The National Commission for Lebanese Women signs a memorandum of understanding with UN Women to enhance the role of women in the areas of security, peace and political, social and economic life

Beirut, 15 July 2019– The National Commission for Lebanese Women, represented by its President Mrs. Claudine Aoun Roukoz, signed today a memorandum of understanding with UN Women, represented by its Head in Lebanon and Country Programme Manager, Ms. Rachel Dore-Weeks, at the NCLW’s premises in Hazmieh and in the presence of NCLW’s members and UN Women’s team.

This memorandum aims at coordinating efforts between the National Commission for Lebanese Women and UN Women to achieve common goals in the area of ​​women, peace and security, through the implementation of the Lebanon’s National Action Plan on the United Nations Security Council resolution 1325, as well as the provision of support for the implementation of international treaties and conventions and for efforts intended for protecting women and girls from all forms of violence.

Mrs. Claudine Aoun Roukoz President of NCLW said “This memorandum of understanding between the National Commission for Lebanese Women and UN Women contributes to the implementation of the National Strategy for Women in Lebanon. The activities and projects to be implemented within the framework of this understanding are a necessary step towards furthering the status of women in Lebanon and enhancing their role at all levels”. 

This memorandum of understanding also outlines other topics including strengthening women’s economic empowerment and increasing their participation in political life at various levels, and supporting Lebanon’s efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda, and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 5 on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.

Ms. Rachel Dore-Weeks, Head of UN Women Lebanon and Country Programme Manager noted, “we are pleased to be signing this MOU today, which represents our first MOU with the National Commission for Lebanese Women, a critical body within the government of Lebanon for shoring up and protecting the rights of women and girls. We look forward to supporting the NCLW to deliver on their critical mandate, and to working with them to address the needs of women and girls in Lebanon”

The National Commission for Lebanese women (NCLW) is an official institution established at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in 1998 to promote women’s rights in society and enhance gender mainstreaming in the policies and programs of ministries and public institutions.

UN Women is the UN organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide.