In a groundbreaking move, Lebanese women have been granted the unprecedented right to register as candidates in the upcoming municipal and mayoral elections scheduled for this month.
A Moment of Pride and Unity
Expressing her delight at this opportunity, one candidate shared, “This marks the very first time a woman is permitted to run for election in her own town. Initially, when I informed my family of my intention to register, they deemed it impossible due to my being a woman. However, they were eventually convinced. Today, I proudly stand as my family’s candidate.”
She further stated, “I am honored to be a candidate for my village and hope to earn the trust of all my townspeople, just as I have gained the trust of my family.” This step taken by Lebanese women signifies a major triumph in the ongoing journey towards empowering women in the political arena.
A Promising Future for Women in Lebanon
Another woman, a first-time candidate in her hometown, emphasized that this decision heralds a bright future for women in Lebanon. “I am from this region, I know its people, and I grew up in this environment,” she explained. “This decision presents an opportunity to affirm the crucial role of women in political decision-making.”
Addressing Low Representation
These elections occur against a backdrop of low female representation in Lebanese municipalities. The 2016 elections saw women holding a mere 6.9 percent of seats in municipal councils, a stark contrast to the over 50 percent of registered voters who are women.
A Step Towards Greater Political Empowerment
Allowing women to run in their birthplaces represents a significant stride towards the greater political empowerment of Lebanese women, despite the considerable legal and societal hurdles they continue to face. While Lebanese law does not yet mandate quotas for women in elected councils, numerous regions still exhibit a preference against electing women to represent them in their municipal councils.
From: radionisaa