International Women's Day
Lebanese Women Leading the Way
Written by: Saden Al Ashkar
Edited by: May El Masri
International Women’s Day is not just a celebration—it is a call to action, a moment to recognize and empower women who break barriers across all fields. In Lebanon, women are taking the lead in entrepreneurship, activism, politics, and industry, proving that leadership knows no gender.
This year’s Women's Day carries special significance as Lebanese women continue to shape their communities and industries. From driving educational reform to transforming governance and pioneering innovation, their contributions redefine what is possible.
We interviewed three exceptional women in their fields, each of whom is making a lasting impact through education, politics, and industry. Here are their inspiring stories.
Education as a Catalyst for Women’s Empowerment
Education is a powerful driver of change, and Gloria Abdo, Director of Student Life at USJ, has dedicated her career to ensuring that young students maximize their potential. Passionate about youth empowerment, she believes that education should be dynamic, evolving to meet students' needs and fostering creativity.
Through her daily interactions, Gloria sees firsthand how young minds innovate to overcome challenges. She encourages women to be bold and take initiative beyond the classroom, shaping their own futures.
“You always need to keep up with the youth,” she says. “Their way of doing things is constantly evolving, and that’s what makes it so exciting to work with.”
For young women, Gloria’s advice is clear: “Don’t be intimidated by barriers. There is always a key to unlock new possibilities. The sky is the only limit.”
Women in Politics: Challenging Norms and Redefining Leadership
Lebanese women are actively stepping into the political arena, reshaping governance and challenging societal norms. Elma Chaaya, Field Officer at the Lebanese National Bloc, was inspired to take action after noticing a lack of female engagement in student elections. Her leadership journey led her to serve as the 2022 President of the Secular Club, transforming the student electoral landscape.
With five women now serving in ministerial positions, Elma highlights the importance of talent and expertise over mere representation. She advocates for a temporary gender quota to accelerate women’s participation in politics, stating:
“The absence of quotas will happen naturally once women have secured a strong presence in government.”
Beyond political frameworks, Elma emphasizes the need for deep cultural change. Many still view politics as a male-dominated space, but she challenges this mindset:
“If we don't take care of politics, politics takes care of us. Trust your instincts, take action, and prove that women belong at the decision-making table.”
Breaking Barriers in Industry and Innovation
Hania Zaatari is among the growing number of women challenging traditional gender roles in male-dominated fields. As Head of the Permit and Control Department at the Ministry of Industry, her journey began with a degree in mechanical engineering—an uncommon path for women in Lebanon.
Her innovative spirit led her to create Aidbot, a chatbot designed to assist displaced civilians during times of crisis, demonstrating her belief in cross-sector collaboration for impactful change.
“Don’t limit yourself to one sector,” Hania advises. “Explore different fields, break out of traditional frameworks, and push forward.”
Unlike many who focus on conventional political goals, Hania is driven by a results-oriented approach, believing that systemic transformation happens through incremental but meaningful progress. Her advice to women aspiring for leadership positions is both simple and powerful:
“A win is still a win, even if it’s just 5%. Keep pushing forward and never let setbacks define your journey.”
The distinctive journeys of women across multiple sectors in Lebanon demonstrate their remarkable capabilities and resilience. Their commitment to equality and progress not only breaks traditional societal barriers but also lays the foundation for future generations of women leaders. As Lebanon continues to evolve, the role of pioneering women will only grow stronger, shaping a more inclusive and prosperous society.