The only way forward to increase women’s involvement in Lebanese politics is to promote political literacy, challenge gender stereotypes and patriarchal systems, and support female candidates through mentorship and financial assistance.

Lebanon has come a long way since a woman was first elected to its parliament. In 1963, Myrna Boustani took over her late father’s seat in an uncontested election, yet her tenure was short-lived. Fast forward to 2025, five women have just been appointed to serve in government under the new Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. These women leaders come from diverse political, geographical and professional backgrounds.  

This promises new change, as this government is presenting itself as a new beginning for youth and women. However, reaching this record has been slow and not without its challenges—mainly coming from patriarchal views and gender discrimination.  

Legislation: The engine of change 

My journey as a journalist was a crucial stepping stone. Through my sociopolitical work, I gained an insight into the struggles that women face. Being appointed as the minister of state for economic empowerment of women and youth was a tremendous opportunity to drive meaningful change at a national level. 

A few months into my tenure, I secured a special parliamentary session with the speaker of the house dedicated to addressing gender-discriminatory legislation. The session was scheduled to take place on International Women’s Day in March 2020, symbolizing a commitment to real change in women’s lives. It was set to advance women’s rights by tackling key issues such as amending the nationality law that prohibited women from passing nationality to their children, banning child marriage, extending parental leave, and increasing gender representation in corporate leadership.  

These fundamental rights are essential for achieving true gender equality and ensuring women can lead dignified lives. However, before the session could take place, Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned, and with the onset of the COVID-19 lockdowns, progress was brought to a standstill, leaving these crucial reforms on hold. 

Gender quotas: equitable representation 

Despite five years of advocacy, Lebanon’s progress on gender equality in political leadership remains critically slow. “Women Leaders in Politics,” a report authored by FiftyFifty, a Lebanese NGO dedicated to gender parity, ranks Lebanon 174 out of 190 countries globally and 15 out of 17 regionally for female parliamentary representation. Recognizing this, in 2021, the National Commission for Lebanese Women (NCLW) submitted a quota law to the parliament. Recently, another two draft laws were submitted by FiftyFifty supported by most political parties. A temporary legislated gender quota will ensure a minimum level of women’s representation in the upcoming municipal and parliamentary elections. 

FiftyFifty President Joelle Abu Farhat emphasized that “these quotas are essential to empowering women to serve their communities and to significantly improve female representation in parliament by 2026.” Passing these laws would not only be a significant step forward for Lebanese women but also inspire future generations to actively participate in building a more inclusive and equitable Lebanon. 

According to the World Bank, women made up 51.4% of the Lebanese population in 2023—just over half the country, and yet women hold only 21% of the cabinet positions. There is a demand—almost a hunger—for gender equality from Lebanese youth. With Lebanon being one of the most progressive societies in the Arab world, sectarian beliefs and the existing power structures hold back women’s political advancement. Additionally, women face societal expectations that can discourage their political dreams. In many cases, they are expected to prioritize family and traditional roles over public life, discouraging many talented women from pursuing political careers.  

Women’s future in politics 

Despite ongoing political challenges, Lebanon’s economic collapse, and the global COVID-19 pandemic, Lebanese women cannot be abandoned. It is vital to continue working on legislation to protect women from rape and violence, educate them, and give them the tools needed to lead independent and productive lives. As the president of Indeed Better Together, a Lebanese NGO supporting women and youth, our work aligns with the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the understanding that economic empowerment is a catalyst for women. By fostering financial independence, we create pathways for women to exercise their choices and actively participate in politics or in any field they like. 

This goal of empowering women is echoed in the NCLW’s ambitious National Action Plan 2024–2026. Claudine Aoun, the former president of NCLW, says the success for its plan “hinges on overcoming significant financial challenges, requiring donor support and strong coordination between public and private sectors, international entities, and civil society. Crucially, commitment from ministers, officials, and all involved, rooted in belief in the strategy’s principles, is essential.” 

The only way forward to increase women’s involvement in Lebanese politics is to promote political literacy, challenge gender stereotypes and patriarchal systems, and support female candidates through mentorship and financial assistance. The role of women in politics must be regarded with the utmost seriousness. By addressing these key areas, Lebanon can build a more inclusive and equitable political landscape where women have stronger voices and greater influence in shaping the country’s future. 

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Courtesy of Apolitical Foundation

The views represented in this piece are those of the author and do not express the official position of the Wilson Center or Apolitical Foundation.