sector leaders, civil society organizations, international partners, and advocates committed to promoting more inclusive governance structures. Keynote addresses were delivered by H.E. Mrs. Haneen El Sayed, Minister of Social Affairs; Mrs. Corine Kiame, President of LLWB; Dr. Zeina Zeidan, Vice President of Transparency International Lebanon; and Ms. Beindy Dagher, EU Lebanon Programme Manager for Anti-Corruption.

Moderated by LLWB Board Member Mrs. Christine Francis, the panel featured distinguished speakers and changemakers who shared insights, experiences, and commitments towards advancing women’s leadership and board representation in Lebanon.

The event served as a platform to showcase the project’s achievements, strengthen partnerships, and encourage continued commitment towards achieving more diverse and inclusive boards across sectors.

click here.

H.E. Mrs. Haneen El Sayed MOSA Minister Keynote speaker address. Click Here

LLWB’s President Ms. Corine Kiame’s Keynote speaker address. Click Here

We’d love to hear your feedback on the conference and the panel, kindly take a moment to fill out the feedback form for those who attended, and don’t forget to relive the event by viewing the photos!

Feedback Form

Photos

Conference: The Status of Women on Boards in Lebanon

The Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB), with the support of the British Embassy in Beirut, organized the conference “The Status of Women on Boards in Lebanon” on March 12, 2025, at Mövenpick Hotel Beirut.

The conference formed part of LLWB’s ongoing advocacy efforts to advance women’s participation and representation in leadership and decision-making positions, particularly on boards of directors. Through research, evidence-based recommendations, and policy dialogue, LLWB continues to champion reforms that support greater gender diversity in governance, including its advocacy around the Women on Boards Draft Law.

As part of the project, LLWB collaborated with two leading academic institutions, the Lebanese American University (LAU) and the Arab Open University (AOU), to unlock the potential of women leaders through institutional gender assessments and targeted capacity-building initiatives. Seventy women participated in the programme, with eighteen advancing to internationally recognized Corporate Directors and Board Diversity certification programmes delivered through IFC and ESA Business School.

The conference showcased the achievements of the participating universities and served as a platform to disseminate the findings and recommendations of two landmark studies led by LLWB on women’s representation on boards in listed companies and public institutions in Lebanon. It brought together representatives from academia, the private sector, public institutions, civil society, and international partners to discuss pathways towards more inclusive and gender-balanced leadership.

The full concept note and background information related to this conference are available on this Link: Concept Note- Status of WoB in Lebanon with agenda LLWB March 12 2025

The Lebanese League for Women in Business participated in a capacity-building workshop in Rabat, as part of the EU-OECD project on access to finance for women entrepreneurs.

LLWB’s Executive Director, Mrs Rita Chemaly contributed as a speaker to the session titled: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁, where she joined leaders from 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗰𝗼, 𝗝𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗻, 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗮, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗴𝘆𝗽𝘁 to discuss how women’s business associations are driving access to credit and empowering women entrepreneurs.

Together, we’re breaking barriers and creating a future where women lead in business

Highlights from the MENA-OECD Women’s Economic Empowerment Forum!

LLWB is proud to announce that Ms. Zakie Karam, Treasurer and Board Member, participated as a Business champion in the EU-OECD regional project on Access to Finance for Women Entrepreneurs.

This transformative initiative is being implemented across 8 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, including Lebanon

Ms. Zakie Karam was part of a distinguished group of leaders from financial institutions, women’s business associations, and policymakers, all committed to empowering women entrepreneurs and creating lasting change in the region.

Together, we’re driving greater access to finance and opportunities for women in business across MENA!

The Lebanese League for Women in Business was honored to participate in an impactful press conference organized by the Lebanon feminist platform on October 18, 2024, at the Press Club in Beirut. The conference addressed the devastating effects of ongoing aggression on Lebanon, particularly the violations against humanitarian and feminist organizations.
Speakers shed light on the urgent challenges facing relief efforts and passionately called for the protection of these vital initiatives amidst the escalating crisis.

Together, we stand united in our commitment to support those in need and uphold human rights.

The Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB), in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), organized a roundtable discussion titled “Inclusive Workplaces and Policies: Shaping the Future of Lebanese Labor Law and Ensuring Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion in the Workplace in Times of Crises and War.”
The roundtable took place on Wednesday, October 23, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with the participation of 63 key stakeholders and experts invited from the academic sector, law and justice sector, public sector, private sector, human rights organizations, international and regional partners, and some members of LLWB.
While our primary focus was to discuss labor law policies, the challenging and uncertain situation in Lebanon has compelled us to expand our conversation to include the impact of war and displacement on inclusive workplaces and policies. This roundtable explored the intersectionality of workplace policies and how they affect women’s economic participation, particularly considering the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, which emphasizes the importance of women’s economic empowerment.

The roundtable addressed the impact of war on various sectors, including agriculture, IT, STEM, education, care, health, construction, and services. The technical part was developed led and presented by it was led and presented researcher and legal expert Me. Youmna Makhlouf. The roundtable discussion was introduced by LLWB President Mrs. Corine Kiame, and Mrs. Abir Chebaro, Head of the Advocacy Pillar and LLWB Vice President, and Mrs. Cyrine Farhat, Program Manager at KAS it was moderated by LLWB’s Executive director Mrs. Rita Chemaly.

The technical discussion among participants revolved around care work policies, remote work, flexible time, and the capacities of state institutions, syndicates, the private sector, employers, and employees to brainstorm and find solutions to the impact of war on work and labor. The discussions highlighted how war exacerbates social distress and the need for social protection measures approved by all stakeholders involved.

For more information contact LLWB’s Communication’s’ Lead Ms. Rachel Haddad.
Rachel.haddad@llwb.org

The Gender in Humanitarian Action (GIHA) Sub-Group is organizing a series of regional consultations to ensure the participation of women-led organizations, local organizations, and activists in shaping gender-sensitive humanitarian responses. These consultations aim to address key questions regarding the role, contributions, and challenges of women-led and local organizations in relief and recovery efforts.

To register and participate, kindly send an email to jwficc@yahoo.com.

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