Roundtables

Embracing Diversity: Inclusive Human Resources Management Strategies

 

The Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB), in collaboration with AUB, MEPI, and TELFER under the SAWI Phase 2 project, hosted a virtual panel discussion on January 14, 2025, titled “Embracing Diversity: Inclusive Human Resources Management Strategies.” The event celebrated the significant milestones achieved throughout the project.

The webinar was launched by Ms. Corine Kiame, President of LLWB and Dr. Charlotte Karam, Principal investigator SAWI Project, University of Ottawa and AUB. Ms. Rita Chemaly offered an overview of the SAWI project journey and thanked the LLWB team, mainly Mr. Hussein Ayyad, Ms. Rachel Haddad and Ms. Ghada Salibi. The webinar gathered 75 participants from the MENA region interested in women economic Participation. Dr Gulnar Wakim tackled in her presentation the female citizens contribution. (Click Here)
She offered insights related to experiences of the formal economies, of the MENA, by qualitative data pertaining to female employment in the formal economic sector in Lebanon, strategic findings and crucial recommendations enhancing the design and practices of better recruitment, retention and promotion for female citizens in Lebanon. 

The Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB), in collaboration with AUB, MEPI, and TELFER under the SAWI Phase 2 project, hosted a virtual panel discussion on January 14, 2025, titled “Embracing Diversity: Inclusive Human Resources Management Strategies.” The event celebrated the significant milestones achieved throughout the project.

The webinar was launched by Ms. Corine Kiame, President of LLWB and Dr. Charlotte Karam, Principal investigator SAWI Project, University of Ottawa and AUB. Ms. Rita Chemaly offered an overview of the SAWI project journey and thanked the LLWB team, mainly Mr. Hussein Ayyad, Ms. Rachel Haddad and Ms. Ghada Salibi. The webinar gathered 75 participants from the MENA region interested in women economic Participation. Dr Gulnar Wakim tackled in her presentation the female citizens contribution. She offered insights related to experiences of the formal economies, of the MENA, by qualitative data pertaining to female employment in the formal economic sector in Lebanon, strategic findings and crucial recommendations enhancing the design and practices of better recruitment, retention and promotion for female citizens in Lebanon. 

Additionally, LLWB organized a panel, that was moderated by Ms. Sarah Abi Abdallah, featuring success stories by selected employers and employees, related to recruitment, retention and promotion processes, and the lived experience index with the development of a showcase study, who’s despite the challenges of conflict, have integrated a human rights-based approach into their operations. The panel gathered Ms. Rhea Gerbaka from AMC, Ms. Hiba Bejjani from Wakkilni and Mr. Mohammad Katat from Pharmamed. The virtual session held January 14, 2025, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM, provided a platform for sharing knowledge and advancing discussions on inclusive human resources strategies.

Additionally, LLWB organized a panel, that was moderated by Ms. Sarah Abi Abdallah, featuring success stories by selected employers and employees, related to recruitment, retention and promotion processes, and the lived experience index with the development of a showcase study, who’s despite the challenges of conflict, have integrated a human rights-based approach into their operations. The panel gathered Ms. Rhea Gerbaka from AMC, Ms. Hiba Bejjani from Wakkilni and Mr. Mohammad Katat from Pharmamed. The virtual session held on January 14, 2025, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM, provided a platform for sharing knowledge and advancing discussions on inclusive human resources strategies.  (Click to watch the session) 

 

Combatting Sexual Harassment at the Workplace and addressing the main loopholes in existing policies in Lebanon in time of crises | LLWB & KAS

In light of the pressing need for reform to effectively combat violence and harassment in the workplace, the Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB), in collaboration with KAS (Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung), hosted an invite-only roundtable discussion on “Combating Sexual Harassment at the Workplace and Addressing the Main Loopholes in Existing Policies in Lebanon During Times of War and Crises.”
The roundtable took place on Thursday the 31st of October 2024 at 15:30 and brought together 53 key experts from various sectors in Lebanon, including government representatives, syndicates, the private sector, civil society organizations, and academic experts. The roundtable discussion was introduced by LLWB President Mrs. Corine Kiame, and  moderated by Mrs. Abir Chebaro, Head of the Advocacy Pillar and LLWB Vice President and led by public policy expert Ms. Sandy Tanios, the discussion aimed to develop recommendations for a policy brief to support LLWB’s advocacy and lobbying efforts for reforms related to the economy and labor force participation.

The objectives of the roundtable were amended to align with the prevailing situation in Lebanon. The main goals included:
Discussing a shared reform vision regarding policies and practices for combating sexual harassment and abuse during times of war and crisis with all relevant stakeholders.

Advocating for the ratification of the ILO Convention on Violence and Harassment No. 190 and its accompanying Recommendation No. 206, contributing to an improved legislative environment for addressing harassment and violence in the workplace.

Moderated by LLWB and led by Ms.Sandy Tanios, the discussion was guided by a Concept Note, available in both Arabic and English, that was developed with the participation of two intern researchers from the Saint Joseph University Ms Marianne Saghbini and Mr. Wassim Atrissi. 

Main feedback from the evaluation Form of the roundtable organised included that it was:  “technical” “It was very good in all respects” , the most important topics that participants to the roundtables tackled are “The intersection between law 205 and C190. The link between conflict and GBV. The recommendations to the current legal framework” “1)Understanding some aspects of the law, 2) understanding the interlink with other ministries, 3) hearing the recommendations based on others’ experiences ” ” – التقاطع بين قانون تجريم التحرش الجنسي وتأهيل ضحاياه واتفاقية منظمة العمل الدولية رقم 190 بشأن العنف والتحرش – المناقشة ” , “Reaching to a common understanding of harassment. Engaging different stakeholders. Using an evidence based approach ” .One more comment on the way forward was also raised from a participant “after issuing the policy paper to validate and revisit the recommendations and suggest and action plan that should be handled by different stakeholders”

Links related to the discussion:

LLWB will also update this page with links to the English and Arabic policy briefs that will be developed in this regard and will serve as cornerstones for advocacy and program development on the subjects discussed.
For more information about the project, please contact:

 

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 | LLWB & KAS

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 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.

Here are the links related to the discussion:

  • The primary Concept Note that guided the discussion (English Version)Concept note Roundtable , that was developed, with the support of research interns from USJ Political Science Institute Ms Marianne Saghbini and Mr Wassim Atrissi. 
  • The legal presentation prepared by researcher and legal expert Youmna Makhlouf (Arabic Version)أماكن العمل والسياسات الشاملة (1).pptx
  • The LLWB presentation covering who we are, LLWB’s advocacy plan, the project and collaboration with KAS, and the LLWB’s main pillars of action for the way forward (English Version) LLWB Presentation
  • The recording of the roundtable discussion Recorded session

LLWB will also update this page with links to the English and Arabic policy briefs that will be developed in this regard and will serve as cornerstones for advocacy and program development on the subjects discussed.

For more information about the project, please contact:

𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗮𝗿

Exportation Rapid Assessment During Times of War for Medium and Large Companies in Lebanon 

The Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB) organised and led a qualitative focus group discussion on October 14, 2024, with selected women-led enterprises from its network. 

The objective of the discussion was to understand the primary challenges and urgent issues facing medium and large enterprises in the Bekaa and North regions during times of war. The session also addressed critical issues affecting trade and investment in the current climate. 

Key Takeaways 

  1. Challenges in Access to Finance 

  1. Companies face significant difficulties in securing financing, with overhead costs rising sharply over the past year. 

  1. Bureaucratic Hurdles and Lack of Export Support 

  1. Streamlined documentation and closer collaboration with authorities are urgently needed. 

  1. Participants highlighted persistent bureaucratic and political obstacles to completing legal registration. 

  1. Local products lack consistent support from key state ministries and directorates, leading to unsustainable export efforts. 

  1. Localized and Tailored Needs Not Addressed 

  1. Companies struggle to meet demand for essential products amid labor shortages, particularly in some regions of Lebanon. 

  1. Transportation issues, including unsafe roads and inadequate infrastructure, have further exacerbated challenges for medium and large businesses. 

Way Forward 

Many businesses are pivoting toward local markets while navigating supply chain obstacles. In-depth research is essential to understand supply chains and market access for SMEs in Lebanon. 

LLWB remains committed to amplifying the voices of women-led businesses and working collaboratively to address these challenges. Comprehensive mapping and further studies will be conducted to strengthen the local economy through participatory approach. 

#WomenInBusiness #ExportChallenges #Lebanon #LLWB

Training SCALE UP: Advancing Diversity, Leadership & Women’s Legal Rights with Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB)

LLWB and LAU UNIVERSITY Scale Up Training program  

The Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB) had the honor of collaborating with the Lebanese American University (LAU) to host an inspiring series of Scale Up training sessions. This capacity building initiative was designed to ensure sharing of same language regarding encouraging women to be on boards and enhance their leadership skills as decision makers, foster inclusion as principle, elevate the voices of women in leadership positions and capacitate them regarding main International Conventions and Laws regulating women economic empowerment. From the LAU, 44 participants joined the trainings. They were from different backgrounds, professors, doctors, and staff. The trainings were led during the month of November and December 2024. 

The journey began with the sessions led by Ms. Joumana Merhi, where the focus was on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. With a perfect blend of theory and real-world applications, Ms. Merhi inspired participants from LAU, during war time in Lebanon to reshape workplaces and academic spaces as hubs of opportunities,  where diverse voices are celebrated, and women are empowered to take decision making roles. The energy in the training sessions was so dynamic as the women from LAU shared their own experiences and perspectives on promoting a more inclusive environment at LAU and within their communities. 

On the second part of the training series, Ms. Zeina Daccache led a personal and powerful session on Mental Health During Times of War in the Workplace. The session was deeply motivating, with participants fully engaged and emotionally connected to the subject. In this heartfelt discussion, Ms. Daccache guided attendees through practical strategies for protecting mental well-being in difficult times. Her vulnerability and openness created an environment where participants could reflect on their own challenges and share their experiences. The emotional depth of the session allowed everyone to connect not only intellectually but on a deeply personal level. 

As the program continued, Ms. Chantal Bou Akl delivered a session on Women’s Legal Rights, shedding light on the critical legal frameworks that support women’s equality and gender justice. With her expertise, Ms. Bou Akl empowered attendees with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for women’s rights, not just within the confines of the law but in everyday conversations, too. It was clear that each participant left those legal sessions with a feeling of being more equipped to drive real change in the professional spheres, based on International conventions and laws. 

The series continued with Ms. Zeina El Helou while she discussed Leadership and Management. Drawing from her wealth of experience, Ms. El Helou shared powerful case studies and personal stories that emphasized the importance of courage, vision, and decision making in leadership. Her  approach not only inspired participants but also reinforced the idea that leadership is not about titles, it’s about making an impact, empowering others, and creating spaces for other women to thrive. 

The final session, Women on Board, presented by Dr. Dima Issa, was a powerful worthy conclusion to the Scale Up program.  Noting that Dr. Issa participated to the program led by LLWB in a previous phase, and is a professor at the University too.  Dr. Issa provided invaluable insights on how women can increase their representation in leadership roles and on boards. Her expertise, coupled with her personal experience as a participant in the LLWB program, allowed her to offer not just theoretical knowledge but practical steps to create gender-balanced leadership teams. Dr. Issa’s session was nothing short of transformative, inspiring many to take bold steps toward boardroom inclusion. 

From the first session to the last, the Scale Up program at LAU was marked by a profound sense of collaboration, energy, and enthusiasm even during War time in Lebanon. The interactions between drs, professors, and staff, and the trainers created a type of community, as each participant contributed to an open, dynamic learning environment.